What was the last year they made the Chevy Sonic?
The last model year of the Chevrolet Sonic was 2019.
Production timeline and last year
The Sonic debuted in the market as Chevrolet's entry-level hatchback and compact sedan, replacing the long-running Aveo. It rode on GM's Gamma II platform and offered a mix of engine options, including a turbocharged 1.4-liter variant. Over its lifespan, the Sonic saw a mid-cycle refresh and several updates before GM ultimately ended production after the 2019 model year. In North America, there were no 2020 or later Sonic models sold.
Here are the key milestones in the Sonic's production run.
- 2012 model year: Introduction of the Sonic as a replacement for the Aveo, available in hatchback and sedan form on the Gamma II platform.
- 2013 model year: Availability of the Sonic RS with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine; performance-oriented option added to the lineup.
- 2013–2016: Continued use of the 1.4L turbo across trims with multiple transmission choices; gradual feature updates.
- 2017 model year: Mid-cycle refresh bringing styling tweaks and updated interior technology (larger touchscreen options and improved infotainment).
- 2019 model year: Final year of production; GM discontinued the Sonic as part of a broader shift away from small cars toward SUVs and crossovers.
These milestones illustrate the Sonic's lifecycle from its launch to its retirement, marking its place in GM's past subcompact lineup.
Reasons for discontinuation
GM cited several factors in ending the Sonic's run, reflecting changing market dynamics and corporate strategy. The subcompact segment had become less profitable and more competitive, while consumer demand increasingly favored small crossovers and SUVs. Additionally, the Sonic’s aging Gamma II platform required investment that GM chose not to pursue in light of budget priorities and the need to streamline offerings.
Here are the main factors behind the decision to discontinue the Sonic.
- Weak and declining sales in the subcompact segment, especially against rivals and the rising preference for crossovers.
- GM's shift in product strategy toward SUVs and trucks, reducing focus on aging small cars.
- Cost of updating an aging platform and maintaining a low-volume model in a changing market.
- Strategic consolidation of GM's lineup to allocate resources to higher-demand vehicles.
Taken together, these considerations led General Motors to stop producing the Sonic after the 2019 model year, with no 2020 or later Sonic vehicles released.
Summary
The Chevy Sonic's production ended with the 2019 model year, reflecting a broader shift in the auto industry away from compact hatchbacks toward crossovers and SUVs. For shoppers today, GM's current subcompact options lean toward entries like the Spark in some markets, while the Sonic itself remains a legacy model in Chevrolet's history.
