Sonic gray Pearl is a popular exterior car color offered by Honda. It is a medium gray metallic paint with subtle blue undertones. Honda first introduced Sonic gray Pearl in 2019 as an available color option on several of their vehicles. Since then, it has grown in popularity and can now be found across many Honda and Acura models. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly Sonic gray Pearl is, what makes it unique, what Honda vehicles offer it, and more. Keep reading to learn all about this trendy gray car color from Honda.
What is Sonic Gray Pearl?
Sonic gray Pearl is technically considered a medium warm gray metallic paint. It features a gray base coat with blue and silver aluminum flakes mixed in to provide metallic sparkle and dimension. The blue undertones help give it a slightly cooler, modern look compared to a straight neutral gray. It’s not too light or too dark, landing right in the middle as a versatile medium tone.
In bright sunlight, the metallic flakes really dance and give off a vibrancy that contrasts with the muted gray tone. From certain angles, the blue undertones become more apparent, changing the look from a typical gray to a hints of light blue. It’s a complex, dynamic color that looks different depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle.
Compared to other popular gray car colors, Sonic gray Pearl is lighter and contains more metallic flake than Lunar Silver Metallic. It’s not as blue-toned as Polished Metal Metallic. The blue undertones distinguishes it from other mainstream silvers and grays like Modern Steel Metallic. Overall, it achieves a unique balance of muted yet vibrant that set it apart from other shades.
History of Sonic Gray Pearl
Honda first used Sonic gray Pearl in 2019, when it was featured as an available color choice on the Honda Passport SUV. Shortly after, it expanded to other vehicles like the Honda Ridgeline pickup truck and Honda Odyssey minivan. The eye-catching shade of gray grew quickly in popularity among buyers.
For the 2020 model year, Honda added Sonic gray Pearl to the color palettes of the Accord sedan and Civic compact car. It replaced two previous gray shades – Lunar Silver Metallic and Modern Steel Metallic. By replacing those mainstream colors with the more premium Sonic gray Pearl, it signaled how highly Honda thought of the new color.
The expansion continued in 2021, when Sonic gray Pearl became available on the redesigned Honda CR-V compact SUV. It could also be found on the HR-V subcompact SUV and Fit hatchback. By this point, it was clear Honda intended to make it a core color option across most of its lineup. The sleek gray shade perfectly fit the modern, sporty styling found on the latest Honda vehicles.
For 2022, Sonic gray Pearl expanded again, now offered on the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic, including the sedan, hatchback, and Si performance trims. It can also be equipped on the HR-V, CR-V, Passport, Pilot, Ridgeline, Odyssey, and Acura RDX premium crossover. This wide availability on new Honda and Acura products confirms its popularity and status as a signature color.
What Honda Vehicles Offer Sonic Gray Pearl Paint?
Here is a full list of 2022 and 2023 Honda vehicles that offer Sonic gray Pearl as an exterior paint color option:
| Vehicle | Model Years Available |
|---|---|
| Honda Civic Sedan | 2022-2023 |
| Honda Civic Hatchback | 2022-2023 |
| Honda Civic Si | 2022-2023 |
| Honda Accord | 2020-2023 |
| Honda Insight | 2023 |
| Honda CR-V | 2021-2023 |
| Honda HR-V | 2021-2023 |
| Honda Pilot | 2022-2023 |
| Honda Passport | 2019-2023 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 2020-2023 |
| Honda Odyssey | 2021-2023 |
| Acura RDX | 2022-2023 |
| Acura MDX | 2023 |
As you can see, Sonic gray Pearl is widely available across Honda and Acura’s lineups. It can be found on their most popular sedans, SUVs, crossovers, minivans and even trucks. This wide availability demonstrates that Honda sees it as a staple color moving forward.
How Much Does Sonic Gray Pearl Cost?
Sonic gray Pearl is available at no additional charge on most Honda and Acura vehicles. The only exception is on certain higher trim levels, where it may be part of an extra cost package.
For example, on the 2022 Honda Civic, Sonic gray Pearl is available on the LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trims at no extra charge. However, it is only available on the Civic Si and Civic Type R models as part of an extra cost premium paint option.
On the 2022 Honda Accord, it is included at no extra cost on the Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. For the Accord Hybrid, it requires the purchase of a premium paint package.
The cost ranges from $300-$500 depending on the vehicle. In most cases, Sonic gray Pearl is available as a no-cost color choice, making it a very affordable way to get this premium-looking gray paint. Always check the specific trim level to confirm pricing for the color.
How Does Sonic Gray Pearl Look in Person?
One of the most stunning aspects of Sonic gray Pearl is how different it can look in various lighting conditions. As mentioned earlier, the color shifting nature of the paint makes it dynamic and gives off different vibes.
In overcast or shade, the dark gray tones are most noticeable. It looks like a typical medium warm gray, muted and sophisticated.
As soon as the sun comes out, the metallic flakes shine and you can see glimpses of light blue. It takes on a brighter, sparkling vibe.
At dusk or dawn, the paint goes through magnificent color shifts. The blue undertones come out more, combining with the warm gray base for beautiful visual effects.
Under direct sunlight, the metallic sparkle is most intense. It almost looks like a light silver from some angles before shifting back to gray.
The colors are always changing based on the environment, and it’s a joy to see Sonic gray Pearl transform throughout the day. It’s impossible to capture in just one photo and has to be seen firsthand to fully appreciate.
How Does Sonic Gray Pearl Look on Different Honda Vehicles?
A major benefit of Sonic gray Pearl is its versatility. The medium tone complements both sedans and SUVs equally well. Here’s a closer look at how it looks on several different Honda vehicles:
On the Honda Civic sedan and hatchback, Sonic gray Pearl meshes perfectly with the sporty exterior styling. The bright color pops against the black grille and dark window trim. Lower body styling cues are accented by the shifting gray tones. It’s especially eye catching on the edgier Civic Si and Civic Type R trims.
On SUVs like the CR-V, Passport and Pilot, it provides an upscale vibe. The muted gray contrasts with chrome accents and black trims for a refined but modern look. The metallic flecks add needed vibrancy to larger SUV bodies. It works equally well on rugged adventure-ready models like the Passport and family haulers like the Pilot.
The Honda Odyssey minivan and Ridgeline pickup maintain their versatility and utility in Sonic gray Pearl. The neutral shade doesn’t take away from their core functions but gives them a Sliver and Urban colors.
No matter the body style, Sonic gray Pearl combines standout looks with versatility. It’s at home on any Honda vehicle, from sport compacts to family vehicles. The color always brings out the best styling attributes of each model for show-stopping curb appeal.
How Does Sonic Gray Pearl Compare to Other Gray Car Colors?
Sonic gray Pearl manages to stand out from the crowded field of gray automobile paint colors. Here’s how it compares to some other popular gray shades:
– Lunar Silver Metallic – Much more one-dimensional than Sonic gray Pearl, without the color shifting effects. Also has less blue undertones.
– Modern Steel Metallic – More straightforward and neutral than Sonic gray Pearl. Lacks metallic flake and dimension.
– Graphite Luster Metallic – Contains more black than Sonic gray for a darker appearance. Doesn’t have the same vibrant metallic shine.
– Polished Metal Metallic – Has stronger blue hues compared to the more balanced Sonic gray Pearl.
– Gray Khaki – A duller, muddier gray without the same polish and depth as Sonic.
– Caviar – Far darker charcoal gray color compared to the medium Sonic gray Pearl.
As you can see, Sonic gray Pearl finds a perfect middle ground in lightness while offering complex metallic and blue tones. It’s among the most vibrant and energetic shades of gray available from major automakers. The combination of light and dark tones give it broad appeal across vehicle segments.
How Does Sonic Gray Pearl Look When Clean vs Dirty?
The eye catching metallic shine of Sonic gray Pearl is most apparent when the paint is clean. Freshly detailed, the color dazzles with light sparkling off the metal flakes. Even small accumulations of dust and dirt can dull the vibrancy slightly.
That’s why it’s important to regularly wash your Sonic gray Pearl vehicle. Do a thorough cleaning at least every two weeks using a quality car wash soap. Rinse with a pressure washer if possible. Clay bar treatments also help remove bonded surface grime.
Follow up washing by using a spray wax or sealant for added protection. This will amplify the pearl and metallic elements in the paint for maximum visual impact. Avoid going more than a month without washing if possible.
When dirty, Sonic gray Pearl loses some of its brilliance but still maintains the attractive color tones. Heavy buildup starts muting the paint after several weeks of no washing. The dynamic color shifting properties don’t pop as much when covered in a film of road grime.
While a thorough detailing will restore the luster, Sonic gray Pearl holds up better than lighter colors when dirty. It doesn’t show dirt as easily as black or white vehicles. With regular washing, you can keep the stunning shine intact for years to come.
Does Sonic Gray Pearl Show Scratches More Than Other Colors?
While no exterior paint is totally scratch-proof, Sonic gray Pearl does a decent job at hiding minor scratches and swirl marks. The gray base coat helps mask slight imperfections better than black or other darker colors. Light scratches tend to show up as thin white lines on the surface.
However, more moderate or deeper scratches are more noticeable on Sonic gray Pearl. The disrupted gray tones stand out in sunlight when the paint is scratched down the clear coat or upper layers. Metallic paints in general tend to clearly display scratches compared to non-metallic colors.
To keep Sonic gray Pearl looking pristine, follow these tips:
– Wash with a microfiber mitt or cloth to avoid swirl marks from dirt
– Wax at least every 3 months for added protection
– Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive pads/brushes
– Be gentle when wiping down or drying the paint
– Apply touch up paint to any deeper scratches that appear
– Consider getting paint protection film installed on high impact areas
With proper care and maintenance, you can minimize appearance of scratches on Sonic gray Pearl. But some light marks are inevitable on this dynamic metallic paint. Be sure to address them quickly by using the right products and techniques.
Does Sonic Gray Pearl Look Good When New or Old?
One advantage of Sonic gray Pearl is it maintains its handsome looks as vehicles age. The muted, sophisticated tones work equally well on brand new models and older pre-owned examples.
On new Honda vehicles, it looks premium and stylish, aligning with modern design trends. As cars get older after several years, the color doesn’t appear dated or out of style. Sonic gray Pearl has versatile appeal across generations.
Well-kept Sonic gray Pearl vehicles can look nearly as good at 5-10 years old as the day they rolled off the showroom. With proper maintenance and care, the paint holds up impressively over time. It’s not prone to major fading or discoloration issues if protected from UV rays.
Chips and scratches are inevitable with age. But Sonic gray Pearl does an admirable job masking normal wear, especially compared to lighter colors. A thorough detail goes a long way on older vehicles to restore the metallic shine.
Overall, Sonic gray Pearl ages gracefully along with vehicles. It’s a timeless shade that turns heads on both new and used Honda models. The ability to hide minor imperfections keeps vehicles looking sharp for years of driving enjoyment.
Conclusion
Sonic gray Pearl has rapidly become a favorite color choice of Honda and Acura buyers. Its complex blend of cool and warm gray tones results in a shade that looks upscale and modern. By expertly mixing metallic flake with blue undertones, Honda created a neutral that manages to stand out.
On a wide range of vehicles, Sonic gray Pearl impresses with its color-shifting abilities and eye-catching shine. Subtle details in the bodywork are accented by the muted yet vibrant paint. It appeals equally to sedan, SUV and minivan owners who want a refined look. As Honda’s new signature color, expect to see Sonic gray Pearl on roadways for many years to come.