The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier delivers an engaging blend of peppy performance, upscale features, and excellent safety at a subcompact-car price. Under the hood, the Premier’s turbocharged 1.4 L Ecotec® engine produces 138 hp yet still returns up to 30 MPG combined¹ Edmunds. By moving to the Premier trim you gain 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, and the Convenience Package content (heated steering wheel, keyless entry/ignition, power-adjustable driver seat)² EdmundsEdmunds. Inside, every Sonic now features a 7″ MyLink™ touchscreen with Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto®, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights for a modern, tech-rich cabin³ Edmunds. IIHS crash tests award the Sonic “Good” in all categories, and available forward-collision alert earns a “Superior” rating³ IIHS Crash TestingEdmunds. With Chevy’s 3 yr/36,000 mi bumper-to-bumper and 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain warranties, plus strong reliability scores from J.D. Power⁴ J.D. PowerUS News Cars, the Sonic Premier combines spirited fun, advanced safety, and low ownership costs into one surprisingly spacious package.

1. Sporty Performance & Efficiency

Turbocharged Ecotec® Engine

• Power: 1.4 L turbo-4 delivering 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque for brisk acceleration Edmunds.
• Fuel Economy: Up to 30 MPG combined, with 26 city/35 highway on the sedan and 28 combined on the hatchback⁵ EdmundsEdmunds.

Nimble Handling

• Chassis: Compact dimensions and precise steering make the Sonic surprisingly fun through corners, outpacing many rivals in driver engagement Edmunds.

2. Premier-Level Comfort & Technology

Premium Interior Touches

• Leatherette Seating: Simulated-leather upholstery elevates the cabin feel above most subcompacts² Edmunds.
• Convenience Package Contents: Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry & push-button start, and six-way power driver’s seat² Edmunds.

Modern Infotainment

• MyLink™ Touchscreen: 7″ display with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and built-in rearview camera³ Edmunds.
• LED Lighting: Daytime running lights and projector-style headlights add both style and safety³ Edmunds.

3. Class-Leading Safety

• IIHS Top Ratings: “Good” in all crashworthiness tests; “Superior” for available forward-collision alert³ IIHS Crash TestingEdmunds.
• Airbags & Stability: Six airbags standard, electronic stability control, and post-collision safety system⁶ Edmunds.
• Rearview Camera: Standard on every Sonic, aiding low-speed maneuvering in tight spots³ Edmunds.

4. Interior Space & Practicality

• Passenger Room: Among the roomiest in its class, with generous head- and legroom up front (41.8″ legs, 53.4″ shoulders)⁷ Kbb.com.
• Cargo Capacity: 14.9 cu ft in the sedan, up to 19.0 cu ft in the Premier hatchback for weekend gear⁸ EdmundsEdmunds.
• Fold-Flat Seats: Rear seats fold easily for added hauling flexibility; a flat load floor makes large items fit more smoothly Edmunds.

5. Strong Reliability & Ownership Value

• J.D. Power Dependability: Above-average reliability scores, reflecting solid long-term ownership⁴ J.D. PowerUS News Cars.
• Warranty Coverage: Chevrolet’s 3 yr/36,000 mi basic and 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain warranties offer peace of mind Edmunds.
• Low Depreciation: Sonic Premier’s combination of value and features helps it retain more of its value compared to rivals⁹ YouTube.

Bottom Line
The 2017 Chevrolet Sonic Premier is a rare subcompact that doesn’t feel budget-bound. With its turbo-charged pep, upscale cabin touches, intuitive tech suite, top-tier safety, and excellent reliability, it’s an ideal choice for buyers who want fun and refinement without the price tag of larger cars.

References

1. Fuel economy & MPG: EdmundsEdmunds
2. Premier trim features: EdmundsEdmunds
3. Infotainment & safety features: EdmundsEdmunds
4. Reliability studies: J.D. PowerUS News Cars
5. Edmunds review: Edmunds
6. Premier hatch spec sheet: Edmunds
7. Cabin dimensions: Kbb.com
8. Cargo capacity: EdmundsEdmunds
9. KBB pros summary: YouTube