2014 Chevrolet Sonic
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS, 5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS
- 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
- 159.1–173.2 in
- Curb weight
- 2,745–2,776 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2014 compact car (26.3 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2014 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 173 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 100-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,745 lb (4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 38 highway), 22% better than the 2014 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 137 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2014
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Sonic →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS | 173.2 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.6 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,745 lb | 62/38 |
| 5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS | 159.1 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.6 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,776 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 | +22% | $2,100 | 276 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +25% | $2,100 | 276 |
| Sonic | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Sonic RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sonic 5 RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +13% | $2,300 | 306 |
| Sonic | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Sonic RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Sonic 5 RS | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 318 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic.
Similar 2014 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Chevrolet Sonic (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2014 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2014 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Hyundai Elantra | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Electrical System › Software · Apr 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V257000 · 317,572 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
- Risk
- Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
Air Bags · Sep 9, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V543000 · 304 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014, to August 1, 2014. Due to a loss of electrical connection in the steering column, in the event of a severe crash, the driver's frontal air bag deployment may be limited to the first-stage deployment only instead of the intended first-stage and second-stage deployments.
- Risk
- If only the first-stage of the driver's frontal air bag deploys without the additional second-stage, the driver has an increased risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will test the terminals in the IP harness clock spring coil connector and replace any loose terminals, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14537.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2,990 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
- Risk
- Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting · Sep 26, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V464000 · 1,558 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured August 2, 2013, through August 12, 2013. Due to insufficient welds, the front fuel tank strap bracket may separate from the vehicle.
- Risk
- If the front fuel tank strap bracket separates, the increased load may lead to the failure of the other tank support. As a result, the fuel tank may come loose from the vehicle causing a fuel leak. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, may result in a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front fuel tank strap bracket, and repair it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2013. Owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. GM's recall campaign number is 13296.
Not every 2014 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 23 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,500 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 2014 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 |
| 2017 Sonic | 32 | 174 in | Not rated | 0 | 37 |
| 2016 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 2 | 48 |
| 2015 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 114 |
| 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 →