How many miles per gallon does a 2013 Chevy Sonic RS get?
The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS is EPA-rated to deliver roughly 29 miles per gallon combined, with about 26–27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission and driving conditions.
In 2013, Chevrolet offered the Sonic RS with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. The fuel economy figures are a key consideration for buyers given the hatchback’s performance-oriented nature. Below are the official estimates and how they can translate to everyday driving.
EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2013 Sonic RS
EPA estimates for the Sonic RS vary slightly by transmission. The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine is designed to balance performance with efficiency. The numbers below reflect the figures reported by EPA for the 2013 model year RS.
- Manual transmission: approximately 26–27 miles per gallon in city driving and 34 miles per gallon on the highway, for an estimated combined of about 29–30 mpg.
- Automatic transmission: approximately 26–28 miles per gallon in city driving and 34 miles per gallon on the highway, for an estimated combined of about 29–30 mpg.
Note: real-world results will vary based on driving style, terrain, climate, and vehicle condition.
Real-world efficiency and factors
In everyday driving, actual MPG can differ from EPA figures. Compact hatchbacks with turbocharged engines often perform better on highways than in urban stop-and-go. Weight, aerodynamics, and tire choice all play a role.
- Driving conditions: City vs highway significantly affects mpg, with stop-and-go city traffic lowering efficiency.
- Maintenance and tires: Properly inflated tires and timely maintenance help preserve fuel economy.
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration, anticipating traffic, and avoiding excessive idling improve efficiency.
For many owners, real-world MPG for the 2013 Sonic RS tends to cluster in the high 20s to low 30s mpg, depending on the above factors.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Implementing a few practical steps can help you squeeze more miles out of every gallon in the Sonic RS.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; under-inflation reduces efficiency.
- Follow the maintenance schedule, especially spark plugs, air filter, and engine oil changes.
- Avoid excess weight and roof racks when not needed.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and early use of cruise control on highways.
These practices typically yield incremental gains in MPG without sacrificing safety or performance.
Summary
The 2013 Chevy Sonic RS is EPA-rated to deliver approximately 29–30 mpg combined, with about 26–27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, depending on whether you use a manual or automatic transmission. Real-world results vary, but with mindful driving and proper maintenance, owners commonly see mpg in the upper 20s to low 30s.
How many miles per gallon does a Sonic RS get?
RS Trim – The Sonic RS was able to return 27 mpg/city and 34 mpg/highway when equipped with the manual transmission and a respectable 25 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway when mated to the optional automatic transmission.
What is the gas mileage on a 2013 Chevy Sonic RS?
The RS is rated 27/34/30 mpg city/highway/combined. However, because there are so few performance alterations it's surprising that the RS' mileage is in fact lower than that of the LTZ with the same engine; that car is rated 29/40/33 mpg city/highway/combined.
What are common problems with Sonic RS?
Transmission Problems
Hesitant shifting is a common problem in automatic models of the Chevrolet Sonic. This can cause rough shifting and delayed response when you change gears. The issue could be due to low transmission fluid or a more serious problem within the transmission.
Can a Chevy Sonic last 300,000 miles?
According to motorandwheels.com, a Chevy Sonic will last 150,000-200,000 miles with excellent care.
