Chevrolet Sonic vs. FIAT 500
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic and FIAT 500 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 FIAT 500.
When we compare the Chevrolet Sonic's and the FIAT 500'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, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic's and the FIAT 500's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic is a better car than the FIAT 500.
Pricing: A used 2019 Chevrolet Sonic ranges from $8,994 to $17,995 while a used 2019 FIAT 500 is priced between $12,190 to $20,758.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Sonic loses 35.6 percent of its value and the FIAT 500 loses 28.9 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 500 retains 6.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Sonic.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 8.7 out of 10 while the FIAT 500's quality rating is 8.1 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 15 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the FIAT 500 being ranked 25 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 7.7 out of 10. For the FIAT 500 the reliability rating is 7.6 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Sonic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the FIAT 500.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Sonic’s base engine makes 138 horsepower, and the FIAT 500 base engine makes 135 horsepower. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 415 miles. The 500 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 347 miles.This gives the FIAT 500 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet Sonic the advantage in maximum range. The Sonic uses regular unleaded, and the 500 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The FIAT 500 has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Sonic has higher safety ratings than the FIAT 500, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$17,195
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$17,553
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$12,460 - $26,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$16,495
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)
$17,553
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$12,460 - $26,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$13,534
Price Range:
$8,994 - $17,995
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$16,389
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$11,778 - $30,722
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
89
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
73,023
# Good or Great Deals:
26
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,550
Price Range:
$12,190 - $20,758
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)
$16,389
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
$11,778 - $30,722
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
7
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
42,098
# Good or Great Deals:
2
Chevrolet Sonic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
FIAT 500 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Chevrolet Sonic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.5
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
5.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.9 - 8.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for FIAT 500
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)
5.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)
2.9 - 8.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.5 - 13.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
1.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)
0.5 - 13.1
Chevrolet Sonic Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
31 out of / 43Ranking
36 out of / 43FIAT 500 Rankings
Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 21Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Ranking
25 out of / 43Ranking
30 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Chevrolet Sonic Trim Levels
LT Auto, LT Auto Fleet, LT Manual, Premier Auto, Premier Manual, LS Auto, LS Manual
FIAT 500 Trim Levels
Abarth, Lounge, Pop, Retro
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:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
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 @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
135 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
150 foot-lbs @ 2400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.054 hp per pound
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:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 33 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
294 / 347 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium 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
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
Heated Steering Wheel:
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:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
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
Heated Steering Wheel:
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:
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53 inches
Cargo Space:
19 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
109.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
49.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
46.4 inches
Cargo Space:
9.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
84.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2896 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
59.7 inches
Length:
159.8 inches
Wheelbase:
99.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2505 lbs
Width:
73.5 inches
Height:
59.8 inches
Length:
144.4 inches
Wheelbase:
90.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.5 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:
195/45R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Kinetic Blue Metallic
Gray
Nightfall Gray Metallic
Red
Red Hot
Silver
Silver Ice Metallic
White
Summit White
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Vesuvio Black Pearl
Blue
Laser Blue Metallic / Mezzanotte Blue Pearl
Gray
Colosseo Gray / Granito Gray
Red
Brillante Red
Silver
Pompei Silver
White
Bianco White Ice / Perla White Tri-Coat
Green
Oliva Green Pearl
Orange
Luminosa Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black/Dark Titanium
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Nero
White
Avorio