Against 529 other 4-cyl cars rated 2018–2020, the Sonic beats their 27.1 mpg average by 1.9 mpg, about $93 a year.
Every Chevrolet Sonic engine, compared
The Chevrolet Sonic was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. 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
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Nissan Versa gets 34.7 mpg, the Audi A4 29.3 mpg and the Volkswagen Jetta 34 mpg, next to 29 mpg for the 2020 Sonic. The Sonic costs the most of them to run: $217 a year more than the Nissan Versa.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2020) | $0.110 |
| Fuel per year | $1,324 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,620 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2018–2020 | −$93 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,978 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic gives up 8 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 26 in the city, $348 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2020) | 26 mpg | $1,477 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (31%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Sonic changed over the years
The Sonic peaked in 2018 at 32 mpg (28 city, 37 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2020 at 29 — 3 mpg apart, or $124 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2020 car does 29. The 2020 model loses 2 mpg against 31 for the 2019.
| 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.
- Fuel profile built from your actual mileage and local prices
- Fuel tracker: what you really spend, month by month
- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
- Compare any two cars on total cost, not sticker price
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Chevrolet Sonic — 1 engine across 2012–2020. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $1,978. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2020 Chevrolet Sonic get?
29 mpg combined, 26 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2012 the Sonic has averaged 31.6 mpg.
Is the 2020 Sonic more efficient than the 2019?
No: 29 against 31 mpg combined, about $85 a year more to run.
Which Sonic year has the best gas mileage?
The 2018, at 32 mpg combined (28 city, 37 highway).
Does the Sonic get better gas mileage than the Nissan Versa?
No: 29 mpg for the 2020 Sonic against 34.7 for the 2021 Nissan Versa, about $217 a year more to run.
Mark ForCar as a preferred source and our data shows up first in your Google results. One click, no account.