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2016 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Sedan (Automatic)

The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Sedan (Automatic) is a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 sedan with a 6-speed shiftable automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $19,780 MSRP and is rated at 31 mpg combined.

It makes 138 horsepower at 4,900 rpm and 148 lb-ft of torque at 1850 rpm, spinning to a 6,500 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway (31 mpg combined).

The Sonic measures 173.1 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,883 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,780 ($26,785 *)
MSRP with Destination$20,655 ($27,970 *)
Destination Charge$875
Engine
Engine TypeEcotec 1.4L Turbo I4
Displacement1.4 L
Horsepower138 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Torque148 lb-ft @ 1850 rpm
Redline6,500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC, 16 valves, VVT
Bore and Stroke2.85 x 3.25 in (72.4 x 82.6 mm)
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Injection TypeSequential multi-port fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFWD
Transmission
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Economy
City27 MPG
Highway37 MPG
Combined31 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded (87 octane)
Tank Capacity12.2 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, lower control arms, coil springs, gas shocks
Rear SuspensionSemi-independent torsion beam, coil springs, gas shocks
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17" x 8.0"
Wheels Rear17" x 8.0"
Tires FrontP205/50R17
Tires RearP205/50R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length173.1 in
Width68.3 in
Height59.7 in
Wheelbase99.4 in
Front Track59.4 in
Rear Track59.4 in
Ground Clearance4.9 in
Cargo Volume14.9 ft³
Curb Weight2,883 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front38.7 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front41.8 in
Legroom Rear34.6 in
Shoulder Room Front53.4 in
Shoulder Room Rear53 in
Hip Room Front51.4 in
Hip Room Rear51.6 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (12.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2016 Chevrolet Sonic 5 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

Most-cited areas
Engine13
Electrical System11
Air Bags8
Unknown Or Other8
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)3
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Feb 18, 2026 · Engine
“This car overheated and a head gasket blew. I am on a Facebook forum, and it seems like all of these cars have these problems. The Chevy Sonic ltz turbo 1.4 2016 is known for coolant issues and head…”
Jan 26, 2026 · Unknown Or Other
“Radio malfunctions. Channels automatically change and touch screen doesn't work all the time. I believe 2015 Sonic has a recall for this issue , but not 2016. It appears to be the same issue.”
Aug 26, 2025 · Steering, Latches/Locks/Linkages
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that the driver's side door was stuck, and extra force was needed to open the door. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent…”
Jun 20, 2024 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc), Engine
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The ESC and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was…”
Aug 28, 2023 · Electrical System
“My car lock and unlocks when I did not hit any buttons. The remote start does not work sometimes. The battery loses connection from time to time with a brand new battery. I own 2 of these cars and the…”

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.

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