2020 Chevrolet Sonic review: Our expert's take
What Is the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact car that’s offered in sedan and four-door hatchback body styles. Power comes from a 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Sonic competes with the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio.
What’s New on the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The six-speed manual is no longer available, which leaves a six-speed automatic as the car’s sole transmission.
What Features in the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic Are Most Important?
Standard features include air conditioning, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a 7-inch touchscreen stereo, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and two USB ports. Available features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, simulated leather upholstery, cruise control and push-button start. Available active safety features include forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
Should I Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic?
The Sonic rides well and road noise is well managed. The front seats are comfortable, and we like the car’s storage features, too. However, the Sonic’s brake pedal has a mushy feel, and the car’s small size contributes to modest backseat legroom. The hatchback’s rear visibility is also an issue.
Consumer reviews
3.9
(10 reviews)
60% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.1
- Value 3.6
- Exterior 4.1
- Reliability 4.0
Most recent consumer reviews
The first time it broke down the turbo was bad and now
June 2, 2024
By Roy
Owns this car
The first time it broke down the turbo was bad and now the water pump is leaking, this is Not Good !!!I would expect at 49k to run much better.
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 3.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 1.0
- Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful.Did you?
3.0
I bought mine new with 3 miles on it.
May 27, 2024
By Carsoniam
Owns this car
I bought mine new with 3 miles on it. Had oil spit on windshield day 1. That finally stopped but heat and ac issues ever since. 1 year in had issues with evap ever since. Very uncomfortable if your tall like me 6'3". Put gas in won't start for many tries. Don't matter the gas type. Spark plugs need changed often like every 2, 3 months. Over heating issues in winter by 50k miles with it full. Changed water pump and thermo 2 time by 70k miles.Warning... Be prepared to put in some cash to own one. And don't bother going to GM. It's your problem. P.S. I'm still paying on mine for another year......
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 2.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 3.0
- Value 1.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Does not recommend this car
0 people out of 0 found this review helpful.Did you?
3.0
Problem with overheating and coolant reservoir dry
August 10, 2023
By Clarene Whitfield from Italy, Texas
Owns this car
I am having problems with the engine overheating ( coolant reservoir) I had a hose repaired the beginning of this year and it is happening again same repair which is not under warranty I live on social security and cannot afford these repairs
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
- Comfort 2.0
- Interior 2.0
- Performance 3.0
- Value 1.0
- Exterior 1.0
- Reliability 3.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Transporting family
- Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful.Did you?
See all 10 consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings (scores out of 5)
Based on the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic base trim.
- Combined side rating front seat
- 5
- Combined side rating rear seat
- 5
- Frontal barrier crash rating driver
- 5
- Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
- 5
- Overall frontal barrier crash rating
- 5
- Overall rating
- 5
- Overall side crash rating
- 5
- Risk of rollover
- 12.6%
- Rollover rating
- 4
- Side barrier rating
- 5
- Side barrier rating driver
- 5
- Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
- 5
- Side pole rating driver front seat
- 5
Warranty
New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
- Bumper-to-bumper
-
36 months/36,000 miles
- Corrosion
-
36 months/36,000 miles
- Powertrain
-
60 months/60,000 miles
- Roadside assistance
-
60 months/60,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
- Maximum age/mileage
-
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
- Basic warranty terms
-
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
- Powertrain
-
6 years/100,000 miles
- Dealer certification required
- 172-point inspection
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?
