Are Chevy sparks good on gas?

Yes. The Chevrolet Spark is generally among the more fuel-efficient subcompact cars, typically delivering mileage in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined, with highway efficiency often in the upper 30s to low 40s mpg depending on year and transmission.

Fuel economy snapshot

Here's a quick look at typical fuel economy figures for gas-powered Sparks sold in the United States. Exact numbers vary by year, engine size, and drivetrain.

• City mpg: about 30–34 mpg


• Highway mpg: about 38–41 mpg


• Combined mpg: about 34–37 mpg

These ranges illustrate the Spark's standing among small cars: efficient for city commutes and pleasantly capable on the highway when not heavily loaded.

What affects fuel economy in the Spark?

Real-world mileage depends on several variables, including maintenance, tire pressure, driving habits, climate control use, and the vehicle's weight. The Spark's light weight and compact aerodynamics help it sip fuel, but aggressive driving or excessive cargo can erode efficiency.

Real-world performance and owner experiences

Owners generally report fuel economy close to EPA estimates under typical city driving, with highway trips often yielding higher MPG. Conditions such as hot or cold weather, heavy traffic, and frequent stops can push MPG downward.

How it compares to rivals

In its segment, the Spark competes with other subcompacts like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Honda Fit (older model). Compared with some peers, the Spark tends to offer similar or better highway efficiency thanks to its light weight and efficient drivetrain, while interior space and power are more modest than some rivals.

Maximizing fuel economy: practical tips

To squeeze more miles from each gallon, try the following practices. They apply whether you drive mostly in the city or on the highway.

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflation reduces efficiency and increases wear.


• Drive smoothly with gradual acceleration and braking; aggressive driving can dramatically lower mpg.


• Limit heavy loads and roof-mounted gear when not needed; extra weight and drag hurt efficiency.


• Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and use the recommended fuel grade.


• Use climate control judiciously; parking in shade and using the recirculation setting can help in hot or cold weather.

Small, consistent changes can add up over the life of the car, especially for frequent city trips.

Bottom line

The Chevrolet Spark offers solid fuel economy for a subcompact, balancing easy urban maneuverability with decent highway efficiency. It remains a good value if your priorities include low running costs and efficient daily commuting, at the cost of modest power and interior space.

Summary

In short, the Spark is a fuel-efficient choice within its class. Expect mileage in the mid-30s mpg combined in typical US configurations, with highway performance often higher and city performance around the low-to-mid 30s. For best results, maintain proper tire pressure, drive smoothly, and limit aero drag. The Spark's real-world efficiency will hinge on year, trim, and driving style, but it generally delivers competitive fuel economy for a small city car.

Is Chevrolet Spark fuel efficient?

Sporting a list of different trims for buyers to pick from, the fuel efficiency of the 2022 Spark is only impacted by the transmission drivers pick. The manual transmission gets 29 city miles per gallon, 38 highway miles per gallon, for 33 mpg combined.

What is the common problem with Chevrolet Spark?

Common Chevy Spark problems include transmission issues (slipping, delays, or noise), engine troubles (stalling, rough idling, or overheating), and electrical problems (like issues with the alarm, dashboard lights, or infotainment system). Other reported concerns involve AC system failures, particularly with the compressor, and steering issues, such as stiffness or noises.
 
This video explains common problems with the Chevy Spark: 59sNexologyYouTube · Sep 18, 2025
Transmission

• Slipping gears and delays: The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) can sometimes slip or be slow to shift. 
• Unusual noises: Some owners report noises like humming, especially at certain RPMs. 
• Overheating: The transmission can overheat, particularly in hot weather or during long drives. 

Engine

• Stalling: The engine may stall, particularly when slowing down or stopping, often due to a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve or a dirty throttle body. 
• Rough idle and poor acceleration: Some owners report rough idling and a lack of power, especially at highway speeds. 
• Overheating: The engine can also overheat, which may be related to cooling fan performance. 

Electrical

• Faulty alarms: The car alarm may go off randomly while parked. 
• Dashboard and infotainment issues: Problems with dashboard lights or the infotainment system can occur, often due to faulty wiring or fuses. 
• Airbag problems: There have been recalls related to airbag performance and the car's compliance with safety regulations. 

This video discusses the issues with Chevy Spark's engine and airbags: 59sNotYourAverageEVYouTube · Dec 27, 2023
Other common problems

• AC system: The AC may not blow cold, frequently due to a faulty compressor or refrigerant leaks. 
• Steering: Stiffness or clicking noises can develop from the power steering system. 
• Brakes: Issues with the brakes, such as the ABS warning light coming on, have been reported. 

Can you run a Chevy Spark on gas?

The Spark has a gasoline tank size of 9 gallons to match its smaller size. It's easy to see that the 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a unique vehicle but also efficient when driving through the city or on fast trips while running errands.

How far can a Chevy Spark go on a tank of gas?

340 miles
The Spark has a driving range of over 340 miles to love on a single full tank of fuel.