2018 Chevrolet Sonic Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New For 2018
Because the Sonic received major changes in the 2017 model, the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic doesn’t have too many new features. Most changes this year are deletions of packages that were unpopular or unattractive, such as the Brimstone and Krypton Green exterior colors. The Krypton Green package was also deleted. However, the Sonic did gain a new Ivy metallic coloring and has replaced the Fun and Sun II package with the LPO-level Fun and Sun package - a package that includes a turbo engine, sport suspension, and a powered sunroof.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic – The Pros
1. Smooth, Stable Ride
When you drive a subcompact car for the first time, it’s easy to feel a little insecure due to the low weight of the car’s body. The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic does not feel like most other subcompacts, though. Its wide base gives the car a much more stable and smooth ride than previous iterations.
2. Engine Options
The Sonic’s base 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is both efficient and powerful without being overbearing for the size of the car. You do have the option of upgrading to a smaller but even more powerful 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine to give the car even more pep. The 1.4-L also gains between 2 and 5 mpg on the highway.
3. Precise Handling
The Chevy’s handling is quite versatile. Due to its small size, the car is great for city traffic and has the compact cornering to prove it. This, in combination with the previously mentioned stable base, give the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic nimble yet precise maneuvering on all road types.
4. Interior Space
One of the primary concerns that surfaces upon seeing a subcompact car is the potential lack of interior space. The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic boasts a huge amount of space on the inside. It can fit five people comfortably (four passengers and the driver), and the rear seats are among the most spacious of the entire class. With the rear seats folded, the trunk and the backseat offer almost 48 cubic feet of cargo space.
5. Comfortable Driver’s Seat
If you’re driving every day for significant periods of time, then the Sonic is a great choice purely for its driver’s seat. With a right-side armrest and built-in lumbar support, the seat is extremely comfortable even for long periods of time. The glove boxes are easily accessible, and the center console is easy to reach and navigate without taking your eyes off the road.
6. Top-notch Infotainment System
Yet another feature that’s great for long drives is the built-in infotainment system. Programmed with Chevy’s MyLink, the system interfaces directly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can use Chevy’s voice recognition software, or you can use Siri or Android’s voice recognition. The system has 4G LTE Wi-Fi. One of the best features is a standard rearview camera that’s especially useful when getting those perfect parking spots that only a subcompact car can get into.
7. Huge Number of Trim Options
Though the trims aren’t new for the 2018 model (except the removal of the Krypton Green package), there are still a huge number of colors and trims available for you to choose from. The car either comes in a sedan form or a hatchback, and each has multiple options. The sedan offers the LS, LT, and Premier trims, while the hatchback only has the LT and Premier trims.
8. Amazing Fuel Economy
A hallmark of subcompact cars is the outstanding fuel economy in both the city and on the highway. The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic fits the bill perfectly, offering 24-26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the 1.8-liter standard engine. The 1.4-liter turbo engine offers even higher gas mileage, with 25-29 miles per gallon in the city and 33-40 mpg on the highway.
9. Interesting & Useful Upgrades
While some cars have a plethora of upgrades that aren’t exactly useful, the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic’s upgrades all seem to have uses that aren’t essential but provide quality of life points. For example, one package upgrade includes keyless entry and push-button engine starting capabilities. While this isn’t totally necessary, for some people this can be extremely useful. Other similar upgrades include a heated driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and a powered driver’s seat.
10. Color Choices
The color hues you can choose from range from the bright Orange Burst Metallic to the understand Arctic Blue Metallic. There will definitely be a color and trim for the 2018 Chevrolet Sonic that will fit your driving personality.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Chevrolet Sonic – The Cons
1. Standard Model Lacks Cruise Control
If you’re driving long distances, then you’ll have to keep your foot on the pedals of the Sonic. Unless you upgrade to the Premier trim or buy one of the package upgrades, then the standard models do not offer cruise control.
2. Relatively Low Power
Some drivers like to have a car that accelerates fast and can maintain high power for long periods of time. The Sonic doesn’t seem to have tons of power, though it does accelerate well. The maximum of 138 horsepower is definitely enough for regular city and highway driving, but it won’t give you a thrill every time you floor it.
3. Technology Safety Features Lacking
Though the 2018 models all come standard with a rearview camera, there are some technical aspects of safety that could be better. The Sonic could do well with some sort of automatic blind spot detection or even lane departure warnings.
How it Stacks Up to the Competition
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic definitely stands out in its class. Whether you desire the sedan or the hatchback, the two options offer high-quality cars that deliver on Chevy’s promises. Though other cars like the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris offer similar driving capabilities and some other options unavailable in the Sonic, the Sonic is a great choice for nearly every aspect of the subcompact.
Conclusion
The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic should absolutely be one of your top choices for a subcompact car. Its smooth, nimble ride and comfortable, roomy interior make this a reliable and safe car for city and highway travel.
