Lewisville, Texas, shoppers on the hunt for a small, affordable automobile seem to have limited options year after year. Fortunately, there are still a few models worth seeking out, and one of them is the 2022 Chevrolet Spark.
The Chevrolet Spark enters 2022 as Chevrolet’s least expensive new car on the market. Great things certainly come in small packages for the petite four-door subcompact hatchback, as there are many great standard features with a surprisingly spacious interior. The Spark also serves as an excellent pick for a daily commuter, as it can easily navigate through congested lanes and maneuver in and out of tight spaces.
One of the main competitors of the Spark is the Kia Rio. Both the 2022 Chevrolet Spark and the 2022 Kia Rio cram an abundance of features and value into a small package. Let’s compare the 2022 Chevrolet Spark to the 2022 Kia Rio, and you can decide. Afterward, head over to Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville for a test drive.
Design
Image via Flickr by JLaw45
You’ll be able to pick your color from shades like Red Hot, Cayenne Orange, Nightfall Gray, and Summit White on this vibrant small ride. The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a fun-to-drive little hatchback with seating for up to four passengers, with plenty of front row space. It comes in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, Activ, and 2LT. Ideally, the highest Activ trim level tacks on roof rails for your busy lifestyle. Additional conveniences include:
- Simulated leather upholstery and seating.
- Heated mirrors and front seats.
- Keyless entry and ignition.
- A leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat.
- 15-inch alloy wheels.
As for standard features, the 2022 Kia Rio offers a bit less. There is seating for up to five people, but while the front seats are roomy for front-row occupants in either a sedan or hatchback body style, the rear seats are cramped. The Chevrolet Spark offers 0.1 inches more front headroom than Kia Rio in terms of sizing. If you’re a taller driver, you might struggle to find a comfy position with the tilt-only steering wheel. Overall, the Chevrolet Spark has a more upscale interior than the Kia Rio.
Pricing
Nice, up-to-date features and a fresh, upgraded interior are fantastic, but how does the pricing compare? In that regard, the Chevy Spark comes out on top. The budget-friendly starting MSRP for the Chevy Spark is $14,595. On the flip side, the 2022 Kia Rio is a far pricier hatchback, with the sedan going for $16,150 MSRP for the LX trim and $16,790 MSRP for the S trim level. The hatchback is only available on the S trim.
Safety
As for in-cabin safety, the Chevy Spark offers the driver confidence package as a $295 option on the range-topping 2LT Automatic trim. This package is more robust than the Rio, as it adds lane-departure warnings, forward-collision, and automatic emergency braking.
The Kia Rio offers the S Technology package for $800, which is pricier than Chevy Spark’s driver confidence package. The optional S Technology Package includes Auto Emergency Lane keeping and following assist, braking technology, SiriusXM satellite radio, and LED headlights.
Cargo Space
The only win for the Rio is in the hatchback, where it has an extra 6.3 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Chevy Spark. It features 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the sedan, with the hatchback offering a little more space with a max of 17.4 cubic feet of space and 32.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. On the other hand, the Spark features 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space and 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down.
Infotainment System
The Chevrolet Spark LS offers plenty of standard and available technology features, including an upgraded user-friendly infotainment system, with a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB connectivity, voice command, a four-speaker audio system, OnStar capability, and Wi-Fi hot spot capability. Even better, you get a three-month SiriusXM trial subscription on the 1LT trim and above.
The Rio features an infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen. Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a USB port, and Siri Eyes Free. If you’re shopping for a ride with a wealth of tech features, you’ll be happier with the 2022 Chevrolet Spark, as it offers a long list of standard tech features.
Engine and Fuel Economy
Under the hood of the Chevy Spark is a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 98 horsepower and 94 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, but a two-step continuously variable automatic transmission is optional.
The Spark’s fuel economy rating is 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined with the continuously variable automatic transmission. With the five-speed manual transmission, the rating is as low as 29 mpg in the city, 37 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined.
The Kia Rio has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The engine produces 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. If mated to the standard continuously variable automatic transmission, it gets 33 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined. The continuously variable automatic transmission simulates an eight-speed automatic. Although the power is adequate, it takes a hard press on the gas pedal to get up to highway speeds, and the higher speeds cause it to be a bit noisy.
If you’re also considering excellent fuel efficiency, the 2022 Chevy Spark is your best bet, thanks to its impressive fuel efficiency ratings.
Why Buy the 2022 Chevy Spark?
The subcompact class is all about value, and the 2022 Chevy Spark delivers on that. From its standard 7-inch touch screen and smartphone integration to its inexpensive optional safety package, you get more bang for your buck. This makes it the go-to ride for Lewisville, Texas, shoppers who just need an affordable car but still want some creature comforts.
Ready to make the value-packed 2022 Chevy Spark yours? Stop by for a test drive at Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville and explore it for yourself. When you choose Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville for your new, pre-owned, or certified pre-owned car, you can rest assured you’re getting a quality machine that’s built to last. Feel free to contact us today with any questions about the Spark.
We look forward to hearing from you!