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2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier Sedan (Automatic)

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier 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 $20,520 MSRP and is rated at 30 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 35 mpg highway (30 mpg combined).

The Sonic measures 173.9 inches long on a 99.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,911 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$20,520
MSRP with Destination$21,395
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
Highway35 MPG
Combined30 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
Height59.7 in
Wheelbase99.4 in
Front Track59.4 in
Rear Track59.4 in
Cargo Volume14.9 ft³
Curb Weight2,911 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: 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD: 5 ★ overall

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet SONIC. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

May 27, 2018 · SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

Consequence: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

NHTSA campaign 18V342000

15 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet SONIC

Owner Complaints

15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet SONIC. See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Electrical System6
Engine4
Seats2
Unknown Or Other2
Wheels2
Air Bags1
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 14, 2026 · Electrical System
“My 2018 Chevrolet Sonic 1.8L has experienced repeated complete battery discharge and electrical failures over approximately two years. The factory infotainment system does not consistently shut down…”
Jul 22, 2025 · Engine
“Dear GM Executive Office, I am writing in frustration and disappointment after being told today by Chevrolet Customer Assistance that the case I opened (Case # [XXX]) was simply a "dealer complaint"…”
May 15, 2025 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was idling roughly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was…”
Nov 6, 2022 · Unknown Or Other
“My car has had CAM shaft issues upon buying the car. I have taken the car to Chevrolet in Dallas and in Forney, TX and the car still has the same issue. My car engine check light has remained on and…”
Jun 28, 2022 · Air Bags
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while a 95-pound passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat, the air bag system was deactivated. The vehicle was taken to 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 2018 CHEVROLET SONIC. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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