Used 2022 Chevrolet Spark

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback. It’s not only Chevrolet’s cheapest new car, it’s one of the most affordable new cars on the market. Naturally, there’s a catch.

A low price means a low level of equipment, like manual windows and door locks, modest engine power, and a manual transmission. The Spark has a better chance of sparking joy if the buyer chooses a higher trim level. However, even the base model has Wi-Fi and smartphone integration, so maybe it’s all a question of priorities.

Where is the Chevrolet Spark made? In South Korea. This second generation of Spark has been around since the 2015 model year. How economical is the Chevy Spark? Its best figure on the highway is 38 mpg. How fast is the Spark? Let’s just say it goes from standstill to 60 mph eventually and leave it at that.

On twisting uphill stretches, it’s best to think about how to keep the momentum going. Because despite the standard hill start assist, getting things moving from a full stop is asking a lot from a little engine. We realize most people will want the automatic option, but the manual transmission allows drivers to extract what little performance the 2022 Spark has.

Freeways bring their own issues. Sound insulation is, unsurprisingly, not that great, and the car’s high sides are prone to buffeting from the wake of 18-wheelers. Stay in town, though, and the Spark’s tight turning circle makes it easy to maneuver.

Despite the Spark’s lack of length, it has plenty of height, providing generous headroom for a subcompact hatchback. Rear legroom, however, is a different matter and far less cause for celebration. And this car is a 4-seater, as opposed to the typical arrangement of seating for five.

Being one of the cheapest new cars on the market, the 2022 Spark employs cabin materials appropriate to its price. It does, at least, arrange the interior into nice designs, like the center console and the air vents at each end of the dashboard.

The front seats don’t have much scope for adjustment, and the steering wheel moves up and down, but not in or out. Finding a workable driving position, then, might be down to luck and/or patience. Shoulder room is also pretty limited, but this is a narrow subcompact hatchback.

The luggage area behind the rear seats measures 11.1 cubic feet. These rear seats split and fold in a 60/40 configuration. When they’re both folded, maximum cargo space is 27.2 cubic feet.

To the casual observer, the 2022 Spark might look like it only has two passenger doors. The handles for the rear doors are camouflaged neatly into the rear pillars. The entire look is generally agreeable, while the large glass areas promote decent outward vision.

The 1LT trim is eligible for an optional Special Edition package that brings a black grille and black-finished alloy wheels. The Activ model’s suspension raises the ride height by almost half an inch. It also comes with a roof rack, plus side mirror housings and side sills in black. The 2LT adds more chrome.

TECHNOLOGY
Sharing a cabin with manual windows is a rare inventory of modern features in a budget car. The 2022 Spark comes standard with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi, and a couple of USB ports.

EASY PARKER
The Spark is short. It can squeeze into parking spaces that drivers of larger vehicles are obliged to pass. And its back is straight, so judging distances when reversing is no problem. If more help is required, rear parking sensors are fitted to the top 2LT trim.

Trim levels for the 2022 Spark are LS, 1LT, Activ, and 2LT. The base LS trim is the one with wind-up windows, manual locks, and 15-inch steel wheels. Like every other Spark, the LS also has a steering wheel that adjusts only for height (not reach), single-zone air conditioning, manually adjustable front seats, and rear drum brakes (discs up front).

Sharing car space with these items is an odd collection of modern technology that’s also standard. Such as Wi-Fi, two USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration. A 7-inch touchscreen controls the infotainment system. The audio setup has four speakers, and the Bluetooth setup allows connection for two devices.

Safety features are less remarkable, except for the 10 airbags. But there’s the mandatory stability/traction control and rearview camera.

As we climb the trim level ladder, the 2022 Spark looks more like a pleasant form of transport. The 1LT trim has foldable keys, 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows/locks, heated side mirrors, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. It also becomes eligible for a powered sunroof.

Activ trim has what Chevrolet describes as a Touring suspension. It brings a slightly raised ride height for a hint of crossover attitude. This trim also includes fog lamps and heated front seats.

The poshest Spark, such as it is, regains the regular suspension. This 2LT trim then adds chrome-finished door handles and grille, LED daytime running lights, keyless entry/ignition, a nicer instrument cluster, and rear parking sensors.

All trims qualify for the automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Combining the 2LT trim level with the CVT makes the Driver Confidence Package available, bringing forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. That’s it for driver assistance features — blind-spot monitoring isn’t even on the options list.

A 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine propels the 2022 Spark with 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. This is known in technical terms as “not that much.” The engine is naturally aspirated, so there’s nothing like a turbocharger to enhance power and fuel efficiency.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, with the option of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the automatic alternative. Either way, that dribble of drive goes solely to the front wheels.

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