2017 Chevrolet Sonic: A Big Turbo In A Compact Car

I admit that when I was offered the use of a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic Turbo to drive over the mountains from Calgary to Vancouver, I was hesitant. The weather can change instantly thru the mountains from sun and blue sky to full on white out blizzard. I much prefer something with all wheel drive for such a trip but since we were planning it for the end of April, I thought I’d take my chances and in a word, wow. This is my 2017 Chevrolet Sonic review.

When I first got into the Sonic Turbo, it feels like a typical Chevrolet interior. Comfortable seats, familiar steering wheel and info-tainment centre complete with Apple Car Play. The only difference is that everything is a bit smaller however with my 5’9″ legs, I had no problem getting comfortable in the drivers seat.

The Sonic Premier is the highest trim level and comes with an upgraded Turbo engine. It’s well worth the increased price to get the Turbo especially if hills or going over the mountains are in your travel plans.

Like all of the new GM products, the Chevrolet Sonic is equipped with all the new technology that GM has to offer. Heated seats, Apple Car Play, back up camera, front collision alert and sunroof to name a few. The only thing noticeably missing is a heated steering wheel which I have become somewhat spoiled with in other vehicles.

My week long road trip test drive with my 13 year old daughter was from Calgary to Vancouver and back. We were both very comfortable with all our gear that we needed. 2 big duffle bags, a couple of food bags, pillows and a blanket or 2. Everything fit in the hatchback trunk and the back seat with room to spare, but not much though.

My kid managed to get some homework done in the 11 hours of driving each way using the 4G LTE WiFi. The only downside was that her lap top died and there are no power outlets to plug in a charger. There are 2 USB and a lighter adapter which are good options but not the one she needed.

Overall, this is a great compact car for 1 or 2 people. The back seat is very small for adults if the driver and passenger are in any way tall and need the leg room up front. It’s great on gas and managed the 1900km trip with ease. Really fun little car would be great as a commuter or a first time vehicle for new drivers.

2017 Chevrolet Sonic starts at $17,945 CDN, the model I drove is estimated at $24,940 CDN.

Statistics show that we ladies influence 85% of vehicle purchases so why not get a Dirty Girl perspective on what’s new on the roads. As always, I promise to give you an unbiased and honest opinion, based on my personal experience.