Chevrolet Sonic 5
29 MPG The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 34 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 517 gallons, $1655 a year in fuel, or $0.110 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2012–2020 run it averages 29.6 MPG, falling by 0.8 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.086 | $862 | $1293 | $1724 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.103 | $1034 | $1552 | $2069 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.110 | $1103 | $1655 | $2207 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.121 | $1207 | $1810 | $2414 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.138 | $1379 | $2069 | $2759 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.155 | $1552 | $2328 | $3103 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34 | $2150 | 308 | 1 |
| 2019 | 29 MPG | 26 | 34.5 | $2150 | 305 | 2 |
| 2018 | 29.8 MPG | 26.5 | 35.3 | $2100 | 298 | 4 |
| 2017 | 29.5 MPG | 26 | 35.3 | $2113 | 301 | 4 |
| 2016 | 29.8 MPG | 26.3 | 35.5 | $2100 | 299 | 4 |
| 2015 | 29.8 MPG | 26.3 | 35.5 | $2100 | 298 | 4 |
| 2014 | 29.8 MPG | 26.3 | 35.5 | $2100 | 298 | 4 |
| 2013 | 29.8 MPG | 26.3 | 35.5 | $2100 | 297 | 4 |
| 2012 | 29.8 MPG | 26.3 | 35.5 | $2100 | 299 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Chevrolet Sonic 5 ranks 14 on current figures, against a class average of 29.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Subaru Impreza Wagon AWD (29.5), Kia Soul (30), Kia Soul Eco dynamics (31), Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (31.5), Honda Fit (33.3).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 308 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Chevrolet Sonic 5 get?
The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic 5 is rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA — 26 city and 34 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 29.6 MPG, ranging from 28 to 32 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Chevrolet Sonic 5 cost in fuel per year?
At 29 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 517 gallons — roughly $1655 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.110 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2020 model is $2150.
Has the Chevrolet Sonic 5 become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 29.8 MPG in 2012 to 29 in 2020. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Chevrolet Sonic 5 efficient for its class?
It ranks 14 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.4 MPG. That is 0.4 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.