2016 Chevrolet Sonic Buyer's Guide

The subcompact 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, like a number of its rivals, offers both sedan and hatchback body styles, a model capable of 40-mpg highway, and even a sporty-ish edition, in the Sonic RS. But it supplies its share of exclusives as well, highlighted by 4G LTE connectivity and a mobile wi-fi hotspot, all supported by a complimentary three-month/three-gigabyte data trial. As a result, the Sonic has continued as a top choice among segment shoppers in terms of sales volume, backed by a stylish, surprisingly roomy cabin and a hatchback model with the biggest standard cargo hold in the class. And while changes for the new model year are limited, they do include three new exterior colors: Nightfall Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic and Kinetic Blue Metallic.

What's the difference between trims?

• 15-inch steel wheels
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Air conditioning

• 15-inch alloy wheels
• MyLink Infotainment system
• Power windows
• Cruise control

• 17-inch wheels
• Vinyl upholstery
• Heated seats
• Rearview camera

• Rear disc brakes
• Sport suspension system
• Leather upholstery
• Sport body kit

What makes it move?

Drivers have two four-cylinder engine choices with the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic, starting with a standard 1.8-liter unit that can achieve EPA scores of up to 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, albeit with a five-speed manual transmission. For more power—and better fuel economy—the premium powerplant in the Sonic is a 1.4-liter turbo with the same 138 hp as the standard engine, but 23 more lb.-ft. of torque, for a total of 148, and an EPA high point of 29/40/33 mpg.

Why buy the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic has superior safety performance, too, with 10 standard airbags, a 5-star Overall Safety Score from NHTSA and, as available equipment, two of the government agency’s “Recommended Technologies” for crash avoidance: forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning. And that’s in addition to an available rear-vision camera system. Purchasers who prefer a more athletic approach to transportation can try on the turbo-power Sonic RS, complete with its own exclusive style points and a flat-bottomed, racing-style steering wheel. Finally, the Sonic also serves up some of the brand’s favorite premium features, like heated front seats, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment technology, app-powered BringGo navigation and, in the Sonic Dusk edition, aluminum-style trim that’s paired with an exclusive ground-effects setup and 18-inch aluminum wheels.