Chevrolet Sonic vs. Chevrolet Trax
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic and Chevrolet Trax 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 Sonic and the Chevrolet Trax.
When comparing the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Chevrolet Trax's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The Chevrolet Trax has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Chevrolet Sonic and Chevrolet Trax have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Chevrolet Trax's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic is a better car than the Chevrolet Trax.
Pricing: A used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic ranges from $11,800 to $19,195 while a used 2020 Chevrolet Trax is priced between $13,990 to $20,889.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Sonic loses 35.2 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Trax loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Chevrolet Sonic retains 6.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Trax.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 8.7 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Trax's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 14 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Chevrolet Trax being ranked 6 out of 20 Best Subcompact SUVs.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 7.7 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Trax the reliability rating is 6.1 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Sonic an advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Trax.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Chevrolet Trax makes 138 horsepower. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 415 miles. The Trax is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles.This gives the Chevrolet Sonic the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet Trax the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Trax, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Chevrolet Trax have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$16,720
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$18,643
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$13,400 - $30,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,787
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,350 - $28,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,508
Price Range:
$11,800 - $19,195
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$17,709
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$12,372 - $25,883
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
219
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
61,574
# Good or Great Deals:
86
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,301
Price Range:
$13,990 - $20,889
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$19,934
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,301 - $24,775
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
859
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
63,937
# Good or Great Deals:
268
Chevrolet Sonic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Chevrolet Trax Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Sonic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
6.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
3.9 - 9.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.8%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Trax
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
8.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
6.8 - 10
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
16.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1 - 8.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.9 - 11.4
Chevrolet Sonic Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
28 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Ranking
34 out of / 43Chevrolet Trax Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 59Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 16Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 20Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 20Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
66 out of / 67Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Sonic Trim Levels
Not yet available
Chevrolet Trax Trim Levels
LS, LT, Premier
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.044 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 415 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 31 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 434 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
14.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
90.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
52.8 inches
Cargo Space:
18.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
48.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2857 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
59.7 inches
Length:
173.9 inches
Wheelbase:
99.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3124 lbs
Width:
69.9 inches
Height:
64.9 inches
Length:
167.6 inches
Wheelbase:
100.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P205/70R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Kinetic Blue Metallic
Gray
Nightfall Gray Metallic
Red
Red Hot
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Nightfall Gray Metallic / Satin Steel Metallic / Stone Gray Metallic
Red
Black Cherry Metallic / Red Hot
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black/Dark Titanium
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Gray
Jet Black/Light Ash Gray
