“If your looking to get to work, haul garden supplies, recycling materials, park in a tight spot, have more fun, go on a road trip, change your daily travel routine, singing/ dancing to music while stuck in traffic, feel safe, and just feel prepared for next chapter in life: this is it.”
Chevrolet Spark: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Chevrolet Spark is a small four-seat city hatchback known for easy parking, straightforward value, and simple everyday transportation. Later models also stand out for standard smartphone-friendly touchscreen tech.
Throughout its 2013-2022 U.S. run, the Spark stayed focused on being Chevrolet’s smallest and simplest city car. Its modest power and tiny footprint favored commuting and tight parking over speed or long-distance comfort. The 2016 redesign made Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera standard, while the 2019 update refreshed the styling and touchscreen system. Chevrolet ended U.S. production after the 2022 model year without a direct replacement.
Strengths
- Its tiny size and nimble feel make crowded streets and tight parking spaces easier to manage.
- Every Spark from the 2016 redesign onward has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The hatchback layout gives it more cargo flexibility than its small footprint suggests.
- The 2022 gas model was rated at 29 mpg in the city and up to 38 mpg on the highway.
- Its controls, powertrain choices, and trim structure stay focused on straightforward everyday transportation.
Who it's for
The Spark best fits a solo commuter, student, first-time buyer, or city resident who wants basic transportation that is easy to place in a small parking spot. It also suits someone who occasionally carries passengers or cargo but does not need the space of a larger hatchback or SUV.
Chevrolet Spark lineup
The LS is the straightforward entry point for shoppers who want the Spark’s basic transportation mission with minimal extras. The 1LT is the sensible step up when added convenience and comfort matter. The ACTIV, offered from 2017 onward, adds crossover-style looks, roof rails, and a slightly raised suspension, but not more power. The 2LT sits at the top for buyers seeking the fullest comfort and convenience package, and the 2016 redesign brought advanced driver-assist features to this trim.
Chevrolet Spark generations
From 2013 to 2022, the Spark spans two generations. The current Second U.S. Generation / 4th Generation arrived for 2016, following the First U.S. Generation — M300 (2013–2015).
Second U.S. Generation / 4th Generation (2016–2022)
A full redesign brought a lower, more mature shape, a new chassis, and a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Every trim gained a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rearview camera.
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2022
The four-trim lineup and 1.4-liter engine carried over. This was the Spark’s final U.S. model year.
2021
The lineup, engine, touchscreen system, and safety equipment carried over.
2020
The four-trim lineup carried over after the 2019 update.
2019Mid-cycle update
Most trims received revised front styling, and the full lineup gained an updated touchscreen system and illuminated front USB ports.
2018
The four-trim lineup and 1.4-liter engine carried over.
2017Trim changes
The ACTIV trim joined the lineup with crossover-style body details, roof rails, and a slightly raised suspension.
2016New generation
A full redesign introduced a new chassis, a new 1.4-liter engine, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
First U.S. Generation — M300 (2013–2015)
The Spark arrived in the U.S. as a small four-door hatchback with a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Its compact size, practical hatchback body, and strong standard safety equipment defined this version.
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2015
The three-trim lineup and 1.2-liter engine carried over. This was the final year before the 2016 redesign.
2014Trim changes
A CVT replaced the optional 4-speed automatic, and automatic headlights became standard.
2013New generation
The Spark launched in the U.S. with a 1.2-liter engine, a standard 5-speed manual, and an optional 4-speed automatic.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Spark.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Spark a hatchback or a sedan?
The Spark is a four-door hatchback, not a sedan. Its short body is easy to park, while the rear hatch and split-folding back seat make it more useful for cargo than its tiny footprint suggests.
Does the Chevrolet Spark come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Spark lineup covered here is gas-powered, not hybrid. Later models use a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2013–2015 version uses a 1.2-liter four-cylinder.
Does the Chevrolet Spark have AWD?
No. The Spark is a front-wheel-drive car. Its small size suits paved city driving, but the lineup does not include an AWD version.
Was the Chevrolet Spark sold with both automatic and manual transmissions?
Yes. U.S. Sparks were sold with a manual or an automatic-style transmission. The 2013 model used a conventional four-speed automatic; a CVT replaced it for 2014, and the redesigned 2016–2022 Spark continued with manual and CVT options.
Is the Chevrolet Spark big enough for four adults?
It seats four, but it is still a very small car. The latest lineup has 33 inches of rear legroom, so the back seat is better suited to occasional adult passengers or shorter trips than regular long-distance travel.
What is the Chevrolet Spark known for?
The Spark is known for being easy to park, simple to operate, and useful for everyday city trips. Its hatchback cargo area and phone-friendly touchscreen give it more flexibility than its tiny size might suggest.
How different are the older and newer Chevrolet Spark generations?
The main dividing line is the 2016 redesign. The 2013–2015 Spark has a 1.2-liter engine and the original U.S. body style. The 2016–2022 version has a new chassis, a 1.4-liter engine, a more mature shape, and standard smartphone integration.
Does every Chevrolet Spark have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
No. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard on every trim with the 2016 redesign. Earlier LT models had touchscreen infotainment, but shoppers wanting built-in smartphone integration should focus on 2016–2022 cars.
Chevrolet Spark Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Spark.
4.1
Chevrolet Spark
(1,531 reviews)
“It is a good car, comfortable to drive and gets great mileage with minimum mechanical issues as long as you do the scheduled maintenance and oil changes.”
“Love my Spark. It's great for running around town, but I've also enjoyed it on the highway for longer trips.”
“I just wanted an all electric vehicle. With all the high gas prices, this car just helped with errands without the extra gas expenses.”
“More power than you think, carries more than you'd expect, good on gas, easy to drive in tight spots,”
“A sensible but fun little alternative to the giant SUVs roaming our highways. This would be great for student drivers. It's easy to handle, small, and not terribly expensive should the student hit something!”