Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2018 Volkswagen Golf

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

Both the Sonic and the Golf have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available collision warning systems and 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 Volkswagen Golf:

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

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

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

The Sonic comes with free roadside assistance for 5 years 60,000 miles. Chevrolet will send help if you run out of gas, need a jump-start, lock your keys in or need any assistance on the road. Volkswagen doesn’t give free roadside assistance for the Golf.

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. Volkswagen doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Golf.

There are almost 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

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 28 points higher than the Golf.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 21 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 24th, below the industry average.

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 Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in reliability, above the industry average. With 33 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 19th.

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

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 Golf.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the Sonic has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The Golf doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The Sonic’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Golf SE’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Sonic offers optional 17-inch wheels. The Golf’s largest wheels are only 16-inches.

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

For better maneuverability, the Sonic LS/LT’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Golf’s (34.5 feet vs. 35.8 feet).

The Sonic Sedan has .3 inches more front headroom and .6 inches more front legroom than the Golf.

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 Golf doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 Golf doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Sonic is less expensive to operate than the Golf because it costs $549 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost much less on the Sonic than the Golf, including $76 less for a water pump, $364 less for a starter, $92 less for fuel injection, $262 less for front struts and $145 less for a timing belt/chain.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Chevrolet Sonic will be $780 to $2223 less than for the Volkswagen Golf.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Sonic, based on reliability, safety and performance.

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 Golf isn’t in the top three in its category.