2020 Chevrolet Spark

The 2020 Spark starts from $14,095 for the base manual LS variant and goes over $18,000 for the top end 2LT Automatic CVT variant. The Spark is offered with an Inline 4 cylinder configuration that packs quite a punch. There is also an Activ Variant on sale that adds on to some features of the 1LT. Considering its price tag, it challenges the likes of some well-established rivals like Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.

The 2020 Chevrolet Spark on Sale in the US today comes in a total of 8 Trims depending on the transmission and features you choose. The base variant is the LS and starts at $14,095 with the manual transmission while the top end 2LT Automatic is priced at $18,595. The Trim wise bifurcation has been listed below.

Models	LS	1LT	2LT	Activ
MSRP(Manual/Auto)	$14,095/$15,195	$15,995/$17,095	$17,495/$18,595	$17,095/$18,195
Key Features	USB Data Ports	Adds these to LS	Adds these to 1LT	Adds these to 1LT
	Projector Beam Headlamps	LED DRL’s	Chrome Liftgate	Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
	Manual Tilt Steering	Sirius XM Radio	Chrome Door Handles	Luggage Rack
	Tire Pressure Monitoring	Cruise Control	Enhanced Driver Information System	Fog Lamps
	Rear Spoiler	Steering Mounted Controls		Heated Driver and Passenger Seat
	Hill Start Assist	Theft Deterrent Entry System
	Traction Control with ESC	6 Speaker Audio System
	Rear Cargo Lamps	Remote Keyless Entry
	Rear Cargo Shelf	Powered Door Locks
	Rear Window Defogger

The prices of all trims are pretty close but there are a few features that differentiate those trims.

We Recommend

Despite the 1LS trim getting a whole bunch of feature updates over its last year model, the trim we would personally favor as the one would be the 1LT trim. Going over the 1LT trim would make sense for consumers looking for a feature-packed Hatchback but for most, the 1LT would do the job well. It comes with 4 door Power Windows, Keyless Entry, Cruise Control, Steering mounted controls and a host of other features.

The 2020 Spark's small four-cylinder engine is best suited for around-town use. A CVT automatic-equipped Spark takes over 11 seconds to get to 60 mph from a stop, so highway on-ramps require some planning. Surprisingly, the Spark is agile around town and delivers a well-mannered ride overall– Edmunds.com

The 2020 Chevrolet Spark has received a few changes to the engine from its previous year model. According to GM, this 1.4L motor now produces 98HP of power and 94 ft-lbs of torque which is a flat 17% gain over its predecessor. Other than this, there are no further mechanical changes to it. 

The transmission duties have been undertaken by the familiar 5-Speed manual which comes as standard. However, for a premium of around $1,500, you can opt for a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) on any trim. We would prefer the manual as it makes the Spark more engaging to ride around the small spaces in the city and makes overtaking maneuvers a bit easier than the CVT’s infamous rubber band effect.

Models	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
MSRP	$14,095	$15,095	$14,690	$16,665	$16,555
Engine	1.4L I4	1.6L I-4	1.2L I-3	1.6L I-4	1.5L I-4
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual	5-Speed manual	5-speed manual	5-Speed manual
Horsepower	98hp	130hp	78hp	120hp	106hp
Torque	94lbs-ft	119lb-ft	74lb-ft	112lb-ft	103lbs-ft

As we can see, the updated Chevy Spark now stacks right between the entry-level hatchback market in terms of Power. It has good amount of power at the price it is offered and manages to outrun some higher-priced cars as well. Kia Rio offers more power for a similar price but it takes a toll on mileage then. For people inclining a bit towards practicality should be satisfied with what the Spark offers with the bonus of a better fuel economy. 

Acceleration

A 0-60 MPH time of 10.5 seconds is just embarrassing for Chevrolet. However, the Spark should accept it proudly because it wasn't created to go fast, but to be the most efficient of the lot. If you aim for the quarter-mile mark, the Spark takes around 18 seconds to complete the "journey". In terms of transmission, we had more fun with the manual than the sluggish CVT. The manual departs a playful nature to the Spark almost making you feel as if you were in a luxury go-kart.

The Spark offers decent acceleration when taking off from a red light or a dead stop. Making overtaking maneuvers around the city aren't very difficult either. However, the same can’t be attributed to the highway as getting up to such speeds will take some time. Also, overtaking on the freeways will require you to be in the right gear at the right time. Even after that, it might take some planning before you attempt the overtake.

Models	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
0-60 MPH	10.8	8.5	NA	8.6 sec	NA
Quarter mile	18.0 sec	NA	NA	NA	NA
Engine	1.4L I4	1.6L I-4	1.2L I-3	1.6L I-4	1.5L I-4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA

Since we didn’t get the manual timings of all cars, we have listed the timings of the automatic versions of the cars. This shows us that despite having a potent motor, the lackluster acceleration demolishes the Chevy’s hope of being the fastest car in the segment. As expected from the biggest engine holder - The Kia Rio, emerges as the fastest vehicle in this comparison.

Ride and Handling

The compact proportions and the dimensions of the Spark make it one of the best cars in city limits. The light steering and the small turning radius makes it a breeze to drive in tight spaces or in crowded streets. Its small size also makes it easy to park it in tight spaces as well. If you're going to drive the Spark within the city limits, for the most part, you'll be very happy with it.

On the other hand, the story changes completely on the highway. The steering gets unsettling when doing spirited speeds on the motorway and you can feel the vehicle rock from one end to the other. There is a considerable tire noise and the 1.4L unit under the hood seems a bit stressed while keeping up with the highway speeds. Forget about overtaking here, you'll find it hard to stay on the fastest lane.

Braking

The 2020 Chevy Spark on sale has good stopping power for city speeds and with the standard Electronic Traction Control offered as standard, there is an added level of confidence for the drivers in the City. While its 9.3-inch front rotors seem big enough to stop this small hatchback, let's not forget that this hatch is also one of the heavier vehicles of the segment.

The Spark's 2200-lbs mass becomes evident under aggressive braking applications. The front-end dives quite a bit and the ABS takes a few extra seconds before it kicks in. You might end up locking the tire at times. The brake pedal is squishy in nature and there is also a considerable torque steer if the brake pedal is pressed hard.

Models	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES*	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
Brake Front(in.)	9.3	11	9	NA	10
Brake Rear(in.)	7.9	8	7	NA	7.9
Curb Weight(lbs.)	2246	2648	2018	2537	2315
60-0 MPH(ft.)	NA	NA	127	NA	127

*Based on 2018 Figures

The Mirage and the Yaris stack up head-to-head with each other in terms of stopping distance. Kia Rio is the heaviest vehicle of the lot with a very wide margin over the others which is why we do not have high hopes with it in this department. The Spark should be able to out-perform the Kia and the Ford here due to its lighter curb weight.

The usual rule in the universe says ‘to get benefit out of something needs some kind of Trade off’. The “Ordinary” power output in the 1.4L engine in the 2020 Chevrolet Spark is the tradeoff that GM have made for the good MPG figures it manages to achieve.

Model	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
MPG (city)	29	29	33	27	30
MPG (highway)	38	37	41	35	36
MPG (combined)	34	32	36	30	33
Tank Capacity(Gal.)	9	11.9	9.2	12.4	11.1

The Mitsubishi Mirage blows the competition out of the park with its MPG figures but the only 3 Cylinder Motor in the segment inside the Mirage isn’t good enough for anything else. GM engineers have done a great job in containing the weight of the “Baby Chevy” and deliver great fuel efficiency out of the 1.4L engine.

Yes, the Spark is small, but its interior layout is functional. The high roofline gives it decent access and visibility. But other subcompacts offer more rear legroom –Edmunds.com

Seating and Comfort

Considering the price at which the Spark is positioned, it is obvious that one must not have high hopes and expectations from the interiors. The Seats offer decent support while cost-cutting can be seen in the overall interior quality. The plastics are quite hard and the dark interiors accentuates the cramped nature of the cabin.

Headroom won’t be an issue for people at the front and the back however the legroom is a big concern especially in the 2^nd row which will be best comfortable for Children or small adults.

Model	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39/50.8/43.9	39.5/54.8/41.4	39.1/51.7/41.7	39.9/53.7/41.8	39.3/52.5/40.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.0/49.8/33.0	37.5/52.6/39.3	37.3/51.0/34.0	37.8/53.4/33.3	37.6/51.8/33.3

The upholstery in the seats is made of cloth as standard however leather upholstery is available as an option. The front seats have an armrest which adds to the ease of the driver if not uplift the overall mood of the cabin. The illuminated Interior lighting, however, tends to create some roominess in an overall dull looking cabin.

Cargo Capacity

One of the most uninteresting and undoubtedly the least favorable point for the 2020 Chevrolet Spark has to be its Cargo Capacity. The Compact dimensions of the Spark tends to give it lower Cargo space against the competition with the Rear Cargo space being of little or no use.

Model	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	11.1	17.4	17.2	14.9	15.6
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	27.2	32.8	47.0	25.4	NA

A point of consolation for the 2020 Spark in terms of Cargo space comes when the rear seats are folded down. Folding down the second row seats liberates a lot of space for keeping small packages and cargo and makes the Chevy a good daily driver for doing those daily errands.

Infotainment Features

The Spark has always been targeted for Millennials and the Youth. The best way to connect with the Youth is to keep them connected. Chevrolet has done the same by providing great connectivity and infotainment system. The LS comes with a 4 Speaker Audio System while the 1LT and models above that come with a 6 speaker system.

There are a host of Connectivity features on the 2020 spark with some of the features being OnStar Navigation system, 7” Touchscreen System and myChevrolet app connectivity that keeps you updated about the Car on the phone.

Some of the key features associated with the infotainment system are:

• 7” Touchscreen System with Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• OnStar Turn by Turn Navigation system
• Voice Recognition System
• Steering mounted Audio Controls
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• 1 USB Type C port and 1 Conventional USB Port with a 12V power socket
• 4G LTW Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Sirius XM Satellite Radio

Interior Features

The 2020 Spark might be an entry-level car from Chevrolet's stable, however, it does come with its own set of tricks up its sleeve. Some of the key highlights of the Spark's cabin include:

• Single-zone air conditioner with cabin air filter
• Cargo security shelf at the rear with cargo lamp
• Steering mounted controls 
• Cruise control with set and resume speed
• Rear window defogger
• Manual tilt steering column
• Power sliding sunroof
• Power windows on all doors

Peer closely at the latest Spark’s front end, and you might notice that the grille shape is slightly different, as are the shapes of the two outboard intakes in the bumper. Chevrolet would like you to take notice of the “rich use of chrome in the grille.”-Caranddriver.com

Dimensions and Design

The Chevrolet Spark has always been the “Cute Little City Hatch” for people in the world and the US. The 2020 Spark continues with the same design language and will mostly appeal to young buyers. The design has a modern blend of youthfulness and functionality with the new chrome accentuated grill and sharp character lines on the side doors.

There's not a lot of difference between the previous year's model with the latter's headlamps getting tweaked slightly. Frankly, it doesn't need one. It looks smart and has its own sweet little presence on the road. And not just the design, its compact dimensions further enable a trouble-free drive within city limits.

Model	Chevrolet Spark LS	Kia Rio LX	Mitsubishi Mirage ES*	Ford Fiesta SE	Toyota Yaris L
Length(in)	143.1	160.0	149.4	159.7	155.5
Width(in)	62.8	67.9	65.6	67.8	66.7
Height(in)	58.4	57.1	59.4	58.1	59.4
Ground clearance (in)	6.6	5.5	6.3	NA	5.5
Wheelbase (in)	93.9	101.6	96.5	98	98.8
Track width (in) F/R	54.5/54.5	59.8/60.0	56.3/55.7	57.7/57.7	58.5/57.9

*Based on 2018 Specs

The compact proportions of the Spark, as friendly as it is for the city commuters, totally lose out when pitted against the competition. But that's okay because the Spark is meant to appeal to those buyers who prefer a compact yet necessarily spacious vehicle. If you are one of those who want the biggest vehicle for your money, then it's the Kia Rio that you want.

Exterior Features

The Spark is one of the few hatchbacks in the segment that makes heads turn around, wherever it goes. The Malibu inspired headlamps, the Chrome Garnish, and inserts in the front grill and the Big Bowtie Chevrolet logo adds to the overall appeal of the Spark.

• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• External Rear Spoiler
• Body-Colored Door handles
• Fog Lamps and Luggage Rack on the Activ Trim
• Roof Rails on Activ Trim
• Projector Beam Headlamps
• Unique Door Handles near the Rear Windows

Chevrolet offers great levels of Safety in the 2020 Spark and it boasts of several safety tech features which other competitors are yet to get. The Body of the Car is itself made of High Strength Steel and is encompassed inside a High Strength Steel Safety Cage. You get 10 airbags as standard while ABS is active for all 4 wheels.

• Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking system up to a speed of 37mph
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Vision Parking Camera
• Rear Park Assist that employs ultrasonic sensors
• Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control

2020 Chevrolet Spark vs. Kia Rio

The Kia Rio received a facelift in 2018 and since then has been ranked as one of the top compact cars in the segment. It has a peppier Engine, better driving dynamics and agility on both city and highway. However, if you plan on using your car for city driving, the Spark offers a case on its own. It has compact proportions, good engine for city overtakes and a small turning radius that makes it a fun ride in the city.

2020 Chevrolet Spark vs. Mitsubishi Mirage

Undoubtedly, the Mitsubishi Mirage is the mileage champ of the segment. The Spark, however, manages to do everything better at a lower price and with an MPG figure second best to the Mitsubishi. Add to this, the fact that the Mitsubishi is the only car in the segment that comes with a 3 Cylinder Motor and the lowest in class Power and Torque Output worsens the case for the Mirage.

2020 Chevrolet Spark vs. Ford Fiesta

Fords have always been focused on the driver and have been made as the driver’s car. The Fiesta has carried this trademark for many years now and continues to be one of the best driver’s car in the segment. The Spark, however, is $2,000 cheaper than the Ford and offers a higher fuel economy and feature-set than the Ford.

2020 Chevrolet Spark vs. Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is among the only few cars in the segment to offer a manual transmission along with the others compared here. The Toyota offers the best build quality among all the cars compared here but we still are not big fans of material quality. Being Japanese adds to the reliability factor of the Toyota and this acts in favor of the Yaris. The Spark, on the other hand, is $2,500 less than the Toyota and is a better car to drive in the City. It also does with better standard equipment and MPG figures than the Yaris.

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the smallest and cheapest cars currently on sale in America. It offers good drivability around the city and offers great MPG figures as well. The 2020 model also gets a great set of standard features on the Infotainment front like a big touchscreen unit and 4G LTE Connectivity.

On the whole, though, we feel that the Chevy packs some “Spark” when it comes to using it in the city. Its compact proportions and stylish looks further make it a good proposition for buyers. So if you are in the market for a stylish looking hatchback that will suit your city needs well, the 2020 Chevrolet Spark may suit your expectations well and will be a good buy.

FAQs

Is the Chevy Spark also available as electric?

No, there is no electric variant of the Chevrolet Spark on offer as of yet.

What is the price of the 2020 Chevrolet Spark?

The 2020 Spark is the entry-level offerings from Chevrolet that starts at $14,095 for the base trim and goes all the way up to $18,195 for the top-end trim with CVT. There are a total of four trims on offer. For more information, head over to the trims and features tab on the top of this page.

Does the Chevrolet Spark come with a CVT transmission?

Apart from the 5-speed manual, yes, the Spark is also offered with a CVT gearbox as well. For more information on the engine specifications, click here.

Does the Chevrolet Spark come with a warranty?

Yes, the Chevrolet Spark is accompanied by a nominal 3-year/36,000 mile basic warranty. The powertrain warranty is covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever is earlier.