Skip to main content
2021 Chevy Spark

Don’t Expect the 2021 Chevy Spark to Come With Standard Advanced Safety Features

Modern cars often come with advanced driver-assist safety features. Because these features are still relatively new, not all new cars include them, and some of the features cost extra. They’re more common in luxury vehicles but are becoming more available in affordable cars too. However, the 2021 Chevy Spark is still one of those cars …

Modern cars often come with advanced driver-assist safety features. Because these features are still relatively new, not all new cars include them, and some of the features cost extra. They’re more common in luxury vehicles but are becoming more available in affordable cars too. However, the 2021 Chevy Spark is still one of those cars where the advanced safety features will cost buyers extra. Here’s a look at the features that come with the 2021 Chevy Spark.

The 2021 Spark’s standard features

The only standard safety feature that comes on the base trim of the 2021 Chevy Spark is a rearview camera. The base trim starts at $13,400. The 2021 Spark does have other useful tech features that come standard. That includes an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

U.S. News says the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System “is one of the best-reviewed interfaces on the market.” It’s easy to use and includes buttons and knobs. It also comes with Bluetooth, voice recognition, two USB ports, and a four-speaker stereo. On the other hand, the base model doesn’t come standard with power door locks, power windows, or keyless entry.

The 2020 Chevrolet Sonic is larger and more expensive than the Spark, but it also only comes standard with a rearview camera, according to U.S. News. The 2020 Nissan Versa comes standard with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, according to U.S. News.

Safety features on the highest trim level

The 2021 Spark comes in four trim levels: LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT. The top trim starts at $16,800, which is lower than many rivals’ highest trims. Buyers willing to purchase the highest-trim Spark can add the $295 Driver Confidence package to gain automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and rear parking sensors. Specifically, that package is available only on the top trim when it has the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) added, according to U.S. News.

Other available features on higher trims include power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, proximity keyless entry, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls, and a push-button start. A six-speaker stereo and satellite radio are also available on higher trim levels.

The 2021 Chevy Spark

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark has a starting price that’s below average. It also has a good predicted reliability rating, according to U.S. News, and plenty of standard technology. However, it doesn’t provide as much performance or accelerate as quickly as competitors. The engine is underpowered at higher speeds. The Spark’s four-cylinder engine has just 98 hp. It’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission, but a CVT is available. It’s still easy to drive and is especially good in the city, according to U.S. News.

The Spark’s rivals have more comfortable seats and more room in the rear seats and trunk. The car seats four people, but the seats aren’t that comfortable, and taller people will want to sit only in the front seats. According to U.S. News, the interior quality is mostly good, but there are hard plastics along with the better materials, and the cabin can get noisy. The tiny cargo area holds only 11.1 cubic feet of space, which increases to 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Chevy Spark offers buyers a good deal. For a low price, it provides plenty of standard technology. However, shoppers looking for advanced safety features will need to shell out for the highest trim with an optional package.

Related

The 2021 Chevy Spark Is Home to a Dying Feature