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How much horsepower does a 1.4 turbo Chevy Sonic have?

The 1.4-liter turbo Chevy Sonic is rated at 138 horsepower, with about 148 lb-ft of torque.


Beyond that headline figure, the Sonic’s 1.4L turbo has appeared in several trims and markets with very similar output. This article lays out the official horsepower figure and notes how it can vary by model year and region.


Official horsepower figures for the 1.4L turbo in the Sonic


The Sonic’s 1.4L turbo Ecotec engine is typically listed with the following core output in US-market models:



  • Horsepower: 138 hp (103 kW)

  • Peak torque: 148 lb-ft (201 Nm), available from about 1,900 to 4,000 rpm


The figures above reflect Chevrolet’s published specifications for common Sonic trims that used the 1.4L turbo, including LS, LT, and RS variants.


Model-year and market variations


While the 138 hp figure is the standard reference for the Sonic’s 1.4L turbo, regional emissions rules and tuning can cause slight differences in official ratings. In practice, most markets that used this engine in the Sonic report horsepower close to 138 hp with torque in the 148 lb-ft range.


United States and Canada


In North America, the 1.4L turbo-powered Sonic has commonly been rated at 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.


Global variants


Across other regions that used a similar 1.4L turbo engine in the Sonic family (and related Opel/Vauxhall models), the output tends to be in the same ballpark, with minor variations due to local tuning and regulatory requirements.


Summary


Bottom line: The Chevy Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbo engine is widely published at 138 horsepower, delivering about 148 lb-ft of torque. This has been the standard specification across most model years and markets that used this engine, with only minor variations in official ratings due to regional tuning.

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Kevin Bennett

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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.