2016 Chevrolet Sonic RS sedan

At a Glance

Pricing $14,345 - $21,495
Drive Types FWD
Engines 1.4l I4 T, 1.8l I4
Transmissions A6, M5, M6
Fuel Economy 25-29 (city), 35-40 (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 sedan LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M5 FWD $14,345
Sonic sedan LS 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $15,595
Sonic sedan LT 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) M5 FWD $16,155
Sonic sedan LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $16,685
Sonic sedan LT 1.8l I4 (138-bhp) A6 FWD $17,545
Sonic sedan LT 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $18,245
Sonic sedan LTZ 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $19,780
Sonic sedan RS 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) M6 FWD $20,095
Sonic sedan RS 1.4l I4 T (138-bhp) A6 FWD $21,495