The 2020 Chevrolet Spark ACTIV gets 33 MPG combined, making it a frugal car for city driving with a slightly rugged look. It’s not designed for long trips or high speeds, but it’s good for city residents who want maneuverability, affordability, and good gas mileage. Its efficient 1.4L engine saves fuel, so it’s a good choice for driving on crowded streets and parking in small spaces.

City and highway performance

The Spark ACTIV’s EPA ratings are 30 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. The city number is more relevant for most owners. This car is great in cities, running errands, navigating traffic, and working as a nimble city car. The 37 MPG highway rating is good enough for longer trips, but the Spark ACTIV’s power and short wheelbase are better suited for shorter highway drives. Don’t expect easy merging or relaxed driving at 80 MPH; this car is best at moderate speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Chevrolet Spark ACTIV at $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price at the time. Your fuel costs may change depending on your driving, local fuel prices, and the car’s condition, but $1,350 is a good way to understand the Spark ACTIV’s running costs. This means you will spend a little over $100 per month on gas when driving an average amount.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are standardized, but real-world gas mileage often changes. Fast acceleration, hard braking, and long idling can hurt your MPG. But, a smooth driving style, proper tire inflation, and less weight can help you reach or go beyond the EPA estimates. Spark ACTIV owners, with its small engine and focus on efficiency, often report numbers close to the EPA estimates, especially in city driving.

How it compares

The Spark ACTIV compares well against other small cars. The Mitsubishi Mirage G4, for example, gets 35 MPG combined, with slightly better gas mileage, but worse driving. The Kia Rio, a larger subcompact, gets 33 MPG combined in LX trim, matching the Spark ACTIV but with a less adventurous style. Hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius c (now discontinued), got only 46 MPG combined, but cost much more. The Spark ACTIV balances affordability, practicality, and fuel efficiency, appealing to buyers who want to save money without sacrificing personality. Checking SPARK MPG across all years can provide insight on how this model compares to previous versions.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Lighten your load. The Spark ACTIV’s small engine works harder when carrying extra weight. Remove anything you don’t need from the trunk and back seats to improve gas mileage. This is especially important because the car is small and doesn’t have much power.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the level listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

Anticipate traffic flow and drive smoothly. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking, which waste fuel. Accelerate and decelerate gently, and try to keep a steady speed. The Spark ACTIV gets better MPG with a relaxed driving style.

Use the air conditioning sparingly. Air conditioning makes the engine work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. When you can, open the windows or use the ventilation system. On hot days, using the A/C is necessary, so plan your trips to avoid sitting in traffic. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site for comparison.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs better. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tune-ups.