Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Document and Entity Information

v3.25.3
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Sep. 30, 2025
Oct. 21, 2025
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name   SONIC AUTOMOTIVE, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key   0001043509  
Entity Filer Category   Large Accelerated Filer  
Document Type   10-Q  
Current Fiscal Year End Date   --12-31  
Document Period End Date   Sep. 30, 2025  
Document Fiscal Year Focus   2025  
Document Fiscal Period Focus   Q3  
Trading Symbol   SAH  
Amendment Flag   false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company   false  
Entity Small Business   false  
City Area Code   (704)  
Entity Address, Address Line One   4401 Colwick Road  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code   28211  
Entity Tax Identification Number   56-2010790  
Local Phone Number   566-2400  
Entity File Number   1-13395  
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Current Reporting Status   Yes  
Entity Address, City or Town   Charlotte,  
Entity Address, State or Province   NC  
Document Quarterly Report   true  
Class A Common Stock      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     22,143,309
Class B common stock      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     12,029,375