What can you fit in a Chevy Spark?
The Chevy Spark, a compact hatchback designed for city living, can handle everyday groceries and luggage for two, especially when the rear seats are folded. It isn’t meant to haul large furniture or bulky cargo, but with smart packing you can fit a surprising range of items. Here’s a practical guide to what fits and how to maximize the Spark’s space.
Cargo space and seating layout
Overview of typical space available behind and ahead of the folded seat area, with notes on model-year variation.
- Behind the rear seats: roughly 9–11 cubic feet of cargo space, suitable for groceries, a few bags, and small shopping trips.
- With the rear seats folded flat: about 31–38 cubic feet of space, creating a longer, flatter area for larger items.
- Seat configuration: a simple rear bench that can be folded to expand cargo; loading efficiency improves with the seats folded and items oriented lengthwise.
Exact figures vary by model year and trim. For the most accurate numbers, check your specific Spark’s cargo specs in the owner’s manual or Chevrolet’s official documentation.
Maximizing space with folding seats
Folding the rear seats flat creates a continuous loading floor, which is essential for longer items and more awkward shapes. Plan around a flat load floor to minimize gaps and help stabilize items during transport.
Practical packing scenarios
Typical daily and weekend loading scenarios help illustrate what fits in real-world use.
- Grocery run for one or two people: several grocery bags, a few boxes, and a reusable tote or two.
- Weekend getaway for two: two medium suitcases or duffel bags plus carry-ons, with extra small bags if needed.
- Bike or sporting gear: a standard bicycle can fit with the front wheel removed; additional bags or helmets may share the remaining space.
- Small furniture or long items: a slim coffee table, lamp bundle, or flat-pack item can fit with the rear seats folded, but larger furniture will be a tight squeeze.
Practical packing often depends on item dimensions and how efficiently you load. When in doubt, measure items and compare to the Spark’s loading area after folding the rear seats.
Tips and considerations
To get the most out of the Spark’s cargo space while staying safe, consider these guidelines.
- Payload and weight: typical passenger plus cargo payload is in the 800–900 lb range, depending on year and trim. Don’t exceed the vehicle’s gross weight rating.
- Secure loading: use straps or nets to stabilize items; place heavier items low and toward the front of the cargo area to improve handling.
- Long items: measure the available cargo length with seats folded before attempting to transport long goods.
- Roof options: if you regularly move oversized items, a roof rack or carrier can extend your carrying capacity, though check factory specs and local regulations for roof-rack compatibility and load limits.
With careful packing and realistic expectations, the Spark handles everyday errands and modest trips efficiently, while still fitting into the city-friendly, compact-car niche.
Summary
The Chevy Spark offers practical cargo space for a subcompact hatch: about 9–11 cubic feet behind the rear seats and roughly 31–38 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. You can fit groceries, two suitcases for a short trip, and some bikes or sporting gear with the seats down, though large furniture and very bulky items are outside its typical capabilities. Plan around measurements, secure loads properly, and consider roof-rail options if you regularly carry oversized gear.
