2020 Chevy Spark Review

　　

2020 Chevrolet Spark Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　Compact economy cars have historically been penalty boxes. They were small cars that lacked features and space. You bought one because you had to, not because you wanted to. And though the Chevy Spark with its hatchback body style is no Rolls-Royce or Mercedes-Benz competitor, it features modern infotainment capabilities, excellent maneuverability and even better fuel economy. It makes sense that the Spark features these traits since its country of origin, South Korea, has lots of tight urban environments.

　　Thanks to its rear-vision camera and short overhangs (the parts of the car that stick out beyond the wheels), the Spark is a cinch to parallel park and maneuver. Plus, it features GM's Chevrolet Link 3 system, which provides for standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This tech makes up for the fact that there's no navigation or voice control, though it will pass commands directly to your phone.

　　But the Spark's small size has its drawbacks, too. Even against other subcompact cars, rear-seat room and cargo space are on the small side. And though the powertrain delivers good fuel economy, it's at the expense of brute force. Other players in this space — such as the Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit — feature varying compromises of performance, size and efficiency. But the Spark's even balance of all of these factors is worth considering. Notably, the 2020 Chevrolet Spark is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　

Which Spark does zzdcar recommend?

With the Spark's cost of entry so low, most people will be able to afford to move up a trim level and get more features. Since the Chevy Spark comes standard with a fairly good infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, we recommend the 1LT. It adds convenience features such as power windows, mirrors, door locks, remote entry, and a six-speaker audio system.

　　

2020 Chevrolet Spark models

The 2020 Chevrolet Spark is a compact four-door city car available in four trim levels that differ primarily in standard feature content. The Spark LS is the base model, and the 1LT adds more features. The 2LT has more convenience and driver assist functions, while the Activ model increases ground clearance and tacks on roof rails to suit the more active lifestyle.

　　All Sparks come with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. The engine drives the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

　　The Spark LS is fairly bare-bones but still comes with air conditioning, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Even at this base level, the Spark features Chevrolet's OnStar communications system that includes a 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

　　The 1LT equips alloy wheels, power accessories (windows, mirrors and door locks), cruise control, remote keyless entry, foglights and a six-speaker audio system.

　　Next up is the Activ. It adds simulated-leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, special 15-inch wheels and bodywork, and a raised suspension that provides 0.4 inch of additional ground clearance.

　　Alternately, go for the 2LT. Compared to the 1LT, it comes with rear parking sensors, simulated-leather seating surfaces, push-button start, an upgraded driver information display, heated front seats, and chrome door handles and trim.

　　A sunroof is optional for the 1LT and 2LT trims. For the 2LT only, you can get a Driver Confidence package that adds forward collision warning system with low-speed emergency automatic braking and a lane departure warning system.

　　

2020 Spark Highlights

Trim: LS1LTACTIV2LTLS

　　

Base MSRP	$13,220
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$115/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles