“My wife wanted a small car, so we bought a Chevy Spark. I was worried about it climbing the highways in the hilly rural area we live. That's not a problem. It's got the get up and go. She's got her Chevy Spark that she loves and I have a 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71. Why would anyone buy anything other than a Chevrolet!!!!”
2017 Chevrolet Spark: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The biggest change for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark is the new ACTIV trim, which adds a slightly raised suspension and SUV-inspired exterior details. Otherwise, the Spark carries over with no major updates after its 2016 redesign.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Spark
4th generation Spark (2016-2022), second model year; no full refresh for 2017, but the new ACTIV trim joins the range.
Chevrolet positions the Spark as a small city hatchback with a bigger-car feature set than its size suggests. Its core appeal is simple: it is easy to park, easy to maneuver in traffic, and still gives owners a useful touchscreen, smartphone integration, four doors, and flexible cargo space. Against other tiny cars, Chevrolet leans on the Spark's personality, connectivity, and everyday practicality rather than performance.
The lineup starts with the straightforward LS, which has a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a rearview camera. The 1LT adds everyday conveniences, while the more polished 2LT brings heated synthetic leather seats, keyless entry and start, and rear parking sensors. The new ACTIV combines heated seats and smartphone-friendly tech with roof rails and a more rugged appearance.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new ACTIV trim adds unique front and rear styling, an ACTIV-specific grille, black lower-body cladding, fog lamps and roof rails.
Structural
The ACTIV receives a raised suspension that increases ride height by 0.4 inch.
2017 Chevrolet Spark specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, ECOTEC, 1.4L |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 98 hp | 98 hp | 98 hp | 98 hp |
| Torque | 94 lb-ft | 94 lb-ft | 94 lb-ft | 94 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft | 27.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33 in | 33 in | 33 in | 33 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Locks | ||||
| Power Windows | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is new on the 2017 Chevrolet Spark?
The new ACTIV trim is the main change for 2017. It gives the Spark a 0.4-inch-higher ride height, roof rails, black lower-body cladding and unique exterior styling.
Was the 2017 Chevrolet Spark redesigned?
No, the 2017 Spark was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2016, and most of the lineup carries over.
What is different about the 2017 Chevrolet Spark ACTIV?
The 2017 Spark ACTIV has a slightly raised suspension and SUV-inspired styling rather than serious off-road equipment. Its distinguishing details include roof rails, black cladding, a unique grille, fog lamps and heated synthetic leather front seats.
Did the 2017 Chevrolet Spark receive a new engine?
No, the 2017 Spark did not receive a major powertrain change. The lineup continues with its 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and the new ACTIV focuses on appearance and ride height rather than added power.
What is the main reason to choose a 2017 Spark over a 2016 Spark?
The main reason is the 2017-only addition of the ACTIV trim. Shoppers who do not want its raised ride height and rugged styling will find that the regular Spark lineup changed very little from 2016.
2017 Chevrolet Spark Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Spark.
4.2
2017 Chevrolet Spark
(285 reviews)
“I love the gas mileage we get, the ease of parking in small spaces, the get up and go that my little car has, the low car payments, and the interior design. Very roomy on the inside.”
“It may look small, but you have plenty of room once you're inside. And fuel efficiency is amazing”