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2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier Sedan (Manual)

The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier Sedan (Manual) is a 138-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 sedan with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive. It starts at $19,720 MSRP and is rated at 32 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 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway (32 mpg combined).

The Sonic measures 173.9 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,850 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$19,720
MSRP with Destination$20,595
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 manual
Fuel Economy
City28 MPG
Highway38 MPG
Combined32 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
Length173.9 in
Width68.3 in
Height59.3 in
Wheelbase99.4 in
Front Track59.4 in
Rear Track59.4 in
Cargo Volume14.9 ft³
Curb Weight2,850 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

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (12.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2017 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

No recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet SONIC.

37 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet SONIC

Owner Complaints

37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Chevrolet SONIC (6 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine19
Air Bags6
Electrical System5
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Steering4
Unknown Or Other4
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 21, 2026 · Structure, Engine
“Oil cooling system has been replaced. Major leak in AC line needs replacement. Purge solenoid stop functioning and was replaced, now there is an additional major coolant leak”
Feb 6, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling, Power Train, Engine
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact…”
Nov 4, 2025 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that, while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle failed to yield at a stop sign. As a result, the contact was unable to stop in time and…”
Aug 17, 2025 · Electrical System, Engine
“Multiple attempts to fix camshaft/ camshaft position sensor. Causes car to decelerate at high speeds. Shaking while at high speeds”
Mar 5, 2025 · Engine
“I have replaced the same part now 4 times. I have multiple receipts. Cause the car the shut off or slow down while on the highway.”

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 2017 CHEVROLET SONIC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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