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2018 Chevrolet Sonic review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Chevrolet Sonic highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Generous space
  • Great handling
  • Many standard features

Cons

  • Lackluster base engine
  • Standard manual transmission

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 34 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

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Small with tons of options

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is built for city life, and can serve as a family-friendly car to get the kids to drop-off or a practical commuter from the suburbs. The 2018 Sonic comes as a sedan or a hatchback. Although it’s about a foot shorter, the hatchback offers more cargo space, so it’s a great option for families or pet parents. The two available four-cylinder engines both produce 138 hp, but the turbocharged version feels more responsive. Lots of available options ranging from leatherette upholstery to driver assist features to sports running make it easy to find a 2018 Sonic that’s right for you. 

All Chevrolet Sonic years

What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic?

  • Enhanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist now standard on all models.
  • New infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • Revised engine lineup offering better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
  • Upgraded interior materials for a more premium feel across all trims.
  • Removal of the base trim option, streamlining the model range.

2018 Chevrolet Sonic trims

Curious how Chevrolet Sonic trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

LS:

  • 138-hp, 125-lb-ft of torque 1.8L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cloth Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Android Auto
  • View our Chevrolet Sonic LS inventory

LT:

  • Includes all features available on the LS
  • 138-hp, 148-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cruise Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Power Windows
  • View our Chevrolet Sonic LT inventory

Premier:

Chevrolet Sonic photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic

1. Functional space 

The 2018 Chevy Sonic may be small, but it offers plenty of space for hauling groceries, moving sports equipment, or bringing baby gear out with you. The sedan has a large trunk with 14.9 cu.-ft of cargo space. The hatchback has 19 cu.-ft. of cargo space, so it’s a great option if you need a bit of extra room. 

2. Turbocharged engine 

The 2018 Chevy Sonic comes standard with a 138-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine that is great for city driving. But for more power that comes in handy on the highway, choose the available 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That engine also produces 138 hp, but gives the Sonic more torque, so it feels more responsive. 

3. Tech connections 

Apple Carplay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® integration come standard on every 2018 Sonic, so you won’t miss a beat on your playlists. A seven-inch touchscreen comes standard too, along with a four-speaker audio system. That might sound small, but on a compact car it produces plenty of sound.  

4.  Sporty options  

Channel your inner race car driver with the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic with the available RS package. The package, available on the sedan or hatchback, adds a sports exhaust and upgraded six-speed manual transmission. Styling changes including a rear spoiler, contrasting stitching, and a sport steering wheel come standard.  

5. Passenger space 

Heading off to basketball practice? You’ll have plenty of space in the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic, thanks to nearly 42 inches of front legroom. A standard tilting and telescoping steering wheel and four-way adjustable driver’s seat make it easy to find a comfortable position.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is praised for its fuel efficiency, power, and road handling. It has good cabin insulation, but some find seat comfort lacking for long trips. Mixed opinions on technology features, and one reviewer noted reliability issues. Overall, the Sonic is a solid subcompact choice with strong urban and highway performance.
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Above Average

RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Sonic an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Chevrolet Sonic 23rd out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet Sonic

Chevrolet Sonic features and specs

Premier 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Remote Start
  • Cloth Seats
  • Smart Key
  • Rear View Camera
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Power Mirrors
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • ABS Brakes
  • Cruise Control
  • Rear Defroster
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Android Auto
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay
  • CD Audio
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Parking Sensors
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Tow Hitch
  • Running Boards
  • Automatic Transmission

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

138

Torque (ft-lbs)

148

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

12.2

Wheelbase

99.4"

Overall length

159.8"

Width

68.3"

Height

59.3"

Leg room

F 41.8"/R 34.6"

Head room

F 38.7"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P205/50R17

Rear tires

P205/50R17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Chevrolet Sonic FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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