Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Both the Sonic and the Corolla Hatchback have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, available collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems and rear parking sensors.

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 Corolla Hatchback has not been tested, yet.

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

There are over 2 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Toyota dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

The Chevrolet Sonic’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Corolla Hatchback’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

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 Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 17th, 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 Toyota vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in reliability, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Toyota is ranked 8th.

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 Corolla Hatchback doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

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

For better maneuverability, the Sonic LS/LT’s turning circle is 2.9 feet tighter than the Corolla Hatchback’s (34.5 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Sonic LTZ/RS’ turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the Corolla Hatchback’s (36.1 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

The Chevrolet Sonic may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 250 pounds less than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

The Sonic Sedan has 5.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Corolla Hatchback (90.3 vs. 84.6).

The Sonic Sedan has .3 inches more front headroom, .2 inches more rear headroom, 4.7 inches more rear legroom and 6.1 inches more rear hip room than the Corolla Hatchback.

The Sonic has a much larger trunk with its rear seat up than the Corolla Hatchback with its rear seat up (19 vs. 17.8 cubic feet). The Sonic has a much larger trunk with its rear seat folded than the Corolla Hatchback with its rear seat folded (47.7 vs. 23.3 cubic feet).

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 Corolla Hatchback 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 Corolla Hatchback doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

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