Used 2021 Chevrolet Spark

The 2021 Spark is Chevrolet’s smallest and least-expensive car. The 2021 Chevrolet Spark also holds the distinction of being the least-expensive new car, period. It’s hard to argue the allure of the Spark’s starting price, but a closer look at what you get for that money is highly advised. Or in this case, what you won’t get. At its cheapest, the Spark hatchback lacks power windows and power door locks, power mirrors, and an automatic transmission.

Unless you rarely drive, the kind of Spark you’d actually want to own is likely to cost a few thousand more. At that point, you can get a fresher and better-equipped subcompact car like a Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, or Honda Fit. Rivals like the Nissan and Toyota also include standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking. That is only available on the highest trim of the Spark, and then as an option. The Spark’s competitors also seat up to five vs. the Spark’s limit of four.

If you are still smitten by Chevy’s Korean-built subcompact car, however, it does have some redeeming values. Its tiny size makes it a parking hero, and even though you’ll have to crank your own windows in a base model, it does include a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. At up to an estimated 38 mpg, the Spark is also fuel efficient.

The combination of a small car with a base weight under 2,300 pounds, a 98-horsepower engine, and a manual transmission enables the Spark to move from a standstill with a hint of liveliness.

But it’s best to keep your acceleration and power expectations in check. At higher speeds and/or uphill stretches, the 1.4-liter 4-cylinder in the Chevy Spark begins to feel like the little engine that can’t. It’s also on freeways where the Spark’s high sides are affected by the aerodynamic wake of 18-wheelers and strong crosswinds. Such higher-speed treks can be an unnerving, twitchy experience.

Most drivers won’t want the Spark’s standard manual transmission. That means spending more on the automatic and getting an even less-rewarding driving experience. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) isn’t all that responsive and puts a damper even on this small amount of pep you’d get with the manual. It also doesn’t improve fuel efficiency by any appreciable degree.

For comparison on your test-drives, we’d encourage you to also drive the all-new Nissan Versa, which is more comfortable, and the Toyota Yaris, which is more athletic and fun.

The Spark finds its purpose in town and congested urban areas, however. Its small footprint and tight turning circle make it wonderfully maneuverable and easy to park.

With its taller profile, the 2021 Chevy Spark has good headroom, but legroom for rear passengers is always going to be tight in a subcompact hatchback. Also keep in mind that the Spark only seats four people total, vs. the 5-passenger setup of most other cars, even small ones like the Honda Fit.

The Spark’s rear seats split and fold in the usual 60/40 manner, so there’s some versatility for people and/or cargo. With both rear seats up, there’s 11.1 cubic feet — enough for a couple of suitcases. Fold both of them down and the Spark offers 27.2 cubic feet. Compare that to the more versatile Honda Fit, which boasts 52.7 cubic feet of space with its seats folded. The Spark’s slightly larger brother, the Sonic hatchback, still trails the Honda but offers up to 47.7 cubic feet.

Up front, there isn’t much space between driver and passenger, but remember what you’re driving. Controls for climate and audio are basic and easy to use. A 7-inch touchscreen dominates the center of the console. Note that the steering wheel only tilts and doesn’t telescope, and the driver’s seat only adjusts four ways. This makes it less than ideal for finding the perfect driving position.

Apart from a few notable paint colors choices like Red Hot, the new Cayenne Orange, and Mystic Blue, the Spark subcompact hatchback might be one of those cars that no one ever really notices. Its taller shape is practical though, and the high roof is useful for passengers and cargo alike. It’s a 4-door car, but the handles for the rear side doors are disguised in an effort to appear more like a coupe.

The Chevy Spark Activ deviates from the usual script with a slightly raised suspension, roof rails, and a few cosmetic changes that provide something of a crossover-SUV look. The range-topping 2LT reverts to regular car styling, but adds some more chrome accents. All models roll on 15-inch wheels.

TECH FEATURES
While a base Spark lacks many common amenities like power windows, it still comes with impressive-for-the-price technology. As standard, you’ll get a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, two USB ports, and even in-car 4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.

PARK IT ANYWHERE
Whether you fight a daily battle for a parking spot or have a tiny garage, the Spark’s small size enables it to fit where other vehicles simply can’t.

The Chevy Spark is available in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and 2LT. The base LS has a rather odd mix of basic features alongside modern technology. As we’ve noted, you’ll also have to crank your own windows and manually adjust your mirrors and door locks. It does have air conditioning, at least.

All Sparks also include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, plus a 7-inch touch screen, and a 3-month trial subscription to OnStar with 4G LTE connectively and Wi-Fi. Safety features include 10 airbags, rearview camera, and a 6-month trial of OnStar Guidance with automatic crash response and roadside assistance.

Unless you’re willing to compromise creature comforts, we’d recommend stepping up to at least a Spark LT. That adds basics like power windows, door locks and mirror adjustments, plus cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and the like, keyless open and LED daytime running lights. The LT also has a 6-speaker audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio.

The Spark Activ has a slightly raised stance and added features like leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, roof rails, leather-covered steering wheel, and fog lamps.

The topline Spark 2LT includes keyless entry and push-button start, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, and chrome exterior trim.

All Spark trims can be had with an automatic transmission instead of the 5-speed manual. The only way to get active safety features is to buy the most expensive 2LT with an automatic transmission. If you do, then spend the extra $295 for the Driver Confidence Package that adds automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. A sunroof is available on 1LT and 2LT models.

The 2021 Spark uses a small, naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine making 98 horsepower. Which isn’t a whole lot. Then again, the Spark is such a small car that it doesn’t need much thrust to get moving.

Power goes to the front wheels through either a standard-issue 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the automatic option.

1.4-liter inline-4
98 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
94 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/38 mpg (automatic), 29/38 mpg (manual), 30/37 mpg (automatic, Spark Activ), 29/37 mpg (manual, Spark Activ)