The Chevrolet Sonic does 31.6 mpg combined (27.7 city, 37.4 highway), which works out to about $1,215 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles. Against other 4-cyl cars it sits above the average of 25.4 mpg.
Every Chevrolet Sonic engine, compared
Picking the right version of the same car often saves more fuel than picking a different car altogether. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl | 27.7 / 37.4 | 2012–2020 | $1,215 |
What that actually costs
Miles per gallon is an abstraction; the fuel bill is not. Here it is in money, at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile | $0.101 |
| Fuel per year | $1,215 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,075 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars | −$297 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,978 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The gap between city and highway figures tells you whom the car suits. A wide gap punishes stop-and-start traffic; a narrow one means the car doesn't care where you drive it.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City | 27.7 mpg | $1,386 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 37.4 mpg | $1,027 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9.7 mpg (35%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Sonic changed over the years
Combined figure by model year. Jumps usually mark a new generation or a new engine; dips often mean a heavier body or added all-wheel drive.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2019 | 27 / 38 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2018 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2017 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2016 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2015 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2014 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2013 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 2012 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
Fuel-economy figures come from EPA fueleconomy.gov — the same laboratory numbers printed on the window sticker. We don't adjust them; real-world consumption depends on how and where you drive.
What we add is money. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon — change either and the ranking stays, only the size of the bill moves. Cost per mile is the same figure divided out, useful when comparing a commute against a weekend car.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the Chevrolet Sonic get?
31.6 mpg combined on average — 27.7 in the city and 37.4 on the highway, per EPA ratings across 2012–2020.
How much does a Chevrolet Sonic cost in fuel per year?
About $1,215 at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon — roughly $6,075 over five years, or 0.101 dollars a mile.
Which Sonic engine is the most economical?
The 1.4L 4-cyl at 31.6 mpg.
Is the Sonic good on fuel compared with similar cars?
Against other 4-cyl cars it sits above the average of 25.4 mpg, computed across 6877 ratings.
Are these real-world figures?
No — they are EPA laboratory ratings, the same ones on the window sticker. Real consumption depends on driving style, terrain, load and weather, and is typically a little worse.