DecodedCars2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatchback
- 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
- 159.8–174 in
- Curb weight
- 2,784–2,848 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,848 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 19% better than the 2017 compact car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Sonic →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 174 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.2 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,848 lb | 62/38 |
| 5dr Hatchback | 159.8 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.2 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,784 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 | +19% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +10% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +12% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +3% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 312 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | -3% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | -3% | $2,400 | 312 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Sonic (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet Sonic.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2017 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 19 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 42,800 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 48 |
| 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 →