Chevrolet is a reliable manufacturer that produces many great small and subcompact vehicles. We’re particularly impressed by the 2018 Cruze and 2018 Sonic, but choosing between the two can present a challenge. We’ve broken down some features of each car to help you determine which is right for you.
Design
The 2018 Cruze is available as both a sedan and a hatchback, depending on your stylistic preferences. We like the hatchback design, thanks to its ease of access when it comes to loading and unloading your gear. However, both versions are equally sporty, offer plenty of storage space, and come in a variety of eye-catching paint jobs. You’re sure to appreciate the projector-beam headlamps, available LED daytime running lamps, and heated seats.
The 2018 Sonic also makes a great first impression. Like the Cruze, it comes in both sedan and hatchback versions and features flourishes like LED daytime running lamps. Rear 60/40 folding seats also provide a surprising amount of cargo space for a compact car. What we really like about the 2018 Sonic is its customizability. You can outfit your Sonic in Orange Burst Metallic paint and add in any number of fun accessories, making this car a great way to express your own style.
Power and Performance
You might not expect a huge engine in a compact car, but the 2018 Cruze has more than enough power to do the job. The standard option is a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine capable of generating 153 horsepower and 177 pounds per foot of torque. An available 1.6-liter diesel engine is also turbocharged, offering up to 137 horsepower and 240 pounds per foot of torque.
The Sonic is roughly comparable to the performance of the Cruze, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that generates up to 138 horsepower. You can also upgrade to an ECOTEC 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, although this does not offer any increase in horsepower. Both engines provide you with excellent gas mileage, but neither is quite as efficient as the 2018 Cruze. If you value fuel efficiency, the Cruze offers slightly better value.
Price
Of course, you can’t make an intelligent purchasing decision without taking cost into consideration. The 2018 Cruze has a modest MSRP of $16,975. This is a great price for an entry-level car packed with as many features as the Cruze, but you can also select from several upgrades. A fully-outfitted Premier Cruze comes at a price of $24,895, while opting for the diesel version of the Cruze will run you about $26,795.
The 2018 Sonic might be an even better bargain for budget-conscious consumers. This robust little compact has an MSRP of $15,295. The Premier version, representing the highest level of trim, tops out at $22,195. This is a significant savings over the price of the 2018 Cruze, but whether it’s enough to be the deciding factor is likely to vary from driver to driver.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to prefer either the 2018 Cruze or the 2018 Sonic. There’s no wrong answer when you’re choosing between two sporty, reliable compact cars. We suggest that you check out the vehicles for yourself and see which one fits you better.
Image via Chevrolet.com
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