“Overall the Sonic is good on gas and has a decent sound system. It's overall power and acceleration is poor. The overall body design doesn't help when driving in windy conditions. These conditions cause the car to handle poorly. This vehicle doesn't handle well while driving in winter conditions. I highly suggest looking at another vehicle.”
2019 Chevrolet Sonic: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2019, Chevrolet drops the Sonic’s old 1.8-liter base engine and makes the 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder standard across the lineup. This is a light update rather than a redesign, with the rest of the small sedan and hatchback largely carrying over.
About the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic
1st generation (2012-2020), third year after the 2017 refresh, second-to-last model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Sonic as a small car that tried to feel more grown-up than many bargain subcompacts. Its core appeal was easy city size, available sedan or hatchback practicality, a lively turbo engine, and unusually strong standard phone-friendly infotainment for the class. Against rivals, the Sonic stood out less for fuel-economy bragging rights and more for its roomy-for-size cabin, simple controls, and the choice between a trunk or a more versatile hatch.
The 2019 Sonic lineup ranges from the commuter-focused LS to the better-equipped LT and comfort-oriented Premier. Every trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premier adds heated front seats, push-button start, upgraded seat trim, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Chevrolet drops the 1.8-liter base engine. Every 2019 Sonic uses the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which had previously been limited to parts of the lineup.
2019 Chevrolet Sonic specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 26–27 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 35–38 mpg | 35–38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 138 hp | 138 hp | 138 hp |
| Torque | 148 lb-ft | 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 | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Power Windows | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic?
The biggest change is that every 2019 Chevrolet Sonic has the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Chevrolet drops the previous 1.8-liter base engine, giving all trims the same engine.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic a redesigned model?
No, the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is not redesigned. It remains part of the first generation and largely carries over the design introduced by the 2017 refresh.
How is the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic different from the 2018 model?
The key difference is the simplified engine lineup. Unlike the 2018 model, which used either a 1.8-liter engine or a 1.4-liter turbo depending on trim and configuration, every 2019 Sonic has the 1.4-liter turbo.
Does every 2019 Chevrolet Sonic have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, every 2019 Chevrolet Sonic trim has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That includes LS, LT, and Premier.
What does the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic Premier add?
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic Premier adds comfort-focused equipment, including heated front seats, push-button start, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, upgraded seat trim, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. It uses the same 1.4-liter turbo engine as the other trims.
2019 Chevrolet Sonic Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic.
4.2
2019 Chevrolet Sonic
(109 reviews)
“It is economical, comfortable, sporty, great gas mileage, easy to handle and drive, looks very sporty. Dependable and very quiet inside of car and engine smooth can't even hear it. Remote key access. AutoStart. An overall great car”
“Well basically I have nothing really else to express about my Chevy Sonic, that was not briefly stated in this survey exam. I am very satisfied with this vehicle, and very happy that I purchased it...??”