How much coolant does a 2016 Chevy Sonic take?

The cooling system in a 2016 Chevy Sonic holds about 7 quarts (roughly 6.6 liters) of coolant. The exact amount can vary slightly by engine variant and whether you’re including the heater core in the fill. The Sonic uses Dex-Cool orange long-life coolant, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

In practice, the Sonic came with two engine options—the 1.8-liter and the 1.4-liter turbo—and both share a compact cooling system. This article explains the approximate capacity and how to refill safely.

Engine options and cooling capacity

The following figures are approximate total cooling system capacities for the 2016 Sonic, including the radiator, engine block, heater core, and hoses.

• 1.8L engine: approximately 7 quarts (~6.6 liters) of coolant.


• 1.4L turbo engine: approximately 7 quarts (~6.6 liters) of coolant.

Note: The exact capacity can vary slightly by trim, optional equipment, and whether the heater core is included in the fill.

What coolant to use

The Sonic requires Dex-Cool, GM's orange long-life coolant. Use a premixed 50/50 solution with distilled water unless your manual specifies otherwise. Do not mix Dex-Cool with other coolant types unless explicitly approved by GM, and never run the system with pure water for long periods.

Refilling and maintenance tips

When refilling, ensure the engine is cool, the radiator cap is off the reservoir or radiator, and you purge air from the system to prevent air pockets. After refilling, run the engine and check for leaks and proper level, topping up as needed to the full line on the reservoir when the engine is cold.

• Step 1: Park on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely before opening any caps.


• Step 2: Open the radiator or reservoir cap and slowly add the 50/50 Dex-Cool mix to the recommended level.


• Step 3: Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature, watching the gauge and listening for temperature anomalies; top up as necessary.


• Step 4: Check for leaks around hoses, clamps, and the radiator; recheck levels once the engine cools.

For best results, follow the maintenance schedule in GM’s manual. Dex-Cool typically requires replacement every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and the system should be flushed and refilled accordingly to maintain cooling performance.

Summary

The 2016 Chevy Sonic's cooling system holds roughly 7 quarts of coolant, with the two engine options compatible with Dex-Cool in a 50/50 mix. Always verify exact capacity in the owner's manual and follow proper refilling and maintenance steps to ensure optimal engine cooling and longevity.

What kind of coolant does a 2016 Chevy Sonic take?

The recommended coolant for a 2016 Chevy Sonic is the GM-specific orange Dex-Cool (Organic Acid Technology or OAT) or a universal compatible coolant. While universal coolants are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, some sources advise sticking with the orange Dex-Cool for the best long-term performance in GM vehicles to prevent issues like sludge and clogging that can occur when mixing coolant types.
 
Recommended coolant types

• Dex-Cool (Orange): This is the factory-fill coolant for most GM vehicles, including the 2016 Sonic. It is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant and is often available pre-mixed or as a concentrate. 
• Universal Coolant (Yellow or Orange): Many universal coolants are designed to be compatible with Dex-Cool, but it's crucial to check the specific product's compatibility or choose a universal coolant that explicitly states compatibility with OAT/Dex-Cool. Universal yellow coolants are often a safe choice for all-makes/models, but Dex-Cool is the original specification. 

Important considerations

• Do not mix coolant types: Mixing Dex-Cool with other types of coolant (even some universal ones) can cause the coolant to sludge up and clog the cooling system. 
• Flush before changing types: If you need to switch from Dex-Cool to a different universal coolant, it is highly recommended to completely drain and flush the system first to prevent compatibility issues. 
• Check existing coolant color: Before purchasing, check the color of the coolant currently in your vehicle. If it is orange, use another Dex-Cool or a compatible universal coolant. If it is a different color, your system may have been changed already. 
• Consult owner's manual: Always refer to your 2016 Chevy Sonic owner's manual for the most accurate information on the recommended coolant.

What coolant does the Chevy Sonic take?

The correct coolant type for a Chevrolet Sonic is Dex-Cool orange-colored antifreeze, which is a GM-approved, extended-life formula. You can use a 50/50 pre-mixed version or a concentrate that needs to be mixed with distilled water. It is crucial to use the correct type to avoid damaging the cooling system.
 
Recommended coolant

• Dex-Cool: This is the specific GM-approved coolant for most models, and it has an orange color. 
• Type: You can buy it either as a 50/50 pre-mixed ready-to-use product or as a concentrate. 
• For concentrate: If you purchase the concentrate, you must mix it with distilled water to the correct ratio before adding it to the system. 

Important considerations

• Avoid mixing: Do not mix Dex-Cool with other coolant types, as this can cause the coolant to gel and block the system. 
• Check your reservoir: Always look at the color of the coolant currently in your reservoir. If it's orange, stick with Dex-Cool. 

How many gallons of coolant do I need?

You will likely need between 1 and 2 gallons of coolant concentrate to mix with an equal amount of distilled water for a 50/50 solution, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's cooling system capacity, which can range from 3 to 7 liters (or about 0.75 to 1.75 gallons). It is best to consult your owner's manual or purchase a slightly larger quantity, such as two gallons of concentrate, to ensure you have enough, as some systems can hold more and you may need extra to top off. 
How to determine the right amount

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable method, as it will state the exact capacity of your vehicle's cooling system. Look for information under "fluid capacities". 
• Estimate based on engine size: If you don't have the manual, you can estimate that 4-cylinder engines generally require between 1 and 2 gallons of a 50/50 mix. Larger engines will need more. 
• For a complete flush: If you are doing a full coolant flush, you will likely need more concentrated antifreeze. You can start by adding about 4 gallons of concentrate to a system that holds 8 gallons total, as you can't drain all the old coolant, and then fill the rest with distilled water. 
• For topping off: If you are just topping off the system, add enough to reach the "COLD" line on the overflow tank. The amount will be much smaller, likely less than a quart, says this Quora post. 

Important tips

• Always use distilled water: Never use tap water, as the minerals can cause corrosion in your cooling system. 
• Mix it correctly: Make sure to mix the antifreeze with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio for optimal protection. 
• Check the level after service: After refilling, run the engine and keep an eye on the coolant level, as air bubbles may need to be "burped" out of the system. 

How many quarts does a 2016 Chevy Sonic take?

4.8 quarts
Oil Grade: SEOC3

Viscosity:	0W-30 (Below -29°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS)
Capacity:	4.8 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.
Torque:	10.3 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)
Notes:	(1) This specification has been updated from Dexos 1 Gen 2 to GM Dexos 1 Gen 3.