“Nice vehicle with nice features for the price. Rides smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Don't expect it to be a speed demon despite the RS badge because it's not. It will "move" when you want it to but just doesn't offer enough "oomph" for my personal liking. Even with the turbo, you'll still be wanting more from the engine.”
2016 Chevrolet Sonic: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic is a light-update year, not a redesign. The main change is a standard 7-inch touchscreen for the midrange LT trim.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic
1st U.S. generation (2012-2020), fifth model year, last year before the 2017 refresh.
The Sonic is Chevrolet’s small car for shoppers who want city-friendly size without giving up passenger space, hatchback usefulness, or a bit of driving personality. Chevrolet pitches it as a bold, sporty subcompact rather than a bare-bones economy car, leaning on sharp steering, a roomy cabin for the class, strong safety reputation, and the choice between a simple base engine and a livelier turbo engine. That mix is what separates it from more appliance-like small-car rivals.
The 2016 Sonic remains a small sedan or hatchback, with the LS serving as the simple entry trim and the LT adding more everyday comfort and technology. The LTZ pairs a turbo engine with heated seats and a rearview camera, while the RS adds firmer, lowered suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and sportier exterior and interior details.
What changed, by category
Tech
The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system becomes standard on the LT trim instead of optional.
Powertrain
The six-speed automatic transmission becomes standard across the LTZ trim.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd / Manual, 5-Spd / Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24–26 mpg | 24–29 mpg | 25 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35–40 mpg | 33 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 125–148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9–19 cu-ft | 14.9–19 cu-ft | 14.9–19 cu-ft | 14.9–19 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic redesigned?
No. The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic carries over the first-generation sedan and hatchback with only light trim-level equipment changes. The larger styling and technology refresh arrives for 2017.
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic?
The biggest change is that the 2016 Sonic LT gets a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It was optional on the 2015 LT.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LT have a standard touchscreen?
Yes. Every 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LT has a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
What transmission does the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ have?
The 2016 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ has a standard six-speed automatic transmission paired with its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic receive new styling or safety equipment?
No major lineup-wide styling or safety updates arrived for 2016. The Sonic kept its existing exterior design, structure, and safety equipment.
2016 Chevrolet Sonic Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Sonic.
4.0
2016 Chevrolet Sonic
(197 reviews)
“My Chevy Sonic is comfortable and fun to drive. I performs well in bad weather. I'm confident it will last a long time.”
“The Sonic is comfortable and perfect for my commute to and from work. I can spend a couple of hours a day in it and still feel comfortable.”