DecodedCars2018 Chevrolet Sonic
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 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 / 37 hwy
- Length
- 159.8–174 in
- Curb weight
- 2,784–2,848 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 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 25 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 / 37 highway), 19% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 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 / 37 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 280 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 32 | +8% | $2,100 | 280 |
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +11% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +1% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +7% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | -2% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +4% | $2,400 | 311 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | -6% | $2,400 | 311 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Seats · May 27, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V342000 · 71 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.
- Risk
- In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.
Not every 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seats — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 28,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Sonic | 32 | 174 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 37 |
| 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 →