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Does the 2012 Chevy Sonic have turbo?

Yes, the 2012 Chevy Sonic was available with a turbocharged engine option. The Sonic was Chevrolet's subcompact car that debuted for the 2012 model year, and it offered a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine as an upgrade from the standard naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine.


Turbocharged Engine Option for the 2012 Chevy Sonic


The 2012 Chevy Sonic was available with two engine choices: a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine was an optional upgrade that provided more power and performance compared to the standard 1.8-liter engine.



  • The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine produced 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque.

  • In comparison, the standard 1.8-liter engine produced 135 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque.

  • The turbo engine was available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

  • The turbo engine option provided a noticeable boost in acceleration and performance over the base 1.8-liter engine.


The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine was a popular choice for buyers who wanted more power and responsiveness from their 2012 Chevy Sonic. It helped make the Sonic a more engaging and fun-to-drive subcompact car.


Fuel Economy and Pricing for the Turbo Sonic


Despite the added power from the turbo engine, the 2012 Chevy Sonic with the 1.4-liter turbo still achieved respectable fuel economy ratings. The turbo model was rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway with the automatic.


The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine was a $700 option on the 2012 Sonic, adding to the base price of the vehicle. However, many buyers felt the improved performance and driving dynamics were worth the additional cost.

What kind of engine is in the 2012 Chevy Sonic?


A 1.8-liter four-cylinder is standard on all trim levels, while a turbocharged 1.4-liter can be had on LT and LTZ trims. The lighter Sonic is peppier and more responsive than its larger sibling.



What engine does Sonic use?


The Hedgehog Engine
The Hedgehog Engine (ヘッジホッグエンジン, Hejjihogguenjin?) is a proprietary game engine developed by Sonic Team that is primarily used in games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series.



Does 2012 Chevy Sonic have turbo?


The 1.8-liter comes with either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, and the 1.4-liter turbo comes with a six-speed manual. The 1.8-liter engine produces 135 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. The 1.4-liter turbo engine is more powerful, producing 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque.



How many miles does a 2012 Chevy Sonic last?


The Chevrolet Sonic, which saw its production end in 2020, is known for its durability, with many models reaching up to 200,000 miles.



What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevy Sonic?


Transmission Problems. The Chevy Sonic problems include issues with the transmission. Transmission problems are most prevalent in the 2012-2015 vehicles. Minor repairs will cost you about $100 to fix, but others may require a new transmission.



Are 2012 Chevy Sonics reliable cars?


As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's styling and reliability to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 163 out of 274 of owners (59% of them) rank the 2012 Sonic five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic.



What Chevy has a turbo?


Chevrolet Engine Options

Chevrolet CarEngine Options
Chevy Cruze1.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
Chevy Malibu1.5L 4-cylinder DOHC with turbocharger 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid
Chevy Impala2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder 3.6L DOHC V6
Chevy Camaro2.0L turbo 4-cylinder with VVT 3.6L V6 with VVT 6.2L V8



How much does it cost to fix a turbo on a Chevy Sonic?


The average cost for a Chevrolet Sonic Turbocharger Assembly Replacement is between $1,162 and $1,243. Labor costs are estimated between $308 and $389 while parts are typically priced around $854. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.



Is Chevy Sonic good or bad?


Handling is fairly nimble, the brakes are excellent, and the ride is civilized for this class. The sedan has a huge trunk and gives a better view out, but the hatchback version has more cargo versatility. Both offer a relatively quiet cabin, but the rear seats are cramped.



Do all Chevy Sonics have turbo?


Now that the turbocharged engine is standard on all Sonics, we recommend going with the mid-level LT trim.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.