Chevrolet Sonic Oil Type & Capacity
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Chevrolet Sonic takes 5W-30 engine oil, about 4.2 qt with a filter change, on 2019-2020 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2012-2018 models take 4.2-4.8 qt - so check your year in the table below.
Oil by model year
| Model years | Oil type | Capacity | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 5W-30 | 4.2 qt | Shop 5W-30 |
| 2012-2018 | 5W-30 | 4.2-4.8 qt | Shop 5W-30 |
Capacity is with a filter change and can vary by engine - open your exact year below for the per-engine figures and our sources. Shop links go to Amazon, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Every Sonic year
Frequently asked
What kind of oil does a Chevrolet Sonic take?
GarageDex's oil-spec data shows the Chevrolet Sonic takes 5W-30 engine oil, about 4.2 qt with a filter change, on 2019-2020 models. Older ones use the same grade but hold a different amount - 2012-2018 models take 4.2-4.8 qt - so check your year in the table below.
How many quarts of oil does a Chevrolet Sonic take?
About 4.2 qt with a filter change on 2019-2020 models, and 4.2-4.8 qt on 2012-2018 models. Capacity varies by engine, so check your exact year for the per-engine figure - and finish on the dipstick rather than pouring in the full amount.
Does the oil type change by year on the Chevrolet Sonic?
Yes. We record 2 different factory specs across the years we cover - 2019-2020: 5W-30; 2012-2018: 5W-30. Use the table above and confirm against your owner's manual.
Sources. The oil grade and capacity for 9 of 9 model years is checked against a cited source, most often cararac - Chevrolet Sonic, CarSpecFinder - Chevrolet Sonic oil and CarSpecFinder - Chevrolet Sonic oil. Each year page lists its own sources.
Last verified 2026-06-21. Maintained by Matan B., who runs GarageDex. How we verify.