Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2018 Fiat 500

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Chevrolet Sonic are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The Fiat 500 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

The Sonic LT/Premier offers an optional collision warning system, which detects an impending crash through forward mounted sensors and flashes a bright light and sounds a loud, distinctive tone to warn the driver to brake or maneuver immediately to avoid a collision. The 500 doesn't offer a collision warning system.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The 500 doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Sonic has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 500 doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Sonic and the 500 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic is safer than the Fiat 500:

	Sonic	500
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	152	384
Neck Stress	262 lbs.	406 lbs.
Neck Compression	60 lbs.	152 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	328/406 lbs.	436/571 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	273	301
Chest Compression	.3 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	36%	49%
Neck Stress	166 lbs.	256 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	200/219 lbs.	479/866 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is safer than the 500:

	Sonic	500
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Restraints	GOOD	POOR
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Head injury index	92	151
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	2 cm	7 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Femur Force R/L	.9/.8 kN	8.2/4.2 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1.69%/.79%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.52/.41	1.69/.79
Tibia forces R/L	3/1.6 kN	6.4/4.8 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic is safer than the Fiat 500:

	Sonic	500
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	104	166
Abdominal Force	184 G’s	199 G’s
Hip Force	366 lbs.	684 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	239	382
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	70 G’s
Hip Force	761 lbs.	852 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	14 inches
HIC	197	225
Spine Acceleration	53 G’s	54 G’s
Hip Force	885 lbs.	1103 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Sonic is 1.9% less likely to roll over than the 500.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Sonic the rating of “Top Pick” for 2016, a rating granted to only 145 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The 500 is not a “Top Pick” for 2016.

Warranty

Chevrolet’s powertrain warranty covers the Sonic 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than Fiat covers the 500. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 500 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The Sonic’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the 500’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Chevrolet pays for the first scheduled maintenance on the Sonic. Chevrolet will pay for the first oil change, lubrication and any other required maintenance in the first year. Fiat doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 500.

There are almost 8 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Fiat dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

Reliability

The camshafts in the Sonic’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The 500’s camshaft is driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the 500’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Sonic’s reliability 43 points higher than the 500.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Fiat vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in reliability, above the industry average. With 68 more problems per 100 vehicles, Fiat is ranked 29th.

Engine

The Sonic’s 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. produces 3 more horsepower (138 vs. 135) than the 500’s standard 1.4 turbo 4 cyl.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Sonic gets better fuel mileage than the 500:

	Sonic	500
1.4 turbo 4 cyl./Manual 6-spd.	28 city/37 hwy	28 city/33 hwy	1.4 turbo 4 cyl./Manual
1.4 turbo 4 cyl./Auto	27 city/35 hwy	24 city/32 hwy	1.4 turbo 4 cyl./Auto

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Chevrolet Sonic uses regular unleaded gasoline. The 500 requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Sonic has 1.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the 500 (12.2 vs. 10.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

A six-speed manual is standard on the Chevrolet Sonic, with closer gear ratios for better performance and a lower final drive ratio for quieter highway operation, less engine wear and better fuel mileage. Only a five-speed manual is available for the 500.

Brakes and Stopping

The Sonic stops much shorter than the 500:

	Sonic	500
80 to 0 MPH	223 feet	234 feet	Road and Track
70 to 0 MPH	184 feet	195 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	126 feet	129 feet	Road and Track

Tires and Wheels

The Chevrolet Sonic’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Fiat 500 only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

The Sonic has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the 500; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The Sonic has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The 500’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Sonic’s wheelbase is 8.8 inches longer than on the 500 (99.4 inches vs. 90.6 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Sonic is 4 inches wider in the front and 4.4 inches wider in the rear than on the 500.

The Sonic’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (62.5% to 37.5%) than the 500’s (64% to 36%). This gives the Sonic more stable handling and braking.

The Sonic RS Hatchback handles at .84 G’s, while the 500 Abarth pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Sonic Premier Hatchback goes through Road and Track’s slalom faster than the 500 (69.4 vs. 68.9 MPH).

For better maneuverability, the Sonic LS/LT’s turning circle is 3.1 feet tighter than the 500’s (34.5 feet vs. 37.6 feet). The Sonic LTZ/RS’ turning circle is 1.5 feet tighter than the 500’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.6 feet).

Passenger Space

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Sonic Sedan a Compact car, while the 500 is rated a Subcompact.

The Sonic has standard seating for 5 passengers; the 500 can only carry 4.

The Sonic Sedan has 14.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 500 (90.3 vs. 75.5).

The Sonic Sedan has 1.1 inches more front legroom, 3.6 inches more front hip room, 4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.2 inches more rear headroom, 2.9 inches more rear legroom, 9 inches more rear hip room and 6.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the 500.

Cargo Capacity

The Sonic Sedan has a much larger trunk than the 500 with its rear seat up (14.9 vs. 9.5 cubic feet).

The Sonic has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the 500 with its rear seat up (19 vs. 9.5 cubic feet). The Sonic has a much larger trunk with its rear seat folded than the 500 with its rear seat folded (47.7 vs. 30.1 cubic feet).

Ergonomics

The Sonic (except LS/Manual) offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The 500 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Sonic has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The 500 doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The Sonic’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them. Fiat does not offer a locking feature on the 500’s power windows.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s available front power windows open or close with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside of the car. The 500’s power windows’ switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully.

The Sonic’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The 500’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

Keyless Open and Start optional on the Sonic (except LS) allows you to unlock the doors, trunk and start the engine all without removing a key from pocket or purse. This eliminates searching for keys before loading groceries, getting in the vehicle in bad weather or making a hurried start to your trip. The Fiat 500 doesn’t offer an advanced key system.

The Sonic has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The 500 doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

On extremely cold winter days, the Sonic’s optional (except LS/RS) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 500 doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Sonic owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the Sonic with a number “1” insurance rate while the 500 is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

The Sonic will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Sonic will retain 37.23% to 39.56% of its original price after five years, while the 500 only retains 20.53% to 34.95%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Sonic is less expensive to operate than the 500 because it costs $90 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Sonic than the 500, including $63 less for a water pump, $281 less for fuel injection and $169 less for a fuel pump.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Sonic will be $2619 to $12398 less than for the Fiat 500.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Sonic, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Fiat 500 isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sonic second among small cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 500 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The Chevrolet Sonic outsold the Fiat 500 by over two to one during 2017.

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