How much horsepower does a 2013 Chevy Sonic 1.4 Turbo have?
The 2013 Chevy Sonic 1.4 Turbo is rated at 138 horsepower.
In practical terms, this turbocharged 1.4-liter engine delivers the same peak horsepower as the non-turbo 1.8-liter option but with notably higher torque. The result is quicker responsiveness in everyday driving, especially from low to mid-range speeds, while still aiming for efficient fuel use. This article explains the official figures and what they mean for how the car performs.
Official horsepower and torque figures
Below are the published performance numbers GM used for the Sonic’s 1.4-liter turbo engine in 2013. These figures come from the manufacturer’s specifications and common automotive reference materials for that model year.
- Engine: 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 (displacement 1,396 cc)
- Horsepower: 138 hp (103 kW) at around 4,900 rpm
- Torque: 148 lb-ft (201 Nm) from about 1,850 to 4,900 rpm
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
These specifications indicate a focus on strong low-to-mid rpm torque to improve everyday driving feel, especially in city traffic and during highway merging.
Turbo versus non-turbo in the Sonic lineup
For context, the Sonic offered a non-turbo 1.8-liter engine as an alternative, which typically produced similar horsepower (around 138 hp) but with noticeably less peak torque than the turbo version. The main practical difference is torque delivery: the 1.4 Turbo’s 148 lb-ft of torque is available across a broad rpm range, giving the turbo model livelier acceleration from stop and during overtaking, compared with the 1.8-liter’s more modest torque curve.
- 1.4L turbo: 138 hp, 148 lb-ft
- 1.8L non-turbo: about 138 hp, ~125 lb-ft
In daily driving, the turbo’s higher torque tends to translate into quicker, more confident acceleration, even though the horsepower figure is similar on paper. The difference is most noticeable at lower speeds where torque matters most.
What buyers should know
The 1.4 Turbo’s horsepower figure of 138 hp remains stable across 2013 Sonic trims equipped with this engine, with performance enhanced by torque delivery and transmission choice. Real-world performance will depend on factors like drivetrain configuration, weight, and driving style, but the turbo model is generally favored for more responsive acceleration in everyday use.
Additional considerations for prospective buyers
When evaluating a used 2013 Sonic with the 1.4L turbo, consider maintenance history, turbocharger health, and any history of oil changes since turbocharged engines can be more sensitive to neglect. Confirm the vehicle has been serviced according to GM’s recommended intervals, and listen for any unusual turbo or intake sounds during acceleration.
Summary
The 2013 Chevy Sonic 1.4 Turbo delivers 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, providing strong low- to mid-range performance with turbocharged responsiveness. While horsepower matches the non-turbo 1.8-liter option, the turbo’s torque advantage offers noticeably quicker feel in everyday driving. Transmission choice (manual or automatic) also plays a role in how those numbers translate to real-world acceleration.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 2013 Chevy Cruze 1.4 Turbo get?
The Cruze Eco has a 138-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and with a six-speed manual transmission, it gets an EPA-estimated 28/42 mpg city/highway and uses regular unleaded gas. The Cruze Eco with a six-speed automatic transmission gets 26/39 mpg.
What is the most common problem with the Chevy Sonic?
Engine Problems
The engine is the heart of your Chevrolet Sonic. If your car is having trouble starting, idling roughly, or stalling, the engine may be the culprit. Many engine-related problems stem from simple issues that can be checked without a mechanic's help. A rough idle is one of the most common engine issues.
How fast does a 2013 Chevy Sonic go?
The top speed of a 2013 Chevy Sonic is around 125 mph for the turbocharged 1.4L engine, though this can vary depending on the specific model and conditions. Some owners have reported reaching higher speeds in real-world conditions, like 137 mph on a straight, downhill stretch of highway.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2013 Chevrolet Sonic's top speed and performance: 1mMotorWeekYouTube · Nov 26, 2013
- Turbocharged 1.4L Engine: The official top speed is estimated to be around 125 mph.
- Real-world speeds: Owners have reported reaching slightly higher speeds in favorable conditions, such as 137 mph on a straight, downhill highway.
- Variations: Factors like the specific trim level, transmission, and environmental conditions can cause variations in the actual top speed achieved.
