2019 Chevrolet Sonic Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Some new cars can become a serious financial burden. If you can't handle paying steep monthly payments, take a serious look at the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. Although the Sonic may be a cheap ride, it has a lot of great qualities. Drivers will certainly appreciate this compact car's cool styling and competitive number of standard features. After taking the Sonic for a spin, many people are surprised by how fun it is to drive.

Only a few tweaks have been made to the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. The biggest update is the discontinuation of the base engine. All trims now come standard with last year's available turbocharged engine. For the drivers who want to make a really big splash, Chevy offers a new Shock paint color. Some of the other available exterior colors include Red Hot, Silver Ice Metallic, and Orange Burst Metallic.

When shopping for a new 2019 Chevrolet Sonic, you'll have only three trims to choose from. However, there are some worthy options available. Let's check out the key differences between each trim.

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LS vs LT Trims. What is the difference?

You can get the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic in two different body styles. While a hatchback is available, the base Sonic LS is a sedan-only trim. It's among the least expensive cars on the market. This is the perfect model for the drivers who're simply looking for an inexpensive means of transportation.

Manual side mirrors and manual windows highlight the LS trim's bare-bones design. While you'll also have to manually adjust the driver's seat, the standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel proves to be a great feature. It enables the Sonic to better accommodate a wide range of different-sized drivers. Some of the other conveniences include automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and remote locking. An oil life monitor helps you keep maintenance up to par.

Impressive infotainment features make the Sonic even more rewarding. The Sonic LS comes standard with a 4G Wi-Fi hot spot, which is a niciety rarely found in this price class. You'll also enjoy the 7.0-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support. Other infotainment goodies include two USB ports, GM's highly touted OnStar communications system, and a four-speaker stereo system.

The LS trim's basic styling reflects its below-average price tag. Cost-cutting steel wheels come standard. However, LED running lights do help give the Sonic LS a modern touch. Like every new Sonic, it comes equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While the six-speed manual transmission gives the Sonic a sportier nature, most drivers are expected to opt for the six-speed automatic transmission.

In contrast to the base Sonic LS, the Sonic LT is available as both a hatchback and a sedan. It's also a bit nicer on the inside. Upgraded cloth upholstery helps elevate the cabin's quality. You'll also enjoy power windows and a six-speaker stereo system with satellite radio. A prettier set of 15-inch alloy wheels replace the LS trim's steel wheels.

If you want to add more comfort to the Sonic LT, take advantage of the available Convenience package. It provides power adjustments for the driver's seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Along with the Convenience package also comes proximity entry with keyless start. To get advanced safety technologies like forward collision alert and lane departure warning, you'll have to get the optional Driver Confidence package. Rear parking sensors are included as well.

Driving enthusiasts will definitely want the Sonic LT's available Performance package. While a sports-tuned suspension promotes tighter handling, a sport exhaust gives the Sonic a more exciting sound.

Compare the 2019 Sonic LT vs Premier Trims. What is the difference?

Atop the Sonic range sits the Premier trim. It comes loaded with the LT trim's optional Convenience package. Simulated leather upholstery lines the interior. A sunroof is offered as a stand-alone option. The Driver Confidence safety package remains an option as well.

While the Sonic Premier does come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, you have access to a popular RS appearance package. It decks out the car with an integrated rear spoiler and sporty rocker moldings. You'll notice the RS package's sharp-looking black wheels as well. Sportier interior upgrades also come with the RS package, including a flat-bottom steering wheel and black-accented gauges. Like the Sonic LT, the Sonic Premier offers a Performance package.

Final Thoughts

If you're not concerned about style or luxury, consider buying the low-priced Sonic LS sedan. It has an attractive MSRP of $15,420. While you can expect to find inexpensive materials on the inside, the base Sonic LS does provide nice infotainment features. A 7.0-inch touch screen with smartphone integration and onboard Wi-Fi help keep you connected to the outside world. Furthermore, a stronger turbocharged engine now comes standard.

Although the Sonic LT is more expensive, it's still priced less than $20,000. This trim brings modern conveniences like heated power mirrors and power windows. While the Driver Confidence package is extra, you should seriously consider getting it. Forward collision warning and lane departure alert promise to give you a greater degree of protection on the road. Meanwhile, parking sensors help you to squeeze into small spaces.

You also can't forget about the Sonic LT's available Performance package. While the sports-tuned suspension will not transform the Sonic into a race car, it will definitely improve road handling. The sport exhaust certainly adds a big dose of fun. Drivers will experience a beautiful exhaust note when accelerating.

Even the range-topping Sonic Premier is considered to be a bargain. Aside from the optional Driver Confidence package, it comes loaded with all of the available goodies. You can also get outfit the Sonic Premier with the exciting Performance package. When equipped with the stunning RS appearance package, the Sonic Premier turns plenty of heads.

2019 Chevrolet Sonic Key Features

Chevrolet no longer offers last year's base engine. The previously optional turbocharged engine now comes standard across the board. It develops an entertaining 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Even at low speeds, a good amount of torque is sent to the front wheels. This means you can look forward to experiencing a surprisingly responsive performance. Although fuel economy is slightly below average for a compact car, a manual-equipped Sonic sedan can deliver up to 38 mpg. Expect the heavier hatchback model to be a tad less efficient.

If you desire the best possible handling, spend the money on the optional Performance package. When driving on a twisty road, the benefits of the sports-tuned suspension will be immediately evident. Remember, models equipped with a sports-tuned suspension will have a stiffer ride. While the sport exhaust doesn't provide a power boost, it does sound quite good.

For 2019, Chevrolet has introduced a new Infotainment 3 interface in many of its vehicles. Unfortunately, this new system does not come equipped on the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. It still uses the previous MyLink interface. Nevertheless, MyLink allows you to use your smartphone's functions via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll also enjoy MyLink's simple design. Furthermore, a standard 4G LTE data connection enables you to stay logged on to the internet.

Serious music lovers will find the standard four-speaker stereo system to be a bummer. Its cheap speakers tend to distort upon turning up the volume. While the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic does not offer a premium sound system, you'll find the available six-speaker audio system to be more entertaining. Satellite radio also gives you a greater variety of music to choose from.

When checking out the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic, you must decide whether you prefer the sedan or hatchback. While the sedan's lighter design enables it to conserve slightly more fuel, some buyers will greatly appreciate the hatchback's larger cargo area. While the front seats provide all-day comfort, a family-friendly backseat makes the Sonic more than just a car for singles. Large doors also help the Sonic to better accommodate passengers.

An NHTSA five-star overall safety rating puts the Sonic among today's most secure small cars. In the event of a crash, you'll be thankful for the Sonic's solid impact protection. Like the overwhelming majority of modern vehicles, the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic comes standard with a backup camera. While safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking are available, Chevy does offer a Driver Confidence package for the Sonic. Forward Collision Alert helps you to avoid unanticipated road hazards. Meanwhile, lane departure alert effectively reads the street's road markers.

Fortunately, Chevy does not force you to pay extra for GM's excellent OnStar system. This is one of the most rewarding communications systems you'll find. It can provide emergency support, turn-by-turn driving directions, and vehicle diagnostics. Regardless of where you are traveling, OnStar will bestow an extra sense of security.

There aren't a ton of appearance upgrades available for the 2019 Chevrolet Sonic. Nevertheless, the upper trims are very stylish. While the RS package may cost you more money, it makes the Sonic look a lot hotter. Some people may even mistake the Sonic for a more expensive European hatchback.