Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Chevrolet Sonic
In comparing the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Chevrolet Sonic's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of resale value, 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 fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the Volkswagen Golf GTI's and the Chevrolet Sonic's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Chevrolet Sonic Pricing
A used 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI ranges from $23,964 to $31,981 while a used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is priced between $12,500 to $20,595.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Chevrolet Sonic Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 39.8 percent of its value and the Chevrolet Sonic loses 46.8 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 6.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Sonic.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Chevrolet Sonic Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 8.1 out of 10 while the Chevrolet Sonic's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Volkswagen Golf GTI being ranked 6 out of 28 Best Hatchbacks and the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 5 out of 28. Out of 43 Best Small Cars, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is ranked 15 and the Chevrolet Sonic is ranked 14.
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Chevrolet Sonic Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Volkswagen Golf GTI is 7.3 out of 10. For the Chevrolet Sonic the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Sonic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Volkswagen Golf GTI’s base engine makes 228 horsepower, and the Chevrolet Sonic base engine makes 138 horsepower. The Golf GTI is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 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 Sonic the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volkswagen Golf GTI the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Volkswagen Golf GTI, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Chevrolet Sonic, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room. The Volkswagen Golf GTI and Chevrolet Sonic are comparable in regards to rear head room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Chevrolet Sonic have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
23964 - 31981
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.39811
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
12500 - 20595
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.467566
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Chevrolet Sonic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
6 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 18Ranking
18 out of / 26Ranking
19 out of / 26Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 24Ranking
22 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
32 out of / 43Ranking
33 out of / 43Chevrolet Sonic Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 17Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
11 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
15 out of / 17Ranking
17 out of / 17Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
23 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 28Ranking
29 out of / 43Ranking
31 out of / 43Ranking
35 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
Chevrolet Sonic Trim Levels
LT, Premier, LS
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 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
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
228 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.074 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
138 hp @ 4900 rpm
Torque:
148 foot-lbs @ 2500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.048 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 422 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
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 415 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
22.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
116.3 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3062 lbs
Width:
70.8 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
168 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/40R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15