Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 10 recorded runs

Chevrolet Sonic 0–60 Times

The Chevrolet Sonic 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 10 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Chevrolet Sonic is the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.80 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 16.20 seconds at 86.9 mph, according to Road & Track.

The slowest tested Chevrolet Sonic is the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo Sedan, which took 8.70 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 16.70 seconds at 83.8 mph, according to Motor Trend.

Out of all the Chevrolet Sonic tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 8.23 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 16.42 seconds at 85.81 mph.

Fastest 0–60 7.80sec 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback · stock
Average 0–60 8.23sec Across 10 runs
Avg ¼ Mile 16.42sec @ 85.8 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 8.70sec 2014 RS Turbo
2019 Chevrolet Sonic

Across 10 verified runs, the Chevrolet Sonic ranges from 7.80 to 8.70 seconds 0–60, with a 8.23-second average.

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Chevrolet Sonic Performance Overview

Chevrolet’s subcompact Sonic ran from 2012 to 2019, and across 10 independently verified tests it presents a narrowly defined performance profile centered on the T300 generation. Every recorded run comes from the turbocharged gasoline era, with the 138-hp LUJ 1.4-liter inline-four representing the tested configuration throughout. The benchmark was set immediately: the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and covered the quarter-mile in 16.1 seconds at 86.4 mph, remaining the quickest Sonic in the sample.

Subsequent tests show modest variation rather than a major shift in output or layout. The 2013 RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback recorded 8.1 seconds to 60 mph, while the 2015 LT RS 5-door Hatchback matched that 8.1-second result. Sedan and hatchback RS trims clustered slightly behind, including the 2014 RS Turbo Sedan at 8.7 seconds and the 2017 RS Turbo Sedan at 8.4 seconds. Average performance across the tested years lands at 8.23 seconds to 60 mph and 16.42 seconds in the quarter-mile.

That leaves the Sonic’s standing today straightforward: within its single T300 performance era, the quickest verified example is still the early 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback’s 7.8-second 0-60, with later cars remaining close but not quicker.

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Chevrolet Sonic 0–60 Times by Generation

1 generation
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
T300 2012–2020 8.23s 7.80s — 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback 10 The T300 generation (2012–2020) averaged 8.23 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback at 7.80 seconds. Output was 138 hp across 1.4L Turbo I-4 configurations.
T300 2012–2020
Avg 0–60 8.23s
Fastest 7.80s
Tests 10
2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
The T300 generation (2012–2020) averaged 8.23 seconds to 60 mph across 10 tests, led by the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback at 7.80 seconds. Output was 138 hp across 1.4L Turbo I-4 configurations.
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Chevrolet Sonic 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

10 tests · 4 years

2019 Chevrolet Sonic

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 8.50 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.60 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#08
2019 Chevrolet Sonic LT RS 5-door Hatchback
8.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.60s ¼ mi @ 83.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.60 sec
Trap Speed
83.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6A
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,818 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
26 C / 34 H / 25 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#8 of 10
2019 Chevrolet Sonic LT RS 5-door Hatchback

2014 Chevrolet Sonic

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 8.45 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.55 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#06
2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo Sedan
8.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.40s ¼ mi @ 86.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.40 sec
Trap Speed
86.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,814 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
27 C / 34 H / 29 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#6 of 10
2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo Sedan
#10
2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo Sedan
8.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.70s ¼ mi @ 83.8 mph
0–60 mph
8.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.70 sec
Trap Speed
83.8 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,814 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
27 C / 34 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Sedan
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#10 of 10
2014 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo Sedan

2013 Chevrolet Sonic

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 8.10 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.35 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#02
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.30s ¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.30 sec
Trap Speed
85.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,822 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
27 C / 34 H / 27 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#2 of 10
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback
#03
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.40s ¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.40 sec
Trap Speed
89.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,822 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
27 C / 34 H / 36.5 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#3 of 10
2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

5 verified runs
Avg 0–60 8.14 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 16.36 sec
Recorded Tests 5
#01
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
7.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.20s ¼ mi @ 86.9 mph
0–60 mph
7.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.20 sec
Trap Speed
86.9 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,780 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
28 C / 38 H / 29.4 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#1 of 10
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
#04
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.10s ¼ mi @ 86.4 mph
0–60 mph
8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.10 sec
Trap Speed
86.4 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,780 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
28 C / 38 H / 28.3 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#4 of 10
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
#05
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.40s ¼ mi @ 89.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.40 sec
Trap Speed
89.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,780 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
28 C / 38 H / 37.2 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#5 of 10
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
#07
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.20sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.50s ¼ mi @ 85.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.20 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.50 sec
Trap Speed
85.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,780 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
28 C / 38 H / 31 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#7 of 10
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
#09
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback
8.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.60s ¼ mi @ 84.0 mph
0–60 mph
8.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.60 sec
Trap Speed
84.0 mph
Engine
1.4L Turbo I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
138 hp
Torque
148 lb-ft
Curb Weight
2,780 lbs
Power-to-Weight
20.1 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
28 C / 38 H / 30.6 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Hatchback
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#9 of 10
2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback

How we verify Chevrolet Sonic performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Chevrolet Sonic trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Chevrolet Sonic 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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Chevrolet Sonic performance FAQs

10 questions
The 2019 Chevrolet Sonic LT RS 5-door Hatchback runs 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds. Its quarter-mile time is 16.6 seconds at 83 mph. That test car used the 138-hp, 148-lb-ft turbocharged LUJ engine, front-wheel drive, and a hatchback body style.
The fastest Chevrolet Sonic on record is the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback, which reaches 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It also holds the quickest quarter-mile result at 16.1 seconds with an 86.4-mph trap speed. That run is also a stock test, not a modified build.
The fastest stock Chevrolet Sonic is also the overall quickest one tested: the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback at 7.8 seconds from 0-60 mph. Across all 10 Sonic tests, every recorded car is production-spec, so there is no separate modified result that beats it.
The Chevrolet Sonic T300 generation, sold from 2012 to 2020, averages 8.23 seconds from 0-60 mph across 10 tests. The quickest T300 run is 7.8 seconds from the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback. All recorded T300 tests are turbocharged gasoline models with 138 hp.
The fastest T300 Chevrolet Sonic is the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback. Its best recorded 0-60 mph time is 7.8 seconds, which also makes it the quickest Sonic overall. Within the T300 generation, that remains the benchmark result across 10 verified tests.
The 2012 Chevrolet Sonic LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback is the quickest Sonic tested, reaching 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It also posts the model's best quarter-mile time at 16.1 seconds and 86.4 mph. Among the most-tested Sonic trims, it averages 8.14 seconds across five runs.
The LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback is quicker. Its best recorded 0-60 mph time is 7.8 seconds, while the RS Turbo Sedan's best is 8.2 seconds. On average, the LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback runs 8.14 seconds across five tests, compared with 8.45 seconds across two tests for the RS Turbo Sedan.
The RS Turbo 5-door Hatchback is slightly quicker on record. It has a best 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds and also averages 8.1 seconds across two tests. The RS Turbo Sedan has a best of 8.2 seconds and an average of 8.45 seconds across two tests.
The slowest Chevrolet Sonic tested is the 2014 RS Turbo Sedan, which reaches 60 mph in 8.7 seconds. Even so, the Sonic's overall spread is fairly tight, with the model ranging from 7.8 to 8.7 seconds across 10 tests and averaging 8.23 seconds from 0-60 mph.
Across all 10 Chevrolet Sonic tests, the average quarter-mile time is 16.42 seconds at 85.8 mph. The quickest Sonic quarter-mile on record is 16.1 seconds at 86.4 mph from the 2012 LTZ Turbo 5-door Hatchback. The 2019 LT RS 5-door Hatchback runs 16.6 seconds at 83 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Chevrolet Sonic can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Chevrolet 0–60 times

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