2022 Chevrolet Spark

The ACTIV trim is the one to choose from the available options. The leatherette touches, 6-speaker audio system, and exclusive suspensions on offer for sportier handling make this trim the most compelling one. One can even go for the power sunroof for better appeal altogether. Therefore, it is advisable to have it with CVT for easy city commuting that might not cost one more than $19,090 in totality.  

"The 2022 Chevy Spark punches above its price point." - Motor Trend

The 2022 Chevy Spark is a 4-trim subcompact hatchback. The base trim is the LS that costs $14,595 and gets Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a 7-inch diagonal color screen and 4-speaker audio system inside the cabin. It also receives Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standards. After that, the 1LT introduces itself at a price tag of $16,495 that further adds a 6-speaker audio system and Cruise Control over the LS configuration.        

With an investment of $17,595, one owns ACTIV trim whose interior has been adorned with Leather Upholstery and a Leather-wrapped steering wheel. Not just that, it gets exclusive Touring Suspension as standard for that extra control over handling and dynamics. The 2LT comes as the most expensive one at $17,995 that features the same assets as that of ACTIV along with Enhanced Driver Information Center and Rear Parking Aid that are specific to this trim only.     

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"Despite the standard hill start assist, getting things moving from a full stop is asking a lot from a little engine"- Kelley Blue Book

The 2022 Chevy Spark features a 1.4L I-4 engine that is capable of producing 98hp and 94 lb-ft of torque. It is then mated either mated with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The CVT is $1,1000 costlier than the manual gearbox but offers smooth power transition via the standalone FWD layout.

The Chevy Spark has been given power steering right from the base trim that reduces the driver's effort at the wheel. However, it is the Touring Suspension attachment in the ACTIV trim that gives this configuration a specialized wheel alignment and stiff suspension for better cornering at considerably higher speed. 

The 2022 Spark goes past 0-60 MPH in nearly 10.7 seconds while the quarter-mile timing rests at 18.2 seconds. Regarding its top speed, it has been limited to 105 MPH. Moreover, its braking system comes with Brake Assist and 9.3-inch front disc brakes that restrains the braking distance within 166 ft while decelerating from 70-0 MPH.    

As per the datasheet, the Chevrolet Spark is almost 2 seconds slower in 0-60 MPH acceleration than the Kia Rio as it has a power deficit of 22 hp. But one has to make an investment of $2,500 extra when opting for the Rio compared to Spark. On the other hand, Mirage has 20 hp less power than Chevy Spark but offers parallel performance.    

Despite its teensy size and teeny engine, the Spark doesn't earn fantastic EPA estimates. - Car And Driver

The 2022 Chevy Spark offers an average mileage of 33 MPG that goes as high as 37 MPG. These figures in conjunction with a 9-gallon fuel tank can deliver a range of up to 333 miles on the highways and 297 miles combined. 

Based on the comparison, the Chevy Spark has a 2.9-gallon smaller fuel tank and is 3 MPG less fuel efficient than Rio. As a result, the Rio can have 131 miles extra over Spark. Even Mirage has 61 miles more range coverage than Chevrolet Spark because of its 6 MPG more efficiency.   

"Its tight rear seat and cheap interior are hardly a surprise given the low price and itsy-bitsy dimensions." - The Car Connection

The 2022 Chevy Spark interior is a baggage of mixed feeling depending on the trim. The LS trim gets no more than Cloth Upholstery that upgrades to Leatherette finishes such as Jet Black and Dark Anderson Silver Metallic in the ACTIV configuration. Also, the sophistication of monochrome dash design is dented by the presence of hard plastic all around.    

The Chevy Spark has been given front high-back bucket seats for comfort seating along with a cargo capacity of 11.1 cu-ft that increases to 27.2 cu-ft with rear seats folded. Apart from the standard values, it has got the options of a Cargo Management at $150 and Premium Thinkware F800 Dashcam Cameras worth $499.

As per data, the Chevrolet Spark has a 6.3 cu-ft cargo volume than the Kia Rio. It also has 4-inch less shoulder room in both rows than Rio. Even Mirage has 6 cu-ft better cargo capacity than Spark inside the cabin. After this cometh the infotainment unit that has been specced with a Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System and a 7-inch diagonal color touchscreen.

The musical technology sways between a 4-speaker audio system and a 6-speaker audio system. However, the latter audio system is available from 1LT trim onwards. In addition to that, the Chevy Spark is equipped with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay alongside OnStar Connected Services. Some of the notable features have been listed down as well:

• Single-zone Front Air Conditioning
• Cloth/Leather Upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Voice Recognition System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite Radio

"The entire look is generally agreeable, while the large glass areas promote decent outward vision"- Kelley Blue Book

The 2022 Chevy Spark is dimensionally unchanged and looks just like a typical hatchback with no styling appeal. However, it does have 10 exterior colors including the newer Crimson Dark Red, Blue Glow, and Nitro Yellow. Furthermore, it receives a power sunroof on top at an additional expense of $1,000 as per trim specific.  

The Chevy Spark has been fitted with standard 15-inch wheels and all-season tires along with a spoiler in the rear. The solar absorbing glasses have also been attached all around for a reduced ray interior. Though the design is simple but one can opt for the painted and chrome bodyside moldings, both at $235 each.   

According to the competition, the Spark is 500 lbs lighter and has an 8-inch smaller wheelbase than the Rio. This helps the former to have a better commanding drive and braking compared to Rio. Meanwhile, Mirage is 200 lbs lighter but happens to have a 3-inch extra wheelbase over Chevrolet Spark, resulting in parallel handling. Some other notable features are:   

• 15-inch all-season tires
• Body-color painted side moldings
• Rear Spoiler
• Optional sunroof (available with the top-tier trim only)
• Chrome embellishments
• 10-exterior colors 

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"The Spark offers few active safety features in its least expensive configuration." - cars.usnews

The Chevy Spark has no safety rating either for the 2022 or the 2021 model year by the NHTSA or IIHS. Though IIHS has rated it in two parameters where it scores a "Good", the detailed testing is yet to be done. On top of that, the Chevrolet Spark lacks the standard safety features at lower trims simply for its price tag. Some of the available features have been listed down: 

• Emergency Braking Assist
• Traction and Stability Control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Post Collision Safety System
• Dual front and rear side airbags
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Anti-theft Alarm System (with the higher-level trims)

2022 Chevrolet Spark vs 2022 Kia Rio

The 2022 Chevy Spark lacks the performance and acceleration characteristics against the prowess of Kia Rio. Despite being more powerful, Rio offers an impressive fuel economy and range coverage. It also takes an edge in interior spaciousness and cargo capacity. On the whole, Rio is the clear favorite. 

2022 Chevrolet Spark vs 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage has better performance and range practicality. Even the seating inside the cabin is much more balanced with an enhanced cargo capacity at disposal in the Mirage. Getting all these at a competitive price tag makes the case for the Mirage between the two.

The 2022 Chevy Spark is affordable and offers a multitude of trims but lags behind, in all aspects, against its rivals. Be it power surge or comfort seating, the rival hatchbacks are far more superior and practical. It even lacks the additional packages that may have enhanced its stature. So, the Chevrolet Spark is surely not a pick in this class.