DecodedCars2020 Chevrolet Sonic
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 159.8–174 in
- Curb weight
- 2,784–2,848 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Few owner complaints10 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is a compact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl turbo engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,848 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway), 6% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2020
- Best combined MPG down from 31 to 29
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Sonic →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 174 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.2 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,848 lb | 62/38 |
| 5dr Hatchback | 159.8 in | 68.5 in | 59.8 in | 99.2 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,784 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 | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | +6% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Sonic 5 | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 29 | -7% | $2,300 | 308 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 12.6% |
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Sonic (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2020 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Subaru Impreza | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 3 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 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 2020 Chevrolet Sonic. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Sonic years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 2014 Sonic | 32 | 173.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 137 |
| 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 →