DecodedCars2021 Chevrolet Spark
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 30 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 143.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,247 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 41% better than the average 2021 subcompact car (23.4 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact car offered with a 1.4L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 143 inches long and 63 inches wide on a 94-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,247 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 38 highway), 41% better than the 2021 subcompact car average of 23.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Spark — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Spark →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Changwon, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2021 Spark configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback | 143.3 in | 63 in | 58.3 in | 94.1 in | 54.3 / 54.3 in | 2,247 lb | 64/36 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 33 | +41% | $2,050 | 273 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 37 / 33 | +41% | $2,050 | 266 |
| Spark | 1.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 38 / 33 | +41% | $2,050 | 266 |
| Spark ACTIV | 1.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +37% | $2,100 | 278 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Spark.
Similar 2021 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Spark (this car) | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Karma GS-6 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Spark.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Chevrolet Spark is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Spark buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Spark. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Spark years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2020 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 20 |
| 2019 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 14 |
| 2018 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
| 2017 Spark | 33 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 29 |
| 2016 Spark | 34 | 143.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 42 |
| 2015 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | Not rated | 7 | 84 |
| 2014 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 152 |
| 2013 Spark | 34 | 143.7 in | Not rated | 5 | 87 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →