2022 Chevrolet Spark vs. 2022 Hyundai Accent Comparison

The world of subcompacts is all about value for money, and the 2022 Chevrolet Spark and Hyundai Accent are great examples of that idea. Here’s how they compare.

2022 Chevrolet Spark

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

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

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.

2022 Hyundai Accent

2022 Hyundai Accent Starting Price:$16,645 |Price yoursorView listings near you

Above Average:Very affordable; great fuel economy; intuitive infotainment system; spacious cabin.

Below Average:Trunk is small; engine is lackluster; no hatchback model.

Consensus:The 2022 Hyundai Accent is a very affordable subcompact sedan that’s easy on gas and backed by a long warranty.

Spark vs. Accent: Let’s Get Small

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. 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, 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.

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is a member of an increasingly rare population, namely that of the subcompact sedan. It’s a car without much pretense, that gets by on humility, functionality, and value.

All versions of the 2022 Accent have a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine under their hood, generating 120 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. All Accents are also front-wheel drive, and all use the same CVT transmission. The combination is highly efficient, scoring the Accent EPA gas mileage ratings of 36 mpg combined, 33 mpg city, and 41 mpg highway.

Three versions of the 2022 Hyundai Accent are available, starting with the base Accent SE, followed by the SEL, and topped by the Accent Limited. The SE starts from $16,645 and includes standard equipment like cruise control and power windows. Upgrading to the SEL ($17,900) adds Apple CarPlay, telescoping steering wheel, and more. The 2022 Hyundai Accent Limited starts from $19,600 and adds to the SEL’s spec with features like automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Inside the Accent, you’ll find a spacious cabin for the class, but an interior that’s only so-so in quality when compared to rivals like the Nissan Versa. If you’re going for good looks, upgrading to the higher trims brings larger alloy wheels and other visual enhancements.

No matter which trim you pick for your 2022 Accent, you’ll get 13.7 cubic feet of space for luggage or gear in the trunk and 90.2 cubic feet of space in the passenger compartment.

Price; seating space; CVT transmissions.

Can be considerably cheaper in base trim; similar seating space despite smaller overall size.

Better base gas mileage; CVT is standard equipment; larger total cabin volume; long warranty; three years’ free maintenance.

Which One is Right for Me?

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.

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is a simple and honest car with great fuel economy and more technology and convenience features than you’d expect.

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