2021 Chevrolet Spark

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Rating5.5

Ranked #4 in 

Subcompact Hatchback
Write Review
$13,400 - $17,900
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Highly Maneuverable

Cramped rear leg-room

No major changes on the design and mechanical front

Decent gas-mileage

Less on power

Few additions to the Color catalog

Improved safety gear

Gets pricey as you spec-up

Available 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

Lively handling

Specs & Features

$14,500

price

98 hp @ 6200 rpm

horsepower

94 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

1.4L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark belongs to the second generation Spark introduced in 2015. Chevrolet has not implemented considerable changes for the current model year. However, to keep things moving, two additional exterior colors, namely the Cayenne Orange Metallic and Mystic Blue Metallic are added to the color palette. The price of the 2021 Chevy Spark starts at $13,600 and an additional $995 is charged as destination fee across all the trim configurations. 

Featuring a 4-trim lineup of LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark MSRP can be an expense of $13,600-$17,000 this season. Having said that, it simply translates to the fact that the range-leader 2021 Chevy Spark 2LT will cost you $3,400 more than the base 2021 Spark LS for enhanced specs and assets.

We Recommend 

Being a reasonably priced hatchback and mostly preferred by urban commuters, we would suggest going for the ACTIV trim for its decent list of features and pricing. 

Under the hood of the Chevy Spark 2021 is a 1.4-liter engine with 98 horsepower. With an EPA-estimated mpg rating of 33 mpg (combined), the 2021 Chevy Spark gas mileage is quite decent. The lower curb weight helps with easy maneuverability. With reasonable quality of plastics and a cargo space of 11.1 cubic feet, the 2021 Chevy Spark interior is a good place to be in. Chevrolet’s cheapest car costs less than the Kia Rio hatchback and is more powerful than the Mitsubishi Mirage.

2021 Chevrolet Spark for sale

The 2021 Chevy Spark lease cost for the LS trim can be a matter of $201/month for a term of 36 months and an annual mileage limit of 10,000 miles. The same model can also be financed for as low as 3.49% APR for a term of 48 months and $310/month along with 10% down payment. 

For budget-oriented buyers, the used 2021 Chevrolet Spark can be availed of with a base price of $15,298. Going for older model years like the 2020 Spark could be a matter of $5,995 and Chevy Spark 2019 can cost as much as $5,995 along with a listing of up to 2,839 in total.

Buying Advice

The Chevrolet Spark is a small and stylish car with a lot of options. Everyone can afford it even during these tough times, and they get very good fuel efficiency. Given that the buying options are long-term, we recommend opting for the Activ variant as it offers all the generic features and comforts to keep you safe and lively. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

With an MSRP of $14,595, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark is an urban commuter car that is extremely fuel-efficient and meets the needs of a new generation of car buyers. While it retains the same aesthetics and power as the outgoing 2020 model, Chevy has made few improvements on its safety front. It faces stiff competition from the Kia Rio Hatchback and Mitsubishi Mirage

Features
5.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is offered in four well-appointed trim levels, namely LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT. There are no significant changes across the lineup with few additions to the safety compartment such as the available Forward-collision alert, Lane-Departure warning, and Automatic Emergency braking. All four trims come equipped with an ample set of standard features like air conditioning, four (LS) and six-speaker sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 15-inch steel, alloy, and aluminum wheels, and heated front seats to name a few. 

Trims

LS

1LT

Activ

2LT

MSRP (Manual)

$14,595

$16,495

$17,595

$17,995

MSRP (Automatic)

$15,695

$17,595

$18,695

$19,095

Key Features

Air Conditioning

Adds all of the features of LS trim

Adds all of the features of 1LT trim

Adds all the features of ACTIV features

 

4-Speaker Audio System

Remote Keyless entry

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

Keyless Entry/Push-button start

 

7-inch Infotainment Touchscreen

Cruise Control

Simulated leather upholstery

Rear Park Assist

 

Manual windows, door locks, and mirrors

Power windows, mirrors, and door locks

Heated front seats

Upgraded driver information display

 

15-inch steel wheels

15-inch alloy wheels

Fog Lights

15-inch Aluminum Wheels

 

Halogen Projector-beam headlamps

Six-speaker audio system

Daytime running lights

Simulated leather seating surfaces

 

Driver Information Center

SiriusXM Radio

Heated power outside mirrors

Chrome door handles and trim

The 2021 Spark hatch provides seating for up to five passengers with ample headspace and legroom. Available in both manual and automatic transmission, you can choose a vehicle that best suits you. From the driver's seat, you have full access to the available 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You can also connect your compatible device to select models through Bluetooth, utilize OnStar, and stay connected with available Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

Which trim should you buy? 

The Chevrolet Spark is a small and stylish car with a lot of options. Everyone can afford it even during these tough times, and they get very good fuel efficiency. Given that the buying options are long-term, we recommend opting for the Activ variant as it offers all the generic features and comforts to keep you safe and lively. 

Fuel Economy
6.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark, like its predecessor, is fuel-efficient and economical enough for just about any driver. With an EPA rating of 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on highways, and 33 mpg combined, it offers a pretty decent range but not better than its rivals. It features a fuel tank of 9 gallons, which delivers a range of 297 miles combined, which is far lower than the Mirage and Rio. 

Models

2021 Chevrolet Spark

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

MPG (City)

30

33

36

MPG (Highway)

38

41

43

MPG (Combined)

33

36

39

Fuel Tank Capacity

9.0 gal.

11.9 gal.

9.2 gal.

Range (city/highway/combined)

270/342/297

392.7/487.9/428.4

331.2/395.6/358.8

Compared to the Chevrolet Spark, its rivals drive more efficiently, especially in the city. The Mitsubishi Mirage leads the table with a wide margin, delivering 36 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highways and 39 mpg combined. Followed by the Kia Rio, which returns 36 mpg in the combined case, and it also sports the largest fuel tank with 11.9 gallons of capacity.

Interior
4.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark retains the same cabin design as its predecessor. The interior of this Chevy Spark is pretty appealing, featuring a jet-black interior, and it certainly stands out amongst the sea of dull beige interiors found in most small cars. It comes with a standard set of features like heated front seats, air conditioning, driver information display, and leatherette upholstery.

The front seats provide about 41.7 inches of legroom, and the backseat offers 33 inches, which is fair enough for tall folks to sit comfortably on long drives. Due to its very small footprint, the interior of the Spark can feel a bit tight when compared to larger sedans or SUVs, but it will serve you well if you are looking for a fuel-efficient compact car that still manages to seat four adults. The dashboard design is simple yet stylish with gentle curves that lead up to the driver's instrument console which includes a 3.5-inch color display. 

Models

2021 Chevrolet Spark

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Seating Capacity

4

5

5

Front (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

39/50.8/41.7

38.9/54.1/42.1

39/51.7/41.7

Rear (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)

37/49.8/33

38/53.3/33.5

37.2/51/34.2

Cargo Volume (cubic feet)

11.0

17.4

17.1

In the competition, the Kia Rio triumphs again with a capacious cabin that can seat 5 adults comfortably and even offers the largest luggage room in the segment at 17.4 cu-ft. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Mirage impresses with its cargo space of 17.1 cu-ft. while offering a decent seating room for 5 passengers. The Spark is the hatch with the least amount of cargo and seating room in the segment. Standard interior features of the 2021 Chevrolet Spark include:

  • Leather Wrapped Steering wheel
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Leatherette Upholstery
  • Air Conditioning
  • Remote keyless entry and Push-button start
  • MID information center

How intuitive is the 2021 Chevrolet Spark’s Infotainment System?

The 2021 Chevy Spark comes with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The center console houses a 7-inch Infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. We do have a six-speaker sound system, while the base LS trim qualifies for a four-speaker audio system only. Overall, the Chevrolet Spark’s infotainment is the best of all the hatchbacks in this segment.

All the standard infotainment features are listed below:

  • 7-inch infotainment Touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System
  • 6-Speaker Audio System
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility
  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming
  • USB and AUX Plugin compatibility
  • SiriusXM Radio
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls
  • Navigation System
  • OnStar emergency communications with onboard Wi-Fi hotspot

Exterior
4.0/10

Simple, minimalistic, and functional, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark hatchback pushes the limits of ingenuity and technology with a footprint that shifts, bends, and stretches to accommodate your necessities. Innovative red-lit LED lights to change direction with the touch of a button are provided in the center console to ease nighttime driving. Despite being an affordable hatchback, the Spark sports a well-crafted and premium design. 

The front fascia houses the halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED DRLs, fog lights, and a blacked-out grille. The Chevrolet Spark is conveniently named for its minuscule stature, but it's anything but wee. This subcompact hatchback features a rear spoiler for improved high-speed stability, and heated door mirrors let you see more of the road ahead in inclement weather.

Models

2021 Chevrolet Spark

2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

Curb Weight (lbs)

2,246 lbs

2,762 lbs

2,095 lbs

Length (inches)

143.1

160.0

149.4

Width (inches)

62.8

67.9

65.6

Height (inches)

58.4

57.1

59.4

Ground Clearance (inches)

6.7

5.5

6.3

Wheelbase (inches)

93.9

101.6

96.5

Among the competition, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark turns out to be the most compact offering, which enhances its maneuverability but falls short in comfort and seating space. The Kia Rio is the heaviest, and in fact, the bulkiest hatch in the segment, leading in all fronts like weight, length, and width. Some standout exterior features of the Chevrolet Spark include:

  • 15-inch Steel/Alloy/Aluminum wheels depending on the trim you choose
  • Heated & Power Side trims
  • Halogen Projector-Beam Headlamps 
  • Unique Chrome Grille
  • Daytime Running Lamps
  • Integrated rear spoiler
  • Front intermittent Wipers
  • Solar absorbing glass

Safety
9.0/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark hasn’t been tested by the NHTSA yet, while the IIHS awarded it with some decent scores in few parameters. The 2021 Spark adds to an already impressive list of safety features. It has been designed with your safety in mind, incorporating Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Side Blind Zone Alert. And as a Chevrolet, the 2021 Spark has many great technologies to help make driving more fun and enjoyable. Other safety features include:

  • Electronic traction control
  • Hill Start Assist
  • LED DRLs
  • Rear Vision Camera
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System
  • StabiliTrak stability control
  • Available Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Available Forward Collision alert
  • Available Lane Departure Warning

Competition
6.0/10

2021 Chevrolet Spark vs 2021 Kia Rio Hatchback

Say you're in the market for a new car and have already narrowed it down to these two models: the 2021 Chevrolet Spark and the 2021 Kia Rio. But which is better? If you don't need to carry more than two people and their things, then you won't be disappointed with either one. But Kia Rio clearly edges out the Spark when it comes to fuel economy and interior space, while the Spark is very good in handling and composed ride quality.

2021 Chevrolet Spark vs the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Both the Mitsubishi Mirage and Chevrolet Spark are well-renowned cars in the compact hatch segment. The differences between these two cars are extensive, but it's not all bad news for Chevy drivers. There are a few things that help save face with this new car, like its lower price point, more storage space, and its sleek design. The Mirage offers superior gas mileage and interior seating room than Spark, but the Chevrolet Spark comes with some quality interior materials with a sturdy build and even offers a better ride quality than the Mirage. 

Final Verdict

Starting at $14,595, the 2021 Chevrolet Spark is an affordable option that gets you around town and to your destination. Light and nimble, the Spark is the right car for anyone who wants ample visibility, a small footprint, and an incredibly agile driving experience. This two-door, five-passenger hatchback is loaded with features that make every trip an adventure. Get your hands on this wildly talented entry-level hatchback that will leave you spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer speed or efficiency, Spark offers adequate of both for the segment.

Trims

    LS
    $13,400 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Manual front air conditioning
    1LT
    $15,300 onwards
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Leatherette Seat trim
    • Rear parking assist
    ACTIV
    $16,400 onwards
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Usb Connection
    2LT
    $16,800 onwards
    • Heated mirrors
    • Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
    • SiriusXM AM/FM/Satellite, Radio

Compare to similar cars

Price

$13,400- $17,900

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

5.48

Horsepower

98 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque

94 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$18,900- $28,450

Gasoline

6.8

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

4

Read Review

$14,295- $17,445

Gasoline

5.72

78 hp @ 6000 rpm

74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    SourceCompare
    10.3 sec17.9 sec
    9 sec-
    12.4 sec18.9 sec

    2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg9 gal.261/342 mi.
      33 mpg41 mpg36 mpg9.2 gal.303.6/377.2 mi.
      27 mpg33 mpg28 mpg13.2 gal.330/435.6 mi.

      2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        143.1 in.62.8 in.58.4 in.-93.9 in.

        2021 Hyundai Veloster N

        Ranked #1

        166.9 in.71.3 in.54.9 in.5.3 in.104.3 in.
        166.9 in.70.9 in.55.1 in.5.6 in.104.3 in.
        151.4 in.65.6 in.59.4 in.6.3 in.96.5 in.

        2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          11.1 cu.ft.83 cu.ft.27.2 cu.ft.
          17.1 cu.ft.86.2 cu.ft.47 cu.ft.
          19.9 cu.ft.89.9 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.

          2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            27.2 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.27.2 cu.ft.-
            47 cu.ft.17.1 cu.ft.47 cu.ft.67 ft.
            44.5 cu.ft.19.9 cu.ft.44.5 cu.ft.-

            2021 Chevrolet Spark vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -2246 lbs.
              893 lbs.2822 lbs.
              -2140 lbs.

              2021 Chevrolet Spark Hatchback Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              0

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              5

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

              Top Chevrolet Cars

              2021 Chevrolet Spark

              Horsepower : 98 hp @ 6200 rpm

              MPG Combined : 33 mpg

              0-60 : 10.3 sec

              #1

              2021 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

              Horsepower : 650 hp @ 6400 rpm

              MPG Combined : 16 mpg

              0-60 : 3.21 sec

              #2

              2021 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

              Horsepower : 490 hp @ 6450 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 3.35 sec

              #3

              2021 Chevrolet Suburban

              Horsepower : 355 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 6.6 sec

              #4

              2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

              Horsepower : 355 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 18 mpg

              0-60 : 5.9 sec

              #5

              2021 Chevrolet Traverse

              Horsepower : 310 hp @ 6800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 21 mpg

              0-60 : 6.8 sec

              #6

              2021 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2

              Horsepower : 308 hp @ 6800 rpm

              MPG Combined : 19 mpg

              0-60 : 8.2 sec

              #7

              2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

              Horsepower : 285 hp @ 5300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 17 mpg

              0-60 : 7.7 sec

              #8

              2021 Chevrolet Camaro

              Horsepower : 275 hp @ 5600 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 5.4 sec

              #9

              2021 Chevrolet Colorado

              Horsepower : 200 hp @ 6300 rpm

              MPG Combined : 22 mpg

              0-60 : 9 sec

              #10

              Frequently Asked Questions

              What's new with the 2021 Chevy Spark?
              Chevrolet has not made any major changes. To keep things moving, two additional exterior colors, namely the Cayenne Orange Metallic and Mystic Blue Metallic are added to the color palette
              Why is Chevy discontinuing the Spark in the near future?
              More and more customers are upgrading to compact or subcompact SUVs. So, Chevy is focusing on the EV and SUV segment.
              Which model will be the entry point to the bowtie brand after Spark is discontinued?
              The Chevrolet Trax will be the entry point to the brand.
              How long will a 2021 Chevy Spark last?
              On an average, the 2021 Spark can last for 150,000 miles if properly maintained.