Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Sonic lineup starts with the LS, a straightforward sedan with simple controls. The LT is the everyday-comfort step and comes as a sedan or hatchback. LTZ and Premier represent the top comfort trim level, with heated seats and more upscale cabin equipment. The RS is a separate sport branch, recognized by its firmer suspension, stronger brakes, sportier cabin, and more aggressive look.
The Base Model trim level, sold as LS, is the straightforward Sonic sedan, focused on essential transportation and simple controls.
Best for: Drivers who want an uncomplicated small sedan with the Sonic’s core turbo powertrain.
Highlights
The Mid-Level trim level, sold as LT, is the practical daily-use upgrade and the first Sonic offered as either a sedan or hatchback.
Best for: Commuters who want more everyday convenience without moving to the comfort-focused top trim.
Highlights
Over the LS, the LT adds power windows, heated power-adjustable mirrors, cruise control, upgraded cloth, and a fuller audio system. It also expands the lineup from sedan only to sedan or hatchback.
18 in stock
The Premium Comfort trim level, sold as LTZ and Premier, is the upscale Sonic with a more comfortable cabin and added everyday convenience.
Best for: Shoppers who want small-car practicality with heated seats, easier entry and starting, and a more finished interior.
Highlights
Over the LT, the LTZ and Premier focus on comfort with heated front seats, synthetic leather seating, and a power-adjustable driver seat. Premier is also defined by keyless access, push-button start, and remote engine start.
5 in stock
The Sport Styling trim level, sold as RS, is the factory sport Sonic, built around firmer handling, stronger braking, and a more aggressive appearance.
Best for: Drivers who care more about a sharper feel and sportier design than extra luxury equipment.
Highlights
The RS is a separate sport branch rather than a simple comfort upgrade over LTZ and Premier. It adds a lowered, stiffer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, a sport exhaust, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and distinctive exterior trim.
0 in stock| Feature | Mid-Level | Base Model | Sport Styling | Premium Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | LTZ, Premier5 in stock | |||
| Member trim names | LT | LS | RS | LTZ, Premier |
| Lineup role | Everyday comfort | Entry sedan | Sport-focused branch | Top comfort |
| Body style identity | Sedan or hatchback | Sedan only | Factory sport Sonic | Sedan or hatchback |
| Cabin identity | Upgraded cloth | Simple manual adjustments | Leather-appointed sport seats with suede-like microfiber inserts | Synthetic leather |
| Convenience highlights | Cruise, power windows, heated power mirrors | Remote keyless entry and power locks | Flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel | Keyless access, remote start, power driver seat |
| Heated front seats | Not standard without added packages | Not a defining feature | Not a defining feature | Standard |
| Sport hardware | — | — | Lowered stiff suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, sport exhaust | — |
In the late-model lineup, LS is the basic sedan. It has the 138-hp turbo engine, automatic transmission, phone-compatible 7-inch touchscreen, power door locks, and folding rear seat, but uses simpler windows, mirrors, and seat controls than LT.
LT is the everyday-comfort trim. In recent years it was sold as a sedan or hatchback and added cruise control, power windows, heated power-adjustable mirrors, upgraded cloth, and six-speaker audio over the simpler LS.
From the 2017 refresh onward, Premier is the top comfort trim. Recent examples include keyless entry and push-button start, remote start, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and synthetic leather upholstery.
They fill a similar top-comfort role, but they belong to different eras. LTZ was the upmarket name before the 2017 refresh; Premier replaced it afterward. Exact equipment differs, so the names should not be treated as identical across years.
RS was the factory sport model from 2013-2016. It combined the turbo engine with a lower, firmer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, sport exhaust, more aggressive body trim, sport seats, and a flat-bottom steering wheel.
No. RS was a standalone trim through 2016. With the 2017 refresh, Chevrolet shifted the RS identity to a sport-appearance package for sedan models rather than keeping it as its own trim level.
In recent years, LS and LT shared the turbo engine, automatic transmission, and 7-inch phone-compatible touchscreen. LT added the daily conveniences LS lacked, including power windows, cruise control, heated power mirrors, and six-speaker audio.
On newer Sonics, LT covers the practical basics, while Premier adds the main comfort upgrades: keyless access, push-button start, remote start, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and synthetic leather seating.
On pre-refresh Sonics, LTZ emphasizes comfort with heated seats, synthetic leather, a rear camera, and the turbo engine. RS trades that comfort-first focus for firmer suspension tuning, stronger brakes, sportier seats, and more aggressive styling.
For a late-model hatchback, focus on LT or Premier because LS was sedan-only in the final lineup. Earlier shoppers will also encounter RS hatchbacks, which pair the hatchback body with firmer sport suspension and more aggressive trim.
Premier is the comfort-focused choice among refreshed Sonics, while LTZ serves that role on older examples. These trims are the ones to target for features such as heated seats and upgraded upholstery.
Look for the 2013-2016 RS. Its lower, stiffer suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, sport exhaust, and sport-focused cabin distinguish it from comfort-oriented LTZ models and regular LS or LT cars.
Every Sonic gained a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 2017 refresh. Earlier cars used Chevrolet's MyLink system instead; it was standard on LTZ and RS for 2013 and appeared on some lower trims.
On newer Sonics, Premier is the clear target because heated front seats and factory remote start define that trim. Some lower-trim used cars may have extra packages, so check the equipment on the individual vehicle.