Does the Chevy Sonic have a CVT?
The Chevy Sonic does not use a CVT. Across its production years it was offered with either a 5-speed manual or a conventional 6-speed automatic, depending on the engine and trim. This article reviews the transmission options, explains why a CVT wasn't used, and notes how the Sonic compares with rivals in the small-car segment.
What transmissions did the Sonic offer?
Here are the two transmission options that were available across most Sonic models.
- 5-speed manual
- 6-speed automatic
In short, there was no CVT in the Sonic lineup; buyers selected between manual and automatic transmissions.
Model-year and market variations
While the core offerings were manual and automatic, the availability of certain engine and trim combinations varied by market and model year. The Sonic sold in North America primarily used these two transmissions, with no official CVT option in Chevrolet's small-car lineup.
Why GM didn't use a CVT in the Sonic
Automakers weigh packaging, cost, and customer acceptance when choosing transmissions. For the Sonic, GM prioritized a traditional automatic and a manual option to suit driving feel and reliability in a compact package, and CVTs were not adopted for this model.
How this stacks up against rivals
In the compact and subcompact segment, some rivals (such as certain trims of Honda and Toyota subcompact models) used CVTs to maximize fuel efficiency. The Sonic, however, did not; its fuel economy figures came from conventional transmissions and engine choices without a CVT.
Summary
The Chevy Sonic does not feature a CVT. It offered a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic throughout its production, with no CVT option in its U.S. and major overseas markets. For shoppers seeking a Sonic-like small car with a CVT, rival models exist, but the Sonic’s drivetrain stayed with traditional transmissions.
Does Chevy have CVT transmission?
Yes, Chevy does have CVT transmissions in some of its vehicles, such as the front-wheel-drive versions of the new 2025 Equinox, the Malibu, and the discontinued Spark. These transmissions are often used in models that prioritize fuel efficiency and offer a smoother, shiftless driving experience.
- 2025 Equinox: The front-wheel-drive models now use a CVT, while all-wheel-drive models use an 8-speed automatic.
- Malibu: The Malibu sedan has featured a CVT, particularly with its 1.5L turbo engine.
- Spark: The Spark, a compact hatchback, came standard with a CVT before it was discontinued.
- Other models: Most other Chevrolet models are equipped with traditional automatic transmissions (six, nine, or ten-speed) or manual transmissions, not CVTs.
Does the Chevy Sonic have a CVT transmission?
Cadillac: No modern Cadillac is equipped with a CVT. Chevrolet: The Bolt, Camaro, Corvette, Cruze, Impala, Sonic, Volt, Blazer, Equinox, Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, Traverse, Trax, Colorado and all Silverados are not equipped with CVTs.
What cars do not have a CVT transmission?
Many cars, particularly those with manual or traditional automatic transmissions, are available without a CVT. Examples include the Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Camaro, BMW 3 Series, and many larger Chevrolet and Toyota models. You can also find non-CVT vehicles by looking for specific brands that avoid the technology, such as Cadillac, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and RAM, or by searching for specific non-CVT models like the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Examples of new and used cars without CVTs
- Mazda: Many Mazda models, including the CX-5, use traditional automatic transmissions instead of CVTs.
- Chevrolet: The 2025 Trax, Equinox, Camaro (though it's being discontinued), and larger SUVs like the Traverse, Suburban, and Tahoe do not have CVTs.
- BMW: The BMW 3 Series is a notable example of a car without a CVT.
- Hyundai/Kia: The Tucson Hybrid, and older Elantra models (pre-2020) are options.
- Toyota: Many Toyota models do not use a CVT, including the non-hybrid Avalon, 4Runner, Highlander, and Camry, as well as the 86, Supra, and many trucks.
- Ford: Models like the Focus (2011–2018) did not use CVTs.
Brands and models to consider
- Performance/Luxury: Many high-end or performance-oriented brands avoid CVTs altogether, such as Cadillac, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and RAM.
- Manual transmission options: Some models still offer a manual transmission, which by definition is not a CVT. These include certain Acura, BMW, Ford Mustang, Hyundai, and Volkswagen models, notes Capital One.
- Trucks: Pickups like the Nissan Frontier and Tacoma are generally equipped with traditional transmissions.
What kind of transmission does a Chevy Sonic have?
Sonic is the small car that provides quick, responsive handling to help you take on traffic, and the fuel efficiency to put more road trips ahead of you. The standard ECOTEC® 1.4L turbocharged engine and 6-speed automatic transmission offers up to 26 city/34 highway MPG5 without sacrificing horsepower.
