2022 Chevrolet Spark Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a compact hatchback with a ton of features at an affordable price. The small size of the Spark makes it easy to maneuver. It's also easy to get in and out of tight parking spaces with this compact car. The Spark should save owners money in the long run too, with its impressive fuel economy.

Even though it's a compact vehicle, the design of the Spark allows for a good amount of passenger volume. It can comfortably seat up to four people. There's a solid amount of cargo space as well. There's around 27.2 cubic-feet of storage space behind the rear hatch.

The Chevrolet Spark comes in four different trim levels. There's only one available engine for the Spark no matter which model is selected. All trim levels offer the choice of manual or automatic transmission systems. The main difference between the trim levels is in the features each comes equipped with.

Here is a closer look at each of the four trim levels. The mechanical, exterior, interior, convenience, technology and safety features will all be explored. The different trim levels will be compared to show what each has to offer.

Compare the LS vs 1LT Trims. What Is the Difference?

The base trim level for the 2022 Chevrolet Spark is called the LS. The next trim level up is called the 1LT. Both vehicles are equipped with the same 1.4-liter ECOTEC 4-cylinder engine. This engine produces 98 horsepower (hp) with 94 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. All models of the Spark are front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles.

The Spark's 4-cylinder engine gets around 29 miles-per-gallon (mpg) in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. That's a combined fuel-economy rating of 33 mpg. These estimates come directly from the EPA. As previously mentioned, every trim level is available with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Specifically, there will be a 5-speed manual or an automatic Continuous Variable Transmission (CTV).

Both trim levels get 4-wheel anti-lock brakes. There are disc brakes up front and drum brakes for the rear. Both models also get Electronic Traction Control for better handling on slippery pavement. There's also an Electronic Stability Control system that Chevy calls StabiliTrak.

The LS and 1LT even share the same suspension system. There are MacPherson struts up front and a compound-crank suspension in the rear. Both models come with electric power steering. The 1LT is available with a Special Edition Package that includes a contrasting painted roof. It also offers a glossy-black front grille as well as blacked-out wheels, emblems and trim.

For the exterior, the LS gets 15-inch steel wheels with bolt-on covers. The 1LT gets 15-inch aluminum wheels that come painted silver. These are combined with a set of blackwall all-season tires for both models. Chevrolet throws in a compact spare for both trims. Both models of the Spark get halogen projector-beam headlamps.

The LS has standard daytime-running lamps. The 1LT upgrades these to a set of LED daytime-running lamps. The 1LT also gets heated exterior mirrors for easy defrosting in the winter. A rear spoiler adds a nice sporty touch to the LS and 1LT models of the Spark. There are intermittent wipers up front with a single intermittent wiper in the rear.

The 1LT has some extra options for the exterior that are unavailable for the LS. A white or black contrasting roof can be added on for a small price increase. This gives the Spark a unique two-tone look.

Moving on to the interior, both trim levels get cloth upholstery and manually adjusted front seats. The seats are high-back bucket seats in front with a 60/40 split-folding bench in the rear. The 1LT adds on power windows, locks and exterior mirrors. The single-zone manual climate control and cabin air filter keep everyone comfortable and breathing easy. The 1LT also gets a Theft-Deterrent Unauthorized Entry System.

The base trim level has a basic 4-speaker audio system. This is upgraded to a 6-speaker system for the 1LT trim level. The steering wheel for the 1LT gets some extra controls for the multimedia system. Both models get the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a 7-inch color touchscreen.

The infotainment system has Bluetooth technology for music streaming. Two active devices can be connected to the system at the same time. Voice Command allows for hands-free use of the system and also hands-free phone calls through compatible smartphones. This system is also compatible with Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto. The 1LT trim level gets a 3-month free Platinum Trial to SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a safe vehicle no matter which trim level is chosen. Every trim level gets the same advanced airbag system. There are front, knee and side-impact bags for the driver and front passenger. The front and rear outboard seats get protection from overhead curtain airbags. Chevrolet's Passenger Sensing System knows which seats are occupied and which airbags to deploy.

In addition to the traction and stability tech, these two trims get Hill Start Assist, a Rear-Vision Camera and a Tire-Pressure Monitoring System. Every seat position gets 3-point seat belts. The driver's seat and front-passenger seat get pretensioners. Every model of the Spark gets a LATCH system to secure child safety seats.

These two trim levels come ready for OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services. These systems allow for easy access to help in the event of an accident. Remote Keyless Entry is equipped on the 1LT, making it quick and easy to get into. The 1LT also has the option to add on a sunroof.

Compare the 1LT vs ACTIV. What Is the Difference?

After the 1LT, the next trim level up by cost is the ACTIV. This model comes with the same engine and transmission-system options as before. All of the performance stats are the same as the 1LT. The mechanical features are basically the same with two notable exceptions. The ACTIV comes equipped with an upgraded suspension system and also sits higher than the other three models.

The more robust suspension system and higher ground clearance gives the ACTIV some extra off-road capabilities. It's not going to rival a 4X4 truck, but the ACTIV could get one to a remote camping site or fishing spot if needed. Black rocker moldings and fog lights add to the off-road capabilities and appearance. A set of roof rails provides even more storage space for luggage and equipment.

On the outside of the ACTIV trim level, one will find a unique grille, bumpers and some extra black accents and trim. This trim level of the 2022 Chevrolet Spark comes with a set of 15-inch aluminum wheels with a Gunmetal Silver paint scheme. This trim level loses the LED headlights of the 1LT and goes back to a set of halogen lamps.

On the inside, there are front sill plates to protect the entryway of the Spark. The steering wheel now comes wrapped in fine leather. The seat upholstery gets upgraded to leatherette. One of the best new features for this trim level is the addition of heated seats up front. This will keep the driver and front passenger nice and cozy on those cold winter days.

The ACTIV trim level gets some new cosmetic choices for the interior that were unavailable to previous models. Buyers can choose Jet Black or Dark Anderson Silver Metallic color schemes for the interior. The infotainment systems are the same for these two trims. The 1LT and ACTIV both come with the 6-speaker audio setup too. There are no significant differences when it comes to the safety features and driver-assist technology for these two models.

Compare the ACTIV vs 2LT Trims. What is the difference?

The top trim level by cost for the 2022 Chevrolet Spark is called the 2LT. It's only a modest increase in price over the ACTIV. It removes all of the off-road performance features of the ACTIV models, such as the upgraded suspension system. It basically takes all that the 1LT has to offer and then makes some additions. It also has some options and packages that are not available for any other trim level.

Once again, the engine, transmissions and other mechanical systems are the same. There's no difference in the way that the 2LT performs. There's no difference in the steering dynamics or in the way it handles. One new feature for the 2LT is the addition of Keyless Start. The 2LT also offers Keyless Entry.

For the exterior, the 2LT goes back to the same 15-inch aluminum, silver-painted wheels that are found on the 1LT trim. The outside of the 2LT gets a lot of chrome trim. The front grille, door handles and beltline moldings are now covered in chrome too. Chrome can even be added to the body-side moldings as an option if one so chooses.

On the inside, the 2LT gets an enhanced Driver Information Center. The display can now be configured to one's liking. This display gives driver information, warnings and digital-gauge displays such as a speedometer, tachometer and fuel-level readout. The seats are now covered with a nicer simulated leather. They're also heated up front.

The infotainment system and audio setup remains the same here. The 2LT trim gains access to Chevrolet's Driver Confidence Package. This package adds on some new driver-assist features that are absent on all previous trim levels. Some of these include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward-Collision Alert and a Lane-Departure Warning. This trim level of the 2022 Chevrolet Spark also comes equipped with a Rear Park Assist feature.

Other than the new driver-assist technology, the safety features for the 2LT remain the same as those found on the 1LT. This model adds quite a lot of convenience and tech features, but many of them must be added as extras within special packages. The 2LT was designed more for upscale comfort and convenience while the ACTIV is a more adventurous little hatchback.

Final Thoughts

Many buyers who are looking at compact cars are looking for something affordable. The 1LT model may offer the best value out of the four trim levels. While the base model is the cheapest Chevrolet Spark available, it's very basic with the least amount of standard features. The 1LT offers a nice balance between price and features, and it's just barely more expensive than the LS.

Choosing an automatic model increases the price by a bit, but those who prefer or need an automatic will find the price difference to be negligible. Jumping up to the 1LT trim level gets the owner power locks, windows and mirrors. These basic features are kind of hard to live without nowadays. The upgraded sound system is a huge bonus too.

For something more adventurous, the ACTIV is a good choice. It's really not much higher in cost than the 1LT. It comes with the upgraded suspension system and higher ground clearance. It also gets fog lamps and is a decent choice if you want to venture off the beaten path for some light off-road duties. Still, it's not exactly an off-road beast, so for most buyers, the 1LT is a better choice.