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2018 Chevrolet Sonic: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic is largely a carryover from 2017, so the main news is that there is no major redesign or mechanical update. Changes are limited to minor package and equipment reshuffling.
About the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic
1st generation Sonic for the U.S. market (2012-2020), second year after the 2017 refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the Sonic as a small car that tried to feel less stripped-down than many subcompacts. The big selling points were easy city size, hatchback practicality or sedan trunk space, and unusually strong tech for the class, especially smartphone integration and a touchscreen on mainstream trims. Against rivals, the Sonic’s identity was “small car, grown-up features”: more connectivity and a more substantial feel than the cheapest economy cars, with the turbo engine adding extra punch on upper trims.
The 2018 Sonic is a small sedan or hatchback offered in straightforward LS, better-equipped LT, and upscale Premier trims. Every trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premier adds a turbocharged engine, heated front seats, keyless entry and start, and leatherette-trimmed seating.
What changed, by category
Tech
Chevrolet made minor equipment and package adjustments, but there was no major infotainment upgrade across the lineup.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd / Manual, 5-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd / Automatic, 6-Spd / Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25–26 mpg | 25–28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34–35 mpg | 34–37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 125–148 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9 cu-ft | 14.9–19 cu-ft | 14.9–19 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Mirrors | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic compared with the 2017 model?
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic received no major redesign or mechanical update. It mainly carried over the refreshed 2017 design, with only minor equipment and package reshuffling.
Was the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic redesigned?
No, the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic was not redesigned. It remained part of the first U.S.-market Sonic generation and carried over the exterior refresh introduced for 2017.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, every 2018 Chevrolet Sonic trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including LS, LT, and Premier.
Which 2018 Chevrolet Sonic trim has the turbocharged engine?
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier has the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The LS uses a non-turbo 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
What distinguishes the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier?
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic Premier is the upscale trim. It adds standard turbo power, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, keyless entry and start, leatherette-trimmed seating, and a six-speaker audio system.
2018 Chevrolet Sonic Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic.
4.1
2018 Chevrolet Sonic
(111 reviews)
“Very economic vehicle, runs good, but uses more gas than its estimated to use. Very pleased with the purchase.”
“The sunscreens are way too short. For some reason the extendable design was not used here.”