Overview

What's New for 2022

The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback sold in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, Activ, and 2LT. The 2LT trim is the most popular one with buyers, but we recommend the LS. We'll explain why.

LS

The most budget-sensitive shoppers will want to check out the LS. Starting at $14,595, it's the most affordable trim available. Fifteen-inch wheels connect the Spark LS to the pavement, and this trim comes with automatic halogen headlights, daytime running lights, and manual-folding side mirrors. Within the cabin, you'll find cloth upholstery, manual single-zone climate control, a four-way manually adjustable driver's seat, and a two-way manually adjustable front-passenger seat. When it comes to tech and audio features, the LS is equipped with Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, a four-speaker stereo, a 7-inch touchscreen, an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. The list of options includes a block heater.

Pricing is a crucial consideration for many Spark shoppers. The LS trim is the least expensive in the lineup, and it comes with a respectable range of amenities. For these reasons, we think this base trim will be the best choice for most people considering this little Chevy.

1LT

Next is the 1LT, which starts at $16,495. This trim adds heated side mirrors, automatic power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and satellite radio. A sunroof and a block heater are optional.

Activ

The Activ trim, starting at $17,595, adds mild off-road functionality to the lineup. The Activ offers 0.4 inches more ground clearance than other trims when you want to venture off the paved path. Also, this trim adds features like protective door plates, heated front seats, roof rails, fog lights, and unique exterior accents. The options list includes a block heater.

2LT

The 2LT trim starts at $17,995. Building on the features present in the 1LT, it adds proximity keyless entry, keyless ignition, heated front seats, and rear parking sensors. The options list includes a block heater, forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and a sunroof.

The Spark comes with a single powertrain: a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine good for 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. Shoppers can choose between a five-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic transmission, both of which send power to the car's front wheels.

Relative to its rivals, the Spark is low on horsepower. For example, the Mini Hardtop outdoes the Spark with its 134-hp base engine and comes with an optional engine that generates 189 hp. And the Hyundai Accent packs 120 hp under its hood.

As you might expect, the Spark's acceleration is on the leisurely side. Still, there's enough power to get you from A to B safely. And while the Spark is less refined on the road than the Accent, it's comfortable enough to serve as a decent commuter car.

The Spark's cabin will likely seem cramped if you're looking for maximum passenger capacity. Chevy's hatchback seats just four passengers. The Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa seat five. Also, the Spark provides just 33 inches of legroom in the rear seat; you'll get a shade more in the Accent (33.5 inches).

While this Chevy's cabin isn't upscale, it has a cheerful look that makes it a pleasant place to spend time. The sculpted, asymmetrical dash earns style points, and a handsome metallic enclosure frames the touchscreen and air vents. Overall, the car's interior impresses when you consider its price.

Rival models surpass the Spark in cargo capacity. With all seats in place, this Chevy provides 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space. That's less than you'll get with the Versa (15 cubic feet) or Accent (13.6 cubic feet). The Accent's cargo capacity expands to 27.2 cubic feet, with the rear seats folded.

The Spark's infotainment interface doesn't require a learning curve. The layout is straightforward, and the menus are simple to navigate.

Base models come with a great range of tech features given this car's modest price. A four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration are all standard. Also, all models come with in-car Wi-Fi, which isn't offered on the Hyundai Accent. The Spark's options list includes a six-speaker stereo system and satellite radio.

A 7-inch touchscreen is standard on all Spark cars. By comparison, the base-model Accent comes with a 5-inch touchscreen.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't yet evaluated the 2022 Spark (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

If you need a broad range of safety features, the Spark might not be your best match. It has fewer safety amenities than some rivals. Forward-collision mitigation and lane-keeping assistance are the only driver-assistance features available, and they're only offered on the top trim level.

The competing Nissan Versa is a better choice if you want access to modern safety technology. It comes standard with forward-collision mitigation. And it offers optional features that you won't find on the Spark, including blind-spot warning, automatic rear braking, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Spark comes with a limited range of safety features, and it has less cargo space than the Nissan Versa or Hyundai Accent. Still, budget-conscious shoppers will love this Chevy's bargain-basement pricing, and its superb fuel economy will leave you sitting pretty at the pump. As a bonus, it comes with tech features that aren't available on some competing models. When you put it all together, the Spark is easily a top contender if you want a new car that's a leader in affordability.

Chevrolet Spark vs. Hyundai Accent

Chevrolet Spark vs. Nissan Versa