2018 Chevrolet Spark review
Chevrolet Spark highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Compact for city driving
- Thrifty performance
- User-friendly tech
Cons
- Limited rear legroom and cargo space
- Slow acceleration
- Basic interior materials
Mileage (EPA estimate)
29 city, 38 highway, 32 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
City-sized car with smart tech features
Sometimes you just want to get back to basics. If you mostly travel by yourself or with a friend and you appreciate the ease of slipping into parking spaces without a second thought, the 2018 Chevrolet Spark could be the car for you. The subcompact Spark, which has seating for four people, is perfectly tailored for city drivers. But that doesn't mean it's a simple car. It has standard tech features and available upscale touches like leather seats and a sunroof. The 2018 Spark is proof that good things can come in small packages.
All Chevrolet Spark years
What is new for the 2018 Chevrolet Spark?
- The Spark is available in a new trim called the 2LT.
- Spark trims have been upgraded with Power Mirrors as standard equipment this year.
- The Activ trim now comes with Cloth Seats and Manual Transmission as standard equipment.
2018 Chevrolet Spark trims
LS:
Includes a seven-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity; USB port; four-speaker audio; and more.
1LT:
Adds power locks and windows, six-speaker audio, cruise control, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, available sunroof, and more.
ACTIV:
Adds black front and rear bumpers, synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more. The sunroof is not available on this trim.
2LT:
Adds proximity keyless entry, available sunroof, available forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning, and more.
Chevrolet Spark photos
5 reasons to buy the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
1. It's city-sized
The Spark is a little car designed for the big city. If you choose the Spark, you won't have to pass by compact parking spots with envy or worry about bumping bumpers when you parallel park. You can zip through alleyways or make a U-turn with no stress. The 2018 Chevy Spark is small and proud.
2. Stay connected
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark keeps up with the big shots when it comes to technology features. The 2018 Spark comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth® integration keep you connected to your favorite tunes. Plus, a USB port ensures you never run out of juice on your devices.
3. Go glam
Like many subcompact cars, the 2018 Spark comes standard with a basic interior. But you can shop for a model that's scaled up if you like a taste of the finer things. If you want a bright cabin, a sunroof is available on two of the four trims. You can also choose synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a little extra luxury.
4. Light footprint
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark comes with one engine option: a 98-hp 1.4L four-cylinder. That tiny engine means you'll save time at the pump. The 2018 Chevrolet Spark has an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined, meaning it sips fuel where other cars chug.
5. Ride solo
If you prefer to keep your passengers and cargo to a minimum, the Spark is for you. The 2018 Spark only seats four people, so you'll never be asked to carpool. And with just 11 cu-ft of cargo space, it's unlikely that your friends will request the Spark on moving day. Fewer demands; more time for you.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2018 Chevrolet Spark, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car with seating for five. The 2017-2022 Mirage has one engine option: a 1.2L three-cylinder that produces 78 hp. The Mirage is great for around-town driving and would make a nice first car.
Here's what you'll find on the 2021-2022 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
Sedan and hatchback models
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan. The 2018-2019 Accent has a 130-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine; for 2020-2022 models, hp dropped to 120. The Accent is a great vehicle for students or young professionals who need something small and practical.
Here's what you'll find on the 2018-2022 Hyundai Accent:
Available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Five-inch touchscreen
USB port
The Ford Fiesta is a sporty subcompact hatchback that was discontinued after the 2019 model year. The 2016-2019 Fiesta has seating for five and stronger engine options than many other subcompacts. The 2016-2019 Fiesta comes standard with a 120-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine; turbocharged engines that produce 123 or 197 hp are available options.
Here's what else you'll find on the 2016-2019 Ford Fiesta:
MyFord Touch® infotainment system
Available Ford MyKey®, which allows setting volume and speed limits
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Chevrolet Spark an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Chevrolet Spark 8th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Chevrolet SparkChevrolet Spark features and specs
LT 2WD 4D Hatchback
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Manual Transmission
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Sunroof(s)
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.4L
Horsepower
98
Torque (ft-lbs)
94
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
9.2
Wheelbase
93.9"
Overall length
143.1"
Width
62.8"
Height
58.4"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 33"
Head room
F 39"/R 37"
Front tires
P185/55R15
Rear tires
P185/55R15
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Manual 5
2018 Chevrolet Spark FAQ
According to EPA estimates, the 2018 Chevrolet Spark with the 1.4L four-cylinder engine can drive 297 miles on a single tank of gas. This is thanks to its EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark runs on gas. This model is a great choice if you need a city car but regularly drive long distances. If you're interested in an electric vehicle, Chevrolet offered the Spark EV from 2014 to 2016.
Yes, the 2018 Chevrolet Spark has four doors. This makes it easy for you and your passengers to get in and out, and it also aids in installing car seats and loading up cargo—very handy for a small car.
More about the 2018 Chevrolet Spark
Color options
Exterior colors:
Brimstone
Mint
Mosaic Black
Nightfall Gray
Red Hot
Silver Ice
Sorbet
Splash
Summit White
Toasted Marshmallow
Interior colors:
Jet Black
Jet Black with beige seat inserts and beige dash trim
Jet Black with blue seat inserts and blue dash trim
Interior details
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark comes standard with cloth seats and seating for four people. Leatherette seats are available on the ACTIV and 2LT trims. The interior has a seven-inch touchscreen and one USB port. There are two cup holders in the front and two in the rear. The 2018 Spark has single-zone climate control.
Child seat details
The 2018 Chevy Spark has two sets of LATCH anchors—one on each of the rear seats—so it can fit two car seats. As with most compact cars, the Spark can be a tight fit for rear-facing car seats. Since there is no rear middle seat to install a rear-facing car seat, you or your front-seat passenger will need to give up some legroom to fit a rear-facing seat.
Performance
The 2018 Chevrolet Spark with the standard 1.4L four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
Year comparison
2013-2015 Chevrolet Spark (first generation)
The first-generation Spark was a subcompact car with seating for four. It came standard with an 84-hp 1.2L four-cylinder engine. In 2014, an all-electric model (Spark EV) was introduced.
2016-present Chevrolet Spark (second generation)
The second generation of the Spark received more power, with a standard 98-hp 1.4L four-cylinder engine. It also had more standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a seven-inch touchscreen display. The all-electric Spark EV was discontinued after the 2016 model year.
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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