Is the Chevy Spark good on gas?

Yes. In gasoline form, the Spark is a compact, fuel-efficient city car that typically achieves roughly 33–36 mpg combined, with about 30 mpg in city driving and 38–41 mpg on the highway. An electric version exists but is less common and does not use gasoline. This article breaks down what that means for everyday driving and how to maximize fuel economy.

Fuel economy in practice

Below are the typical gasoline-powered fuel economy figures for the Spark as sold in recent years. These numbers can vary by year, transmission, and trim.

Gasoline Spark (US-market) efficiency

Real-world estimates across most gasoline Spark models place the following ranges:

• City mpg: approximately 30–32 mpg


• Highway mpg: approximately 38–41 mpg


• Combined mpg: approximately 33–36 mpg

Keep in mind that actual mileage depends on factors like maintenance, driving style, and weather. A lighter foot and proper tire inflation can push results toward the higher end, while aggressive driving can pull them down.

Electric Spark (Spark EV) note

The Spark EV, where available, uses electricity instead of gasoline and is not directly comparable to the gasoline models. It delivers significantly higher energy efficiency (measured in MPGe) and a limited driving range per charge, with availability concentrated in certain markets and model years.

What affects fuel economy?

Fuel economy is not a fixed number; several practical factors influence how many miles you get per gallon in daily use.

• Driving style: Gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and mindful braking improve mpg.


• Tire pressure and condition: Underinflated tires or worn treads increase rolling resistance and reduce efficiency.


• Vehicle load: Extra weight and roof racks add drag and decrease MPG.


• Climate control: Air conditioning and stop-and-go heating/cooling can lower efficiency, especially in extreme weather.


• Maintenance: Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks help maintain fuel economy.

Routine maintenance and adaptive driving habits can meaningfully improve real-world mileage beyond the basic EPA estimates.

How the Spark compares to rivals

Compared with other subcompact hatchbacks, the Spark sits in the middle of the pack for fuel economy. Its small size and light weight generally help it achieve better city mpg than larger cars, while highway efficiency mirrors that of similarly powered peers. For buyers prioritizing maximum fuel savings, a newer model with efficient tuning or opting for an electric option (where available) can offer advantages.

Bottom line

For most buyers seeking inexpensive, city-friendly transportation, the Chevy Spark offers respectable fuel economy and easy maneuverability. Its gasoline models typically deliver mid-30s mpg in combined driving, with better highway efficiency than many competing compact models. Real-world results will vary, but with careful driving and proper maintenance, the Spark can be a frugal daily driver. If you’re looking for near-zero gasoline use and you have access to one, the Spark EV offers higher efficiency but comes with limited range and availability.

Summary: The Chevy Spark is generally a solid choice for fuel-conscious urban driving, delivering competitive gas mileage for its class. Its gasoline versions hover in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined, while the electric variant provides greater efficiency at the cost of range and availability. For those prioritizing gas savings, the Spark remains a viable, affordable option among subcompacts.

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. 

Is Chevrolet Spark good on gas?

2022 Chevrolet Spark Fuel Economy
The estimated ratings for the manual transmission are 29 city mpg and 38 highway mpg. The reason for the difference is that the CVT manages lower power ratios in city traffic with less energy. In either case, these fuel ratings are quite strong.

How long will a Chevy Spark last?

A Chevy Spark can last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, though some owners have reported much higher mileage, sometimes exceeding 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. Its lifespan is heavily dependent on consistent upkeep, such as regular oil changes and fluid flushes. 
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance is key: Sticking to the recommended maintenance schedule, especially for oil and transmission fluid changes, is the most critical factor for longevity. 
• CVT transmission: Some issues have been reported with the automatic (CVT) transmission, particularly with earlier models. Checking if a used vehicle is part of the CVT recall is important, and some owners suggest more frequent fluid changes for the CVT, according to Reddit users and this Facebook group. 
• Engine life: The engine can last 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers (about 150,000 to 180,000 miles) with proper maintenance, according to this Diversity Spares article. 
• Driving habits: Avoiding aggressive driving and harsh acceleration can help the car last longer. 

High-mileage examples

• Several Reddit users have reported their Sparks reaching over 150,000 miles and even approaching 200,000 miles with proper care, including regular oil and filter changes and timely fluid changes. 
• Some owners have reported surpassing 300,000 km (approx. 186,000 miles) with minimal engine issues, especially with consistent fluid changes, notes Diversity Spares. 
• One Facebook post shares a 2020 Chevy Spark with over 350,000 miles, attributing its longevity to regular fluid changes, according to this Facebook post. 

How many miles can a Chevy Spark go on a full tank?

A Chevy Spark can go over 340 miles on a full tank, with the exact range depending on driving conditions and the transmission type. The highway range is higher due to better fuel efficiency at constant speeds. For example, the 2022 model gets around 38 miles per gallon on the highway and 30 miles per gallon in the city, with a 9-gallon fuel tank. 
Estimated range by driving conditions

• On the highway: With 38 mpg, a full 9-gallon tank can cover approximately 342 miles (38 mpg×9 gallons38 mpg cross 9 gallons38 mpg×9 gallons). 
• In the city: With 30 mpg, a full 9-gallon tank can cover about 270 miles (30 mpg×9 gallons30 mpg cross 9 gallons30 mpg×9 gallons). 
• Combined: The EPA estimates a combined rating of 33 mpg, which results in a range of roughly 297 miles (33 mpg×9 gallons33 mpg cross 9 gallons33 mpg×9 gallons). 

Other factors to consider

• Driving habits: Aggressive driving, heavy acceleration, and frequent braking can reduce fuel efficiency and therefore range. 
• Transmission: Manual and automatic transmissions have slightly different fuel economy ratings, with the automatic generally offering better city mileage but both performing similarly on the highway. 
• Maintenance: A well-maintained vehicle will operate at its optimal fuel efficiency, while a poorly maintained one may have lower mileage.