2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Change year or car

Change year or car

$14,345

starting MSRP

2016 Chevrolet Sonic
2016 Chevrolet Sonic

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Peppy acceleration
  • Ride quality and highway composure
  • Lack of road noise
  • Safety features and crashworthiness
  • Front-seat comfort
  • In-cabin storage areas

The bad:

  • So-so gas mileage in most versions
  • Mushy brakes
  • Modest backseat legroom
  • Cumbersome backseat folding (hatchback)
  • Rear visibility (hatchback)

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

  • LS

    $14,945

  • LT

    $16,155

  • LTZ

    $19,780

  • RS

    $20,095

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2016 Chevrolet Sonic trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi hot spot capability standard
  • 1.8-liter or turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder
  • Sedan or hatchback
  • Backup camera available
  • MyLink entertainment system available

2016 Chevrolet Sonic review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The subcompact Chevrolet Sonic competes with the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. Like the Fiesta and Versa, the Sonic is available in sedan and hatchback body styles. Two four-cylinder engines — one of which is turbocharged — are available. A sporty RS version is also offered.

(Skip to details on the: Sonic RS)
New for 2016
Chevrolet’s MyLink system is now included on the LT trim level, and LTZ models get an automatic transmission.
Significant Standard Features

  • Air conditioning
  • OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hot spot
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system

Significant Available Features

  • Remote start system
  • MyLink entertainment system with 7-inch touch-screen
  • Backup camera
  • Heated front seats
  • Forward collision warning 
  • Lane departure warning
  • Power sunroof
  • Fog lamps

Sonic RS
The Sonic RS brings a little more show to Chevrolet’s subcompact car. Available as a sedan or hatchback, it gets exclusive cosmetic touches, handling revisions and different gearing.
What’s Special

  • Ground effects around the bumpers and side sills
  • Unique 17-inch wheels
  • Lower, stiffer suspension
  • Rear spoiler
  • Front seats with larger side bolsters
  • Leather upholstery
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel with flat-bottom design
  • Aluminum pedals

Back to top

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior design 4.3
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value for the money 4.1
  • Exterior styling 4.3
  • Reliability 4.2

Most recent consumer reviews

2.6

Don't buy

The worse car I could possibly have owned! Bought it at about 80,000 miles,maybe a little less than that and nothing but issues since day 3 owning this car in 2018. Check engine light has been on 3 times since owning it. First time, rough idling while driving, can't remember what was wrong with it but it wasn't an expensive fix thankfully. Second time was the water housing thermostat which was over $200 just for the part and now this time the check engine light is on due to a bad catalytic converter, car has a little over 88,000 miles on it now. I am a stay at home mom and I don't drive my car often and I never drive it rough, there is no reason why less than 90,000 miles on this car and it keeps having issues especially with a check engine light. Would never recommend this car or a Chevy Cruze.

1.4

Gm please help your customers

The car has 17,000 and a defect and it should be under recall u always smells coolant fluids and several customers complain about this ,the smell is a sweet coolant smell that will make u sick if u drive this car

3.9

chevy sonic LTZ turbo

these cars are known for head gasket blown problems even when the car is properly maintained. I really like this car but the problems occur to often

See all 75 consumer reviews

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
Maintenance
24 months/24,000 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
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

See all 2016 Chevrolet Sonic articles