The vehicle was tested under NHTSA's revised New Car Assessment Program implemented starting with the 2011 model year.
The Sonic brings to 10 the number of General Motors 2012 models with 5-star overall vehicle scores for safety.
The overall rating is based on frontal and side crash tests in addition to rollover resistance testing.
The three test conditions are combined mathematically into an "Overall Vehicle Score." 
The Sonic achieved an overall vehicle score of 5 stars — the highest rating possible — even though Sonic received four stars for rollover.
NHTSA applies the results for the Sonic sedan to the 5-door hatchback model because of the same safety equipment and performance
"We developed Sonic to exceed customer expectations of subcompacts in terms of segment-leading safety features," said Gay Kent, GM executive director of vehicle safety.
"From the largest vehicles in our lineup to the smallest, we are putting overall crashworthiness and state-of-the-art safety technologies at the top of the list of must-haves."
The Sonic is designed to help drivers avoid crashes, while protecting occupants in a crash.
Sonic offers an exceptionally strong body structure through the incorporation of a single welded side ring unit and more than 60 percent of the vehicle safety cage consisting of high-strength steel.
Starting with 2011 models, NHTSA introduced tougher tests and more rigorous requirements for its 5-star ratings that provide more information about safety feature performance and crash-avoidance technologies.
Changes included a new side pole test simulating a 40 km/h side-impact crash into a 10-inch-diameter pole or tree at a 75-degree angle just behind the A-pillar on the driver's side.