Another Small Car Returns Taller
Since the start of the decade, demand for crossovers has been undeniable, so much so that several automakers like Ford have discontinued their sedan lineups in the U.S. Meanwhile, some brands have leaned on nostalgia by reviving old nameplates as crossovers, such as Mitsubishi with the Eclipse Cross – a move that can be good or bad, depending on the context.
Over at Chevrolet, the Bowtie brand has debuted a new crossover called the Sonic, essentially reviving the nameplate from the subcompact hatchback/sedan that was axed in the U.S. after the 2020 model year. The new Sonic is now a subcompact coupe-style crossover that Chevrolet says has the potential to become one of the brand’s best-selling models, at least in the South American region.
Sonic Goes Sleek
The new Sonic has been introduced in Brazil with two trims: Premier and RS. Chevrolet customers may already know Premier as the more premium-looking trim, while RS is aimed at buyers who want a sportier appearance. Its coupe-like styling gives it a sleeker look compared with boxier rivals such as the Hyundai Venue.
One of its standout features is the debut of the new-generation Chevrolet Intelligent Driving System, which is said to include improvements to its advanced driver-assistance features aimed at helping prevent accidents.
Powering the Sonic is a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three engine producing 115 horsepower. That may not sound like much, but for a vehicle weighing 1,139 kg (2,511 lbs) and measuring 4.23 meters (13.9 feet) long, it should be sufficient. The setup also enables fuel economy of 14.8 km/L, or roughly 34.8 mpg, under Brazil’s Inmetro cycle.
The Sonic Name Lives Again
Chevrolet is offering the 2027 Sonic with a starting price of 129,990 Brazilian reals (about $26,500 at current exchange rates) for the Premier trim, while the RS starts at 135,990 reals (roughly $27,500). That undercuts the U.S.-spec Equinox, though Brazil’s different market conditions make the comparison less direct. Plus, the Equinox is a step up in the compact crossover segment.
Given the U.S. market’s preference for larger vehicles, the Sonic seems unlikely to arrive stateside anytime soon. After all, Chevrolet already offers two subcompact crossovers in the U.S. – the Trax and Trailblazer – both of which are built in South Korea and exposed to import tariffs.
