What car will replace the Spark?

There is no officially announced replacement for the Chevrolet Spark. GM has retired the Spark from its US lineup and has not named a direct successor for Chevrolet markets.

Beyond the United States, market conditions vary and GM has not disclosed a global Spark replacement plan. The company has signaled a strategic shift toward electrified crossovers and compact EVs, which colors any future micro or hatchback in its lineup.

Background: the Spark and its role in GM's lineup

The Chevrolet Spark debuted in 2010 as an affordable, city-focused hatchback aimed at urban buyers seeking efficiency and a low sticker price. Over the years it faced intense competition from other subcompact models and shifting consumer taste toward SUVs and crossovers. In the United States, sales for the Spark dwindled as buyers leaned toward larger, more versatile vehicles, and GM gradually narrowed its small-car portfolio. By the early 2020s, GM had effectively exited the Spark from its North American offerings, without publicly naming a direct replacement.

Is there a replacement in Chevrolet's lineup?

The short answer: no official Spark replacement has been announced. GM has not disclosed a model that would carry the same niche or price point in Chevrolet’s current global lineup. The company’s public messaging in recent years has emphasized electrified crossovers and compact EVs rather than a direct successor to a tiny city car.

United States and Canada status

In North America, Chevrolet has not introduced a Spark successor and the model has been retired in the region. GM’s communications point to a broader strategic focus on trucks, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, rather than reviving a micro-hatch segment with a Spark-branded product.

Global perspective

Outside North America, GM’s approach to small, entry-level cars varies by market and partnership. Some regional lines have been phased out or reimagined as rebadged or differently configured models, while others have looked toward local collaborations for affordable urban EVs. At present, there is no publicly disclosed, global Spark replacement plan from GM.

What could replace the Spark? Industry speculation

Industry observers and market watchers have floated several plausible directions that a Spark successor could take if GM chooses to replace the nameplate or fill the same niche. These ideas reflect GM’s electrification push and its history of cross-brand collaboration in global markets.

• Electric micro hatchback on the Ultium platform: An inexpensive, urban-friendly EV designed for price-sensitive segments, leveraging GM’s evolving Ultium battery technology.


• Micro-EV via a GM partnership: A small, affordable city car developed through partnerships (for example with SAIC-GM-Wuling or similar joint ventures) to deliver an ultra-low-cost option in select markets.


• Rebadged or lightly refreshed model for specific regions: A small GM or partner-brand vehicle adapted for markets where price and size remain important, rather than a brand-new Spark-branded model.

Any Spark replacement would likely prioritize urban practicality and affordability, with electric propulsion at the core given GM’s broader electrification strategy.

Summary

As of 2025, GM has not announced a direct Spark replacement. The company has signaled a clear pivot toward electrified crossovers and everyday EVs, which makes a compact, price-conscious Spark successor uncertain and likely contingent on market demand, regulatory environments, and the evolution of GM's EV platforms. For now, buyers seeking a Spark-like vehicle should monitor GM's small-car announcements and consider alternatives from other brands or used-market Spark options in markets where the model still sells.

How much should spark plug replacement cost?

Spark plug replacement can cost anywhere from $100 to over $500, depending on the vehicle and whether you do it yourself. A simple job on a four-cylinder car might cost $100-$250 for parts and labor, while more complex jobs on V8 or other engines can cost significantly more. DIY replacement is cheapest, costing only the price of the parts (around $20-$50), but can be challenging depending on your car's make and model. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: Spark plugs themselves can range from about $5 to over $50 each, depending on the material (like copper, platinum, or iridium). 
• Labor: A shop can charge anywhere from $50 to $350 or more, depending on how difficult the plugs are to access. 
• DIY: If you are comfortable doing the work yourself, you can save significantly on labor costs. The total cost would be just for the parts, which can be as low as $20-$50. 

Factors that influence the final price

• Engine size: Vehicles with more cylinders (V6, V8) will cost more to service than those with fewer cylinders, as there are more spark plugs to replace and they may be harder to access. 
• Vehicle make and model: On some cars, the spark plugs are easy to get to, while on others, the mechanic might have to remove other engine components, increasing the labor time and cost. 
• Type of spark plug: Different materials have different costs. Higher-performance plugs like iridium or platinum are more expensive than standard copper plugs. 
• Labor rates: Shop labor rates vary depending on your location and the specific shop you choose. 

When to consider DIY vs. professional replacement

• DIY: If you are mechanically inclined and have basic tools, replacing spark plugs can be a great way to save money. It's best for cars where the plugs are easily accessible. 
• Professional: If your vehicle's engine is complex or you're not comfortable working on cars, it is safer to have a professional mechanic do the job. This also eliminates the risk of causing further damage. 

What cars are similar to the Chevy spark?

Cars similar to the Chevy Spark include other subcompact and affordable cars like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, and Nissan Versa. For a slightly larger, yet still budget-friendly option, consider the Chevrolet Sonic or Trax. Other alternatives in the same price range or with similar features include the Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the cheapest cars in America, including the Nissan Versa, Chevy Spark, and Mitsubishi Mirage: 56sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Aug 16, 2014
Similar subcompacts

• Mitsubishi Mirage: A direct competitor, known for being an affordable and fuel-efficient option. 
• Kia Rio: Often compared to the Spark, it offers a budget-friendly choice. 
• Hyundai Accent: Another strong competitor in the subcompact segment. 
• Nissan Versa: Positioned as a slightly more substantial alternative, it's still a budget-friendly choice. 

Other affordable options

• Chevrolet Sonic: A step up from the Spark, offering a stronger engine and available in both sedan and hatchback styles, though with less fuel economy. 
• Chevrolet Trax: A subcompact crossover that is another option from Chevrolet. 
• Toyota Yaris: A well-regarded small and efficient car that was a competitor in this segment. 
• Honda Fit: While discontinued, it was a direct competitor in the subcompact market known for its practicality. 

What car replaced the spark?

The Chevrolet Trax is the unofficial replacement for the Chevy Spark, with the Spark being discontinued in 2022. The Trax is a subcompact crossover that now serves as the smallest vehicle in Chevrolet's lineup, offering more cargo space, a more powerful engine, and more driver-assistance features than the discontinued Spark, notes Kearny Mesa Chevrolet and Jennings Chevrolet.
 

• The Trax: Chevrolet has positioned the Trax as the entry-level vehicle, and many former Spark owners have purchased the Trax as their next vehicle. 
• Increased size and features: While the Spark was a small city car, the Trax is a subcompact crossover, offering more interior room and cargo space. 
• Shift in market: The discontinuation of the Spark reflects a broader market shift away from small sedans and hatchbacks and toward crossovers and SUVs. 
• Other alternatives: While the Trax is the closest official alternative, Chevrolet also directs customers to the Trailblazer as another option in this category. 

How does a car act when spark plugs are bad?

A car with bad spark plugs will exhibit symptoms like rough idling, difficulty starting, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. You might also notice engine misfires, a "check engine" light, or strange engine noises like knocking or rattling.
 
Common symptoms of bad spark plugs

• Rough idling: The engine may shake or feel unsteady, especially when the car is stopped. 
• Difficulty starting: The engine may crank for a longer time before starting, or require the throttle to be depressed. 
• Poor acceleration: The car may feel sluggish or "jerky" when you press the gas pedal. 
• Decreased fuel efficiency: You will likely notice you need to fill up your gas tank more often because the engine is burning fuel inefficiently. 
• Engine misfires: This can feel like an abrupt jerk or stutter and is a clear sign that a spark plug isn't firing correctly. 
• "Check Engine" light: Modern cars can detect a misfire and trigger the "check engine" light, which may be accompanied by a specific misfire code. 
• Engine knocking or rattling: A bad spark plug can cause an unusual knocking sound, particularly during acceleration. 
• Increased emissions: Incomplete combustion from faulty plugs can lead to higher levels of harmful emissions. 

This video explains the symptoms of bad spark plugs: 59shaile car care YouTube · Apr 23, 2023
What to do
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to have your spark plugs checked, especially if they are past the manufacturer's recommended replacement interval. Continued driving with bad spark plugs can lead to further engine damage. 
You can watch this video to learn how to identify bad spark plugs: 58sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Mar 5, 2023