2019 Chevrolet Sonic Gets New Base Engine, New Color & More
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The rumors of the Chevy Sonic’s death imminent death have been greatly exaggerated, as order guides for the subcompact car family show that the range will stick around for at least the 2019 model year, while getting a few notable changes and updates to boot.
On the outside, the 2019 Sonic does away with Ivy Metallic and Arctic Blue Metallic colors, while gaining a new color called Shock.
Arguably the biggest change is the deletion of the 1.8L LUW I4 engine (configured as the 1.8L LWE I4 in some states for emissions purposes) and its associated transmissions and axles from the lineup. The archaic and rather gutless naturally-aspirated four-banger was the base engine in the Sonic since its introduction in 2012, where it made 138 horses and 125 pound-feet of torque. The deletion of the motor results in the Turbo 1.4L LUV engine becoming the standard motor. The 1.4L Turbo LUV was the optional engine for the Sonic since the model’s introduction, and it makes a slightly better 148 pound-feet of torque while keeping the same horsepower rating as the 1.8L LUW/LWE.
On the technology front, the 2019 Sonic gets a new RPO code for the keyless open/keyless entry system (ATH changes to AVJ), and the remote vehicle starter system is no longer standard on the LT Sedan with the Automatic Transmission. Instead, remote start becomes part of the Convenience Package on the LT trim.
Finally, the Fun and Sun Package is deleted across the board. In previous years, the package included the 1.4L Turbo LUV engine, a power sunroof, and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.
And that does it for what’s new for the 2019 Sonic. Though the changes are not substantial, they certainly put an end to rumors of the model’s discontinuation, meaning that the lovable subcompact car range will stick around for at least one more year after being introduced for 2012 and refreshed for 2017. Besides, we knew full well that GM/Chevrolet wasn’t planning on replacing the Sonic until at least the 2020 model year. Even so, there’s no denying that Sonic sales are on the decline: 2017 saw 30,290 deliveries, which pales in comparison to the 93,518 units delivered in 2014.
RPO-level changes/updates along with the order guide are in the link list below.
About Chevrolet Sonic
The Chevrolet Sonic is a subcompact family of vehicles that include a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Having replaced the Aveo in the Chevrolet lineup, the Sonic is currently Chevrolet’s second-smallest car, slotting above the Chevrolet Spark city car but below the compact Chevrolet Cruze, midsize Chevrolet Malibu and full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current model was introduced for the 2012 model year and represents the first generation of the Sonic nameplate. The model rides on the GM Gamma platform shared with the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.
The 2018 Chevy Sonic represents the seventh model year of the first-generation Sonic. The model was given a midcycle refresh for the 2017 model year. The vehicle remains competitive in its segment and the 2018 model year brings a handful of changes, including a new exterior color, a change to the Sun and Sound Package, and the standardization of the seven-inch diagonal color touchscreen. The 2019 model year saw, the eighth model year of the first-gen model, the addition of one new color, the 1.4L Turbo engine becoming standard, along with various minor changes.
In March 2017, a new rumor stated that GM would discontinue the Sonic as soon as 2018. It’s unclear whether or not the nameplate will see a follow-up with a second generation.
For the U.S. and Canadian markets, the 2018 Chevy Sonic sedan and hatchback are assembled by GM U.S.A. at the GM Lake Orion plant in Orion Township, Michigan, USA.
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I would think with all the uncertainty in Korea, which could prove problematic for
spark and Trax production, GM management would be wise to hang on to the Sonic (at least in the near term).
I think the biggest ‘issue’ with Sonic is that it’s the only subcompact made here in the US, so the margins are thin.
I wouldn’t be surprised if next generation comes from overseas. This car is made all over the world, Mexico, China, Thailand, Russia, Colombia, Korea. If it survives it might going to have to come from one of those places.
It’s only now made in the U.S., Korea and Mexico… Thailand no longer makes cars, Russian manufacturing has been paused, and the Sonic was never made by GM Colmotores in Colombia. Either way, I agree with you – the cost structure is too high for the Sonic to be made here.
I would welcome a Mexican-made Sonic, as long as the product lives on.
The Sonic is available in Russia as the Ravon Nexia, manufactured in Uzbekistan from Korean CKD kits. Its unlikely to be imported into the US.
Great. I think it’s the best looking subcompact on the road today. It’s one of the few little cars that you actually will notice if it passes by you.
Wish the back end of the hatch was restyled — not a fan. Think that different styling cues are needed, especially with the Cruze hatch.
They should have put the 1.4L of the Cruze on the Sonic.
They should have indeed, but I think the reason for not doing so is two-fold – both related to cost:
1. The 1.4L turbo LE2 of the Cruze would have had to have been tested and validated in the sonic = development cost
2. The LE2 costs more than the LUV to produce. The latter’s tooling and development costs have been paid off a long time ago. So when looking at a product like the Sonic that’s just hanging on (from a profit/loss standpoint), the decision is to go conservative. This is exacerbated further by the higher product costs of the car, as it’s made locally in the states (for North America).
More info on the 1.4T LE2 engine in the new Cruze:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/le2/
Will there be a CNG version of the 2019 Sonic as was available in 2014 through 2016?
Is the 2019 1.4L turbo DI or PFI?
The article has links to detailed info about each of the engines in question.
Here’s the one on the 1.4 turbo used in the Sonic:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/luv/
It’s an older engine, part of the Ecotec family 0, so not direct injected.
2018 Sonic is the 7th model year not the 6th.
Duly noted and fixed.
Great opening line of the story. We just got notice from GM fifteen minutes ago through a home office letter that the Sonic will not be continued in 2019 in Canada. So no, it has not been greatly exaggerated; it was right on the money.
Looks like a 2015 Mitsi Lancer with 6 inches cut off the nose and 20’s on it….
I wouldn’t mind owning a Sonic just to have as an urban runabout.