48/100
2018Compact CarsRegular

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

EPA ID: 39424
25
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
34
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Sonic achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 25 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (s6), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2018 Sonic produces approximately 311 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Sonic performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.8L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions311 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score6/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
28.4
Impact vs EPA
$-25
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$528/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
44.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
29.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,675

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #18V342000·2018-06-28
critical
Component: SEATS

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. A joint in the driver's seat-back frame may not be properly welded, reducing the strength of the seat-back frame.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: In the event of a rear-impact crash, the seat-back may fail, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat-back, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18178.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Chevrolet Sonic configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City25 MPG
Highway34 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

62.2 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 77 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.2 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.