2022 Nissan Versa vs. 2022 Chevrolet Spark Comparison

The 2022 Nissan Versa and 2022 Chevrolet Spark boast value pricing, one as a roomy sedan, the other as a versatile hatchback. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Nissan Versa

2022 Nissan Versa Starting Price:$15,080 |Price yoursorView listings near you

Above Average:Safety and driver assistance tech; great fuel economy; nice cabin materials; strong value.

Below Average:Engine works hard with four occupants on board; CVT transmission isn’t sporty.

Consensus:The 2022 Nissan Versa is a value-priced and well-equipped subcompact sedan with great fuel economy and a classy cabin.

2022 Chevrolet Spark

2022 Chevrolet Spark Starting Price:$13,600 |Price yoursorView listings near you

Above Average:Highly affordable; good fuel economy; easy to park; standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

Below Average:Base model’s hand-cranked windows; engine is underpowered; must upgrade to top trim to access driver-assist features.

Consensus:The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback that puts an emphasis on value and affordability, making it one of the least expensive new cars available.

Versa vs. Spark: Subcompact Sensibilities

The 2022 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan is more car than the entry-level price indicates, with great standard safety tech, excellent fuel economy, a nice cabin, and sharp style. Three trim lines make up the 2022 Nissan Versa range: S, SV, and SR. The S is priced from $15,080 with the manual transmission or $16,750 with the CVT, while the SV starts at $17,890 and the SR at $18,490.

At the Versa’s heart lies a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard fare in most Versas and yields gas mileage of 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, but the base model can also be had with a 5-speed manual gearbox rated for 27/35 mpg city/highway. All 2022 Nissan Versas are front-drive only.

Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth phone and audio, three USB ports, and Siri Eyes Free. Upgrade to the SV or SR package and the Versa adds a 6-speaker audio system and more driver assistance features, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice controls, and more.

A single option package is offered, and only on the top-tier SR model, adding heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and automatic climate control. All versions feature seating for five, 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space, and 88.9 cubic feet of interior volume.

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is the brand’s smallest vehicle currently sold in the U.S., and thanks to its size and sometimes rudimentary equipment, it’s one of the least expensive cars on sale in America, too.

Even though the base model comes with hand-cranked windows, manual door locks, and 5-speed manual transmission, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment.

At the heart of the 2022 Spark is a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated for 98 horsepower and 94 lb-ft of torque. The 2022 Chevrolet Spark’s EPA fuel economy rating varies from as high as 33 mpg combined (30 city/38 hwy) when equipped with the CVT to as low as 32 mpg combined (29 city/37 hwy) when equipped with the manual.

The 2022 Chevy Spark is available in four trims: LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT. The LS features a 7-inch touchscreen, while 1LT brings 15-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, keyless entry and cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, a 6-speaker audio system, LED daytime running lights, and more.

The ACTIV offers a raised suspension and more rugged styling plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rails, black bumpers, halogen headlamps with integrated DRLs, and more. The range-topping 2LT trim boasts leatherette seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry and pushbutton start, rear parking assist, and chrome door handles.

Despite its small dimensions, the 2022 Spark still manages to fit 11.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, or 27.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down and totals 83 cubic feet of passenger volume.

Price; seating space; CVT and 5-speed transmissions.

Larger trunk; available manual transmission; lower starting price; great safety tech; 5-star NHTSA rating.

Can be considerably cheaper in base form; nearly the same seating space despite much smaller overall size; hatchback flexibility.

Which One is Right for Me?

The 2022 Nissan Versa is a value-packed subcompact sedan that’s affordable but also nicer than you’d expect and well equipped, especially in higher trims.

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is one of the least expensive cars on the U.S. market today but still offers core technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Ready to buy a Nissan Versa or Chevrolet Spark?Shop for one on sale now near you