What kind of engine is in a Chevy Sonic?
The Chevy Sonic is equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine provides a good balance of power and efficiency for the compact Sonic sedan and hatchback models.
Chevy Sonic Engine Details
The standard engine in the Chevy Sonic is a 1.4-liter Ecotec turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, which gives the Sonic peppy acceleration and responsive performance around town. The 1.4T engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
In addition to the turbocharged 1.4-liter, the Chevy Sonic was also previously available with a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the 1.8L was discontinued after the 2020 model year, leaving the 1.4T as the sole engine option for the Sonic.
Fuel Economy and Performance
The Chevy Sonic with the 1.4T engine and 6-speed manual transmission is rated by the EPA at 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. Models with the 6-speed automatic transmission are slightly less efficient at 26 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
In terms of performance, the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine provides a nice boost in power compared to naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines typically found in subcompact cars. The Sonic can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 8 seconds, which is respectable for the class.
Conclusion
The Chevy Sonic is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a good mix of power, efficiency, and performance for a compact car. This engine has been the sole powertrain option for the Sonic since the 2021 model year.
