Quarterly report [Sections 13 or 15(d)]

Document and Entity Information

v3.25.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Sep. 30, 2025
Apr. 22, 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 Mar. 31, 2025    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1    
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     21,931,619
Class B common stock      
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding     12,029,375