DecodedCars2016 Chevrolet Sonic
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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
- 2,712–2,745 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 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 26 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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), 20% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Sonic →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS | 173.2 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.6 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,745 lb | 62/38 |
| 5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS | 159.1 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.6 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,712 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +20% | $2,100 | 276 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +17% | $2,100 | 276 |
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +13% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +9% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Sonic 5 RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +11% | $2,300 | 302 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +6% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Sonic RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 321 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Sonic 5 RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +7% | $2,400 | 321 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +2% | $2,400 | 318 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
| 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Chevrolet Sonic (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2016 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Software · Jun 10, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
- Risk
- Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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.
Not every 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 8 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 48,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonic years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Sonic | 29 | 174 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 10 |
| 2019 Sonic | 31 | 174 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 8 |
| 2018 Sonic | 32 | 174 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 15 |
| 2017 Sonic | 32 | 174 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 37 |
| 2015 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 114 |
| 2014 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 137 |
| 2013 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 6 | 180 |
| 2012 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 7 | 248 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →