2016 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback (Manual)
All photo credits
- Photo: 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT sedan front 4.28.18 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2019 Chevrolet Sonic RS in "Shock", front left by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2019 Chevrolet Sonic RS by Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2017 Chevrolet Sonic LT sedan rear 4.28.18 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2012 Chevrolet Sonic interior (5871855888) by InSapphoWeTrust from Los Angeles, California, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback (Manual) is a 138-hp 1.8-liter inline-4 hatchback with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $16,755 MSRP and is rated at 30 mpg combined.
It makes 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (30 mpg combined).
The Sonic measures 159.0 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,726 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $16,755 ($22,689 *) |
| MSRP with Destination | $17,630 ($23,874 *) |
| Destination Charge | $875 |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | Ecotec 1.8L I4 (naturally aspirated, PZEV) |
| Displacement | 1.8 L |
| Horsepower | 138 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, 16 valves, VVT |
| Bore and Stroke | 3.17 x 3.47 in (80.5 x 88.2 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Injection Type | Sequential multi-port fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 26 MPG |
| Highway | 35 MPG |
| Combined | 30 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded (87 octane) |
| Tank Capacity | 12.2 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks |
| Rear Suspension | Semi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 15" x 7.5" |
| Wheels Rear | 15" x 7.5" |
| Tires Front | P195/65R15 |
| Tires Rear | P195/65R15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 159 in |
| Width | 68.3 in |
| Height | 59.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 99.4 in |
| Front Track | 59.4 in |
| Rear Track | 59.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 4.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | 19 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 2,726 lbs |
| Interior | |
| Headroom Front | 38.7 in |
| Headroom Rear | 38.1 in |
| Legroom Front | 41.8 in |
| Legroom Rear | 34.6 in |
| Shoulder Room Front | 53.4 in |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 53 in |
| Hip Room Front | 51.4 in |
| Hip Room Rear | 51.6 in |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LT Hatchback (Manual) with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (12.6 % risk) |
Other tested variants (1)
- 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD: 5 ★ overall
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jun 10, 2016 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax, and 2013-2015 Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver fails to fasten their seatbelt or if the driver leaves the key in the ignition. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208 "Occupant Crash Protection" and 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may not fasten their seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began on July 22, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 45340.
NHTSA campaign 16V422000
Apr 28, 2016 · EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Chevrolet Sonic and Trax vehicles and 2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark vehicles equipped with a Bring Your Own Media radio. The affected radios may fail to provide an audible warning chime when the driver, after turning off the ignition and leaving the key in the cylinder, waits 10 minutes or longer to open the door. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114 "Theft Protection."
Consequence: Without audible indicators, the driver may leave the key in the ignition, increasing the risk of theft.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17130.
NHTSA campaign 16V257000
48 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC
Owner Complaints
48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet SONIC (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Engine | 13 |
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2016 CHEVROLET SONIC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.