33 MPG combined is respectable for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark 1.4L. This is an honest, economical urban car, not a sports car or a luxurious SUV. That fuel efficiency is a key selling point for the Spark’s target audience: budget-conscious city dwellers and first-time car buyers who prioritize affordability and ease of parking over power and cargo space.

City and highway performance

The EPA numbers show 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway. This split accurately reflects what the Spark does well and not so well. Its small size and responsive steering make it good at navigating congested streets. The 1.4L engine, while not strong, provides enough power for darting through traffic, especially with the automatic transmission. On the open road, the highway figure shows that the Spark can handle longer trips, but is not great for sustained high-speed cruising. You’ll notice the engine working harder above 70 MPH, and passing requires planning. The automatic transmission’s variable gear ratios help keep the engine efficient, contributing to the good highway economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Spark 1.4L is $1,350. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, using the national average fuel price when it was calculated. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving, the roads you drive on, and gas prices. Consider this a benchmark for what to expect if you drive like the EPA assumed.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can differ from EPA numbers. Many drivers report getting numbers close to the EPA estimates, and some even exceed them with careful driving. Things that change actual MPG include driving style (hard acceleration and braking reduce fuel efficiency), tire pressure (underinflated tires increase rolling resistance), and using accessories like air conditioning (which puts extra load on the engine). Remember, SPARK MPG across all years can offer a broader view of owner-reported data.

How it Compares

The 2017 Spark competes with other fuel-efficient cars in the subcompact group. The Mitsubishi Mirage often gets a slightly higher combined MPG, around 37 MPG in some model years. The Nissan Versa, a larger car, can get around 34 MPG combined in its lower trims. The Kia Rio gets numbers similar to the Spark, around 32 MPG combined. These small MPG differences matter to the Spark’s buyer, but they are balanced against the Spark’s size, which is easy to park, and its styling. A buyer might choose the Spark over the Mirage for perceived better build quality or the Rio for a slightly lower price. You can find all Chevrolet fuel economy data on our website too.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Saving gas in the 2017 Chevrolet Spark is easy and doesn’t require any sacrifice.

The Spark benefits from gentle acceleration. Avoid flooring it unless needed. Smooth acceleration will allow the engine to operate more efficiently and reduce fuel use.

Check and keep proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing your MPG. The sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb has the recommended tire pressure for your Spark.

Minimize idling. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart easily, and you’ll save fuel by avoiding idling.

Reduce air conditioning use, especially on shorter trips. The A/C compressor puts a load on the engine, decreasing fuel efficiency. When possible, open windows or use ventilation.

Plan routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. Constant acceleration and braking use more fuel than maintaining speed. Using navigation apps to avoid congestion can improve your average MPG.