Chevrolet Sonic vs. Ford Fiesta

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic and Ford Fiesta 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 Ford Fiesta.

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

Pricing: A used 2019 Chevrolet Sonic ranges from $9,497 to $17,450 while a used 2019 Ford Fiesta is priced between $8,991 to $16,993.

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 Ford Fiesta loses 30.3 percent of its value. This means the Ford Fiesta retains 4.9 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 Ford Fiesta's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 14 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Ford Fiesta being ranked 23 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 7.7 out of 10. For the Ford Fiesta the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Ford Fiesta a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Sonic.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Sonic’s base engine makes 138 horsepower, and the Ford Fiesta base engine makes 120 horsepower. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 464 miles. The Fiesta is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 434 miles. This gives the Chevrolet Sonic the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Fiesta. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are subcompact cars, the Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Fiesta has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Sonic has higher safety ratings than the Ford Fiesta, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.