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2015 Chevrolet Sonic

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 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
2,712–2,745 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2015 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 23 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 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 2015 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Sonic — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Sonic →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS173.2 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,745 lb62/38
5dr Hatchback Ls/Lt/Ltz/RS159.1 in68.5 in59.8 in99.6 in59.4 / 59.4 in2,712 lb62/38

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+22%$2,100276
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+25%$2,100276
Sonic1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+14%$2,250295
Sonic 51.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+17%$2,250295
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+10%$2,300306
Sonic1.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+10%$2,300305
Sonic 5 RS1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 33 / 29+13%$2,300306
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 34 / 29+13%$2,300305
Sonic RS1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+6%$2,400321
Sonic 5 RS1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 33 / 28+9%$2,400321
Sonic1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+6%$2,400317
Sonic 51.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 28+9%$2,400317
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.3 MPG2015 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic.

Similar 2015 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Chevrolet Sonic (this car)32 MPGNot rated3
2015 Toyota Corolla34 MPGNot rated1
2015 Honda Civic44 MPGNot rated1
2015 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated2
2015 Mazda 333 MPGNot rated0
2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI35 MPGNot rated12
2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport31 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Electrical System › Software · Jun 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V422000 · 18,780 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
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.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. · Jun 30, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V416000 · 45,785 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles manufactured April 30, 2014, to May 20, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured June 18, 2014, to June 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, equipped with the base radio and OnStar, the radio may lock up due to a software issue, causing the display to go blank and all audio functions to cease. Because of this, there may be no warning chimes such as the reminder to buckle the seat belt and the key being left in ignition when the driver goes to exit the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208 "Occupant Crash Protection", and 114 "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft. If a driver or front passenger does not buckle their seat belt, there would be no chime to remind them to fasten their seat belts. If a driver or passenger does not buckle their seat belt there is an increased risk that they will be injured in a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15504.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

114Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
15Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
19Injuries reported
35,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System32
Air Bags27
Engine23
Unknown Or Other22
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Power Train12
Steering6
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/06: 121/07: 121/12: 122/02: 122/05: 322/06: 122/07: 122/09: 422/10: 122/12: 123/01: 123/04: 123/06: 323/09: 124/01: 124/03: 124/07: 124/08: 124/09: 124/10: 225/02: 125/07: 125/09: 126/05: 121/0622/0222/0722/1223/0624/0324/0925/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 27 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Sonic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Sonic years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Sonic29174 in★★★★★010
2019 Sonic31174 in★★★★★08
2018 Sonic32174 in★★★★★115
2017 Sonic32174 inNot rated037
2016 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated248
2014 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated4137
2013 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated6180
2012 Sonic32173.2 inNot rated7248

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →