How much horsepower does the Chevy Sonic SS have?
There is no Chevrolet Sonic SS model. The sport-oriented variant Chevrolet offered was the Sonic RS, which delivers 138 horsepower. If you're comparing engines, the Sonic lineup included a 1.4-liter turbo and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine, both rated at 138 horsepower in different configurations, with varying torque.
Clarifying the Sonic lineup
The "SS" badge was not used on the Sonic. The closest performance model was the Sonic RS, built around a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. The standard Sonic used a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine and also lists 138 horsepower, but with a different torque profile and driving feel.
Horsepower by engine
Before listing the figures, note that Chevrolet published horsepower values for two engines that appeared in the Sonic during its U.S. market years. Both engines are rated at 138 horsepower, but torque and delivery differ between the turbo and naturally aspirated variants.
- 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four (Ecotec) — 138 horsepower, 148 lb-ft of torque; used in the Sonic RS (2012–2016 in the U.S.).
- 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four — 138 horsepower, 125 lb-ft of torque; used in base Sonic LS/LT/LTZ models (2012–2016 in the U.S.).
Notes on torque vs horsepower: Even though both engines share the same horsepower rating, the turbo torque is available at lower RPMs, giving the RS a more immediately responsive feel compared with the naturally aspirated engine.
Additional context on the model
The Sonic nameplate in the U.S. was discontinued after its final model year, with no current Chevrolet subcompact available under that name. For buyers seeking similar performance today, Chevrolet’s lineup offers other small cars with modern turbocharged options, but they do not carry the Sonic badge.
Bottom line for buyers and owners
The official horsepower figure for the Sonic lineup tops out at 138 horsepower, regardless of engine choice. The “SS” label isn’t an official Chevrolet trim, but the Sonic RS delivers that 138 hp with turbocharged torque, while the base 1.8L engine also lists 138 hp but with lower torque. The model is no longer in production, so current options are within Chevrolet’s other small-car offerings.
Summary
There is no Chevy Sonic SS. The closest performance variant, the Sonic RS, has 138 horsepower, as does the base 1.8-liter engine used on other Sonic trims. The Sonic lineup has been retired in the U.S., so contemporary options do not include a Sonic model.
