Chevrolet Cruze vs. Chevrolet Sonic

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Sonic contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Cruze and the Chevrolet Sonic.

When comparing the Chevrolet Cruze's and the Chevrolet Sonic's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Cruze has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. The Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Cruze's and the Chevrolet Sonic's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Cruze is a better car than the Chevrolet Sonic.

Pricing: A used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze ranges from $10,928 to $19,343 while a used 2019 Chevrolet Sonic is priced between $8,994 to $17,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Cruze loses 40.6 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Sonic loses 35.6 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Sonic retains 4.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Cruze.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Cruze’s base engine makes 153 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Sonic base engine makes 138 horsepower. The Cruze is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 415 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Cruze the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Chevrolet Sonic. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Cruze, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Sonic has higher safety ratings than the Chevrolet Cruze, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.70 out of 5 Stars.