What transmission is in a 2009 Chevy Cobalt?
The 2009 Chevy Cobalt offered both manual and automatic transmissions depending on trim and engine, with the sporty Cobalt SS Turbo available only with a manual transmission.
Transmission choices by engine
The following outlines the typical transmission pairings for the two main engine options in 2009 Cobalts, along with the high-performance SS variant.
- 2.2L Ecotec inline-four: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
- 2.4L Ecotec inline-four: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic
- 2.0L turbo (Cobalt SS): five-speed manual only
In summary, non‑SS models generally offered both manual and automatic options, while the turbocharged SS model was sold with a manual transmission exclusively.
Special case: the Cobalt SS Turbo
Manual‑only performance model
The Cobalt SS Turbo, the performance-oriented variant of the lineup, came equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine and was available exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. This setup was intended to enhance driving engagement and performance, aligning with the SS badge's emphasis on sportiness.
Summary
For most 2009 Cobalts, you could choose between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic depending on the engine and trim, with the exception of the Cobalt SS Turbo, which required a manual transmission. This means there was a balance between fuel economy and driving feel across trims, while the strongest performance model offered no automatic option.
