2016
Chevrolet Sonic

Starts at:
$16,755
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New 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
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Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn Manual LS
    Starts at
    $14,345
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Manual LS
    Starts at
    $14,945
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto LS
    Starts at
    $15,595
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Manual LT
    Starts at
    $16,155
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto LS
    Starts at
    $16,195
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Manual LT
    Starts at
    $16,755
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto LT
    Starts at
    $17,545
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto LT
    Starts at
    $18,145
    26 City / 35 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto LTZ
    Starts at
    $19,780
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Manual RS
    Starts at
    $20,095
    27 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Manual RS
    Starts at
    $20,095
    27 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto LTZ
    Starts at
    $20,345
    27 City / 37 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn Auto RS
    Starts at
    $21,495
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 5dr HB Auto RS
    Starts at
    $21,495
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Turbocharged Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 2016 Chevrolet Sonic

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

The good & the bad

The good

Peppy acceleration
Ride quality and highway composure
Lack of road noise
Safety features and crashworthiness
Front-seat comfort

The bad

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

Expert 2016 Chevrolet Sonic review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
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

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

Available cars near you

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Safety review

Based on the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
5/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
5/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
5/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
4/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
12.6%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
12.6%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Maintenance
2 years / 24,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / up to 75,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years / 100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Dealer certification
172-point inspection
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

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    2015 Kia Rio
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Consumer reviews

82% of drivers recommend this car
4.2 / 5
Based on 76 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.1
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • By Kev from Los Angeles, CA
    Used to own this car
    November 20, 2023

    Worst Car EVER!!!

    Absolutely THE WORST car I have ever owned! My only Chevy and my last! Never again! Everything broke down after the warranty expired. Overheated 6 times in 2 years and told by 2 mechanics to sell the car! AC was first to die, then serious electrical issues - doors would lock and unlock on their own, and instrument cluster lights would fade in and out on their own. Radio would come on and off and change stations all by itself, all at highest volume possible. Driver side visor broke off while driving through an intersection(!) and smacked me in the face. Only good thing I can say is that it never leaked any fluids and the check engine light never came on. Car was a nightmare to own! Finally sold it to a dealer who immediately sold it at an auto auction. NEVER AGAIN!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Beth from Bellefontaine, OH
    Owns this car
    February 7, 2023

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 2.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Larry from Alexandria va
    Owns this car
    January 9, 2023

    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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By smoot from king george va
    Owns this car
    August 4, 2022

    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
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Emmy Dimes from St. Louis, mo
    Used to own this car
    August 3, 2022

    Sucks

    Right at 60k miles, just told by 3 different mechanics that I have to buy a new engine or have the current one rebuilt. xxx would not recommend!!!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Seanelliotte7 from Rio Rancho, New Mexico
    Owns this car
    May 19, 2021

    Nice and compact creates a lot of space for garage

    The car met all my needs and will defiantly get me from point A to point B safely, very reliable. I will defiantly and am having a lot of fun with this vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By ThaliaM from Redlands
    Owns this car
    May 6, 2021

    Least Reliable vehicle I have ever owned

    Expect issues when you hit around 50k miles. My issues began around 40k. Apparently mysterious issues with the coolant system is very common with their Chevy Sonics and Chevy Cruze models. Good luck if you already own one.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    9 people out of 13 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Melissa B from Vacaville, CA
    Owns this car
    April 18, 2021

    I love my Sonic LTZ

    My sonic is my baby. It has pep, and with the manual mode enabled, I get the feel of a manual when I use it to pass cars with the quicker response of an automatic. It is comfortable on log drives, I make a 1200 mile round trip every 6 weeks and it does not have the best mileage I’ve ever gotten but I can get about 330 to 350 miles on a full tank driving around 80mph on the freeway. It breezes up the grapevine in southern CA and handles the curves and windy conditions of the mountains with ease and I don’t ever feel the high winds that all of the highway advisory signs are warning about. I have out about 5000 miles on my Sonic since I got it 4 months ago and have not had any issues with it. My one complaint about the car is the MyLink radio does not support CarPlay or Android Auto like the later years and some other 2016 models with the same sound system got upgraded to which is aggravating because it causes a little inconvenience having to mount my phone to use for navigation and you lose Bluetooth support when charging the phone because it automatically connects your phone as an aux device which messes with your music if you don’t want to listen to ITunes or your stored music, which I don’t. Their BringGo navigation does work but took me the wrong way to a dead end so my phone is my only option for reliable directions. All in all, the Sonic is as sporty to drive as it looks, and it’s looks get a lot of compliments, especially the headlights.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Perry1975 from Lindsay ok
    Owns this car
    April 16, 2021

    Most reliable car I had ever owned

    This car is a perfect and it get great gas mileage and it very comfortable and I love my Chevrolet Sonic and would get another
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By PeterS from Lafayette, IN
    Owns this car
    September 28, 2020

    So far so good!

    This car is great for my short 3 mile commute needs. It is practical, but it is also sporty enough to not make it boring. I like the large boot space, and legroom. I like the top of the line audio system in the car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sharonmz from Greensburg ky
    Owns this car
    June 14, 2020

    Drives like a dream

    Very comfortable sharp looking car. Lots of storage room where the back seats can lay down for even more storage. Interior has a luxurious feel with Bluetooth or aux connections.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By SonicJazzz from Los Angeles, CA
    Owns this car
    June 3, 2020

    Best little car I’ve ever owned!

    An all-around solid vehicle. Sleek, black, leather interior, great stereo system, plenty of leg room, smooth handling, and just got new tires six months ago. Plus, it’s a turbo, so it’s a super fun ride! Also, I named him Jazz, but you can change it if you wish :)
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
See all reviews

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Chevrolet dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is available in 4 trim levels:

  • LS (4 styles)
  • LT (4 styles)
  • LTZ (2 styles)
  • RS (4 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic reliable?

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2016 Chevrolet Sonic owners.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. 82.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 76 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.2

Chevrolet Sonic history

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