Are all Chevy Spark CVT?
In plain terms: No — the Chevy Spark has not been offered with a CVT in its mainstream gasoline lineup, and the electric Spark uses a single-speed transmission rather than a CVT.
The question about CVT configurations for the Spark often arises among buyers comparing fuel economy, maintenance costs, and overall driving feel. Below is a detailed look at how Spark transmissions have been configured by market and variant, plus a note on the electric version.
Gasoline Spark transmission options
The following summarizes how most gasoline-powered Spark models were equipped in common markets.
- 5-speed manual transmission available across base and most trim levels.
- 4-speed automatic transmission offered as an optional upgrade on several model years and markets.
- No factory CVT option was offered for the gasoline Spark in major markets (North America, Europe, and many others).
In practical terms, gasoline Spark buyers could choose between a manual or a traditional 4-speed automatic, but a CVT was not part of the official lineup.
Spark EV drivetrain
The Spark EV follows a different powertrain philosophy and does not use a multi-gear automatic. Its setup is described here.
- A single-speed transmission connected to an electric motor.
- No CVT variant is used in the Spark EV.
As a result, Spark EV customers experience immediate electric torque without the need for continuous gear ratio changes, which is characteristic of CVTs.
Global market variations and historical context
Chevrolet marketed the Spark in multiple regions with a consistent focus on compact efficiency. Across generations, there has not been an official CVT option for gasoline Spark models, and the Spark EV employs a fixed-gear, single-speed transmission rather than a CVT. Availability can vary by year and trim, but CVT has not been a standard or widely offered Spark feature.
Engineering and efficiency considerations
GM’s engineering teams historically favored conventional automatics or manual transmissions for the Spark’s compact packaging, cost targets, and reliability. While CVTs are common in some subcompact cars for fuel economy, they were not pursued as the Spark’s core transmission approach.
Summary
Bottom line: Not all Chevy Spark models are CVT. Gasoline Spark cars were offered with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, but a factory CVT was not part of the Spark gasoline lineup. The Spark EV uses a single-speed transmission, so there is no CVT option in the Spark family. If CVT is a deciding factor for you, verify the model year and market, but historically the Spark lineup has not used a CVT.
