From the time you walk through our doors, Huffines Chevrolet provides a car-buying experience unlike any other. We aim to make every customer’s experience as seamless as possible, and that includes knowing your options. With the same combined mpg of 33 and a very similar set of features, the 2022 Chevy Spark or 2022 Kia Rio may have you stuck on deciding which one to buy. Let’s quickly compare and contrast these two affordable, agile subcompact cars.
2022 Chevy Spark vs. 2022 Kia Rio: What’s New?
Chevy made a few minor changes to the Spark for the 2022 year. Three new paint colors are among the highlights. Crimson, Blue Glow, and Nitro Yellow have all been introduced to the lineup. Caribbean Blue, Toasted Marshmallow, and Passion Fruit were removed. All told, the Spark has 10 interesting color options to choose from, and a good number of new colors among those choices.
The 2022 Kia Rio is nearly identical to the model from the previous year, not to mention the 2020 Kia Rio. Kia’s restyled corporate insignia can be seen on the inside and outside, and an engine immobilizer is now standard on all trim levels. Most notable features are carryovers from the prior few model years. The Technology Package now also features rear disc brakes, although it requires an upgrade to the S trim before drivers can get it.
Cabin Quality and Cargo Space: Spark vs. Rio
Befitting their exteriors, the Rio and Spark both come with a good selection of quality materials inside, in either black or gray color options. The Spark and Rio are pretty similar in terms of headroom and legroom, but what about storing things behind the passengers?
The 2022 Chevy Spark has a cargo capacity of 27.2 cubic feet. Behind the back seats, drivers can easily cart around loads of shopping bags, carry-on luggage, sports gear, or anything they wish. The rear seats also easily fold back to stow larger and longer objects. By comparison, most Rio models have a traditional sedan body with a trunk, and the trunk space amounts to an unremarkable 13.7 cubic feet. Looking at the Rio’s hatchback model instead, that still only gets 17.4 cubic feet, barely above half that of the Spark.
Chevy Spark and Kia Rio Infotainment System
The Chevy Spark features one of the most accessible and reliable infotainment systems today. A 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, four-speaker audio, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hot spot are among the standard infotainment features. Satellite radio and a six-speaker audio setup are among the available infotainment upgrades. Power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, push-button start, and cruise control are also available. These are just some of the entertainment and technology features of The Chevy Spark.
On the other hand, the Rio comes with an 8-inch touch-screen display and an AM/FM/MP3 radio system in both trim levels. However, that extra inch comes at quite a price difference. A six-speaker sound system includes standard, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, only one USB port, and an auxiliary input. Two more USB ports are available on the S trim, as is SiriusXM satellite radio in the $1,800 Technology package. A Wi-Fi hot spot is unavailable.
Chevrolet Spark and Kia Rio Price Points
When factoring in value for money between the Spark and Rio, comparing prices is critical. A 2022 Spark in the entry-level LS model with the manual gearbox costs around $13,600. The 1LT, at around $15,500, is next, followed by the Spark Activ trim at approximately $16,600, designed to give the vehicle light off-roading capability.
Starting at about $17,000, Chevy’s top-of-the-line 2LT trim is available with an optional CVT for an extra $1,100. For the 2LT with the automatic transmission, shoppers can access the pivotal Driver Confidence Package for an incredibly low $295. With even more choices and standard features included, the 2LT hovers under $20,000.
The Kia Rio only has two trims, each at a price point many drivers will struggle with. The LX starts at around $17,000, while the Rio S costs around $18,000. The Rio is available as a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, with no price difference between them. All in all, factoring in the range of choices and the lower starting price for a very similar feature set, the 2022 Chevy Spark is an impressive, economical alternative to the Rio.
Safety Features on the 2022 Spark and 2022 Rio
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Both brands include a generous amount of safety equipment in their subcompact models. Chevy includes seven advanced multi-stage airbags in the Spark, including the elusive front occupant knee airbag, not seen on some competing models. Park Assist and rear parking sensors enhance safety, detecting nearby objects and alerting the driver if they are getting too close. The top 2LT Spark trim with the CVT gets the optional Driver Confidence Package, which includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.
If you opt for the top-spec Kia Rio S with the optional Technology package, your hatchback or sedan will be equipped with LED headlights using high-beam assist, lane-keep, and lane-following assist driver-attention warning, and rear-occupant alert. The 2022 Kia Rio’s notable standard safety features include ABS brakes, electronic brake distribution, six airbags (dual front, front side, and side curtain), stability control, a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and LATCH tethers.
In the end, if you’re looking at any 2022 Kia Rio model, there are likely combinations of 2022 Spark trim and package that make more sense. You have more trims and a greater variety of pricing, plus better overall value for money. Feel free to browse the Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville inventory for new Chevy models, and you’ll be able to search by trim, color, and more.