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2014 Chevrolet Sonic

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS, 5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS
Engines
1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 38 hwy
Length
159.1–173.2 in
Curb weight
2,745–2,776 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2014 compact car (26.3 MPG).
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 173 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,745 lb (4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 22% better than the 2014 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2014

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Sonic →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS173.2 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,745 lb62/38
5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS159.1 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,776 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+22%$2,100276
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+25%$2,100276
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+14%$2,250295
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+17%$2,250295
Sonic1.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+10%$2,300305
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+13%$2,300305
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+10%$2,300306
Sonic 5 RS1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+13%$2,300306
Sonic1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+6%$2,400317
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+9%$2,400317
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+6%$2,400318
Sonic 5 RS1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+9%$2,400318
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2014 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★12.6%
2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★12.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Chevrolet Sonic (this car)32 MPG★★★★★4
2014 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Honda Civic44 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Toyota Prius50 MPG★★★★★4
2014 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated5
2014 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0
2014 Hyundai Elantra31 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (4)

Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Air Bags · Sep 9, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V543000 · 304 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
Risk
If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2,990 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Sep 26, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V464000 · 1,558 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
Risk
If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

137Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
58,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System43
Engine37
Unknown Or Other33
Air Bags23
Power Train20
Steering13
Fuel/Propulsion System11
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/03: 221/06: 121/07: 221/08: 122/02: 122/04: 122/05: 122/06: 122/12: 223/02: 123/04: 123/06: 123/07: 124/04: 124/06: 224/07: 124/10: 124/11: 125/06: 125/12: 126/02: 126/03: 126/04: 126/09: 121/0321/0822/0523/0223/0724/0725/0626/03max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Air Bags — 23 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sonic years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Sonic29174 in★★★★★010
2019 Sonic31174 in★★★★★08
2018 Sonic32174 in★★★★★115
2017 Sonic32174 in★★★★★037
2016 Sonic32173.2 in★★★★★248
2015 Sonic32173.2 in★★★★★3114
2013 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated6180
2012 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated7248

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →