Do Chevy Sonic seats fold down?
Yes. The Chevy Sonic’s rear seats fold down to expand cargo space on both the hatchback and sedan, using a split-folding rear bench that lets you lower part of the seat while keeping other seating intact.
How the folding seats work in the Sonic
The Sonic’s rear seating is designed to fold flat to create a larger cargo area when needed. In both body styles, the rear bench typically uses a split-fold design, so you can fold down one portion while leaving the other portion upright for passengers or cargo. Release mechanisms are usually located at the top of the seatbacks or along the edge where the seatback meets the base. You may need to adjust or remove headrests to achieve a fully flat load floor, and if your model has a center armrest, you can fold it down to maximize space for longer items.
To get the most versatility from the rear seats, you can plan what you’re carrying and choose which portion to fold accordingly. The folded sections create a flat loading surface that makes it easier to transport longer or bulkier items—think lumber, bikes, or appliances—without removing passengers.
Here are the general steps to fold the rear seats so you can convert from passenger to cargo mode:
- Clear the rear seat area and, if needed, adjust or remove the headrests to allow the seatbacks to fold.
- Identify the release for the seatback you want to fold (usually on top of the seatback or along the edge where the seatback meets the cushion).
- Release the latch or strap and push the seatback forward toward the front of the car.
- Lower the seatback until it lies flat with the cargo floor.
- If applicable, fold down the corresponding portion of the split rear bench first, then repeat for the other section if you need a completely flat surface.
- If your vehicle has a center armrest, fold it away to maximize cargo length.
In practice, folding the Sonic’s rear seats is a quick operation that greatly increases cargo space. The process is largely consistent across model years, but always consult your owner's manual or the glovebox sticker for the exact release location and any trim-specific differences.
Model-year considerations
The basic capability to fold the rear seats has been present across the Sonic’s production span. While the general concept remains the same, some trims may feature different release mechanisms or require manual rather than assistive actions to fold the seats. If you’re unsure about your exact year and trim, check the vehicle manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer for precise instructions.
Summary
The Chevy Sonic does indeed offer fold-down rear seats in both the hatchback and sedan forms. With a split-fold design, you can fold down one portion for longer cargo or the entire rear bench for maximum space. The folding process is simple and designed to be done quickly, making it easy to switch between passenger and cargo configurations as needed.
