Chevrolet Sonic vs. Toyota Corolla

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic and Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla.

When comparing the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Toyota Corolla'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 interior volume. The Toyota Corolla has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Toyota Corolla's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Corolla is a better car than the Chevrolet Sonic.

Pricing: A used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic ranges from $11,800 to $19,195 while a used 2020 Toyota Corolla is priced between $14,720 to $22,994.

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 Toyota Corolla loses 26.3 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Corolla retains 8.9 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 Toyota Corolla's quality rating is 9.1 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 14 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Toyota Corolla being ranked 4 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 7.7 out of 10. For the Toyota Corolla the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla base engine makes 139 horsepower. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 415 miles. The Corolla is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 502 miles. This gives the Toyota Corolla the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Chevrolet Sonic. Both models use regular unleaded.

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

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Toyota Corolla have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.