2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS

At a Glance

Pricing $14,770 - $21,610
Drive Types FWD
Engines 1.4l I4 T, 1.8l I4
Transmissions A6, M5, M6
Fuel Economy 25-29 (city), 33-40 (highway)

The Chevrolet Sonic replaces the Korean-built Aveo in the lineup. Like many automakers, Chevrolet offers two vehicles in the compact segment. Chevrolet positions the significantly larger and more expensive Cruze as a premium compact leaving room for the Sonic as a value-oriented alternative. In terms of competitive vehicles, the Sonic sedan is larger than the Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta, but smaller than the Nissan Versa. The Sonic shares its powertrains with its larger sibling the Cruze. Buyers can opt for either a 1.8l four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 1.4l with similar output. Even though the Sonic touts a low starting price, it does so by omitting common equipment like power windows, power mirrors, and cruise control and rear disc brakes. There are competitive vehicles in the class that offer this equipment in similarly priced vehicles.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
Sonic 5d LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M5 FWD $14,770
Sonic 5d LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $16,020
Sonic 5d LT 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M5 FWD $16,380
Sonic 5d LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $17,080
Sonic 5d LT 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $17,665
Sonic 5d LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $18,365
Sonic 5d LTZ 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M5 FWD $17,990
Sonic 5d LTZ 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $18,690
Sonic 5d LTZ 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $19,325
Sonic 5d LTZ 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $20,025
Sonic 5d RS 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $20,325
Sonic 5d RS 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $21,610