Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity (All Years 2013-2022)

The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact five-door hatchback manufactured by General Motors and produced for the North American market from the 2013 model year through the 2022 model year.

It was built on GM’s Global Small Vehicles platform and powered by inline-four gasoline engines in 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter displacements across its production run.

This guide covers Chevrolet Spark towing specifications for each model year from 2013 to 2022, including maximum trailer weight, tongue weight limits, payload capacity, and hitch class requirements.

Following manufacturer-rated towing limits helps protect the engine, transmission, and braking systems from premature wear and failure under load.

2022 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark carries a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg), consistent across all trim levels including LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT.

The 1.4L LV7 engine paired with either a five-speed manual or CVT transmission delivers the same tow rating regardless of drivetrain configuration.

This is the final model year for the Spark, as Chevrolet discontinued the nameplate after 2022.

2021 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark supports a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) across all variants. Available in LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT trim levels with manual or CVT transmission options, no trim-specific changes affect the tow rating. Third-party Class I hitches with a 1-1/4-inch receiver are available as aftermarket add-ons for this model year.

2020 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2020 Chevrolet Spark retains a 1,000 lbs (453 kg) maximum towing capacity consistent with adjacent model years. This model year marked the continued availability of the ACTIV trim with raised ground clearance, though the tow rating was unchanged. The tongue weight limit of 100 lbs (45 kg) must not be exceeded regardless of trailer type to maintain vehicle stability.

2019 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2019 Chevrolet Spark received a mid-cycle facelift including revised exterior styling and a new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, though these changes did not affect towing specifications. The maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) applies to both manual and CVT-equipped models. Aftermarket Class I hitches for the 2019 model require specific fitment verification due to the updated front fascia and structural changes.

2018 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2018 Chevrolet Spark introduced the ACTIV trim level with a 0.4-inch increase in ground clearance compared to standard models. The towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) and tongue weight limit of 100 lbs (45 kg) remain uniform across LS, 1LT, ACTIV, and 2LT trims. No factory tow package was offered at any trim level in this model year.

2017 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2017 Chevrolet Spark is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) using a Class I receiver hitch. The 1.4L LV7 engine with 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque drives the front axle exclusively, without 4WD or AWD options at any point in the fourth-generation lineup. Flat towing of the 2017 Spark is possible when equipped with a manual transmission.

2016 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2016 Chevrolet Spark was the first model year of the fourth-generation M400 platform in the North American market, replacing the third-generation 1.2L-powered model. The 1.4L LV7 engine produces 98 hp and 94 lb-ft of torque, supporting a maximum trailer weight of 1,000 lbs (453 kg). Class I aftermarket hitches using a 1-1/4-inch receiver bolt directly to the rear frame without drilling.

2015 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2015 Chevrolet Spark is the final model year of the third-generation M300 platform in the United States and uses the 1.2L S-TEC II inline-four engine producing 84 hp. The maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) is consistent with other years despite the lower engine output compared to the 1.4L unit introduced for 2016. Gross vehicle weight and payload figures are slightly lower on this model due to the smaller engine and lighter overall vehicle weight.

2014 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2014 Chevrolet Spark offers a 1,000 lbs (453 kg) maximum towing capacity with its 1.2L, 84-hp ECOTEC S-TEC II engine and either a 5-speed manual or Jatco CVT automatic transmission. The 2014 model year transitioned from a conventional 4-speed automatic to the CVT, which improved fuel economy but did not alter the towing limit. Tongue weight must be held at or below 100 lbs (45 kg) for all configurations.

2013 Chevrolet Spark Towing Capacity

The 2013 Chevrolet Spark was the first model year sold in the United States, arriving at dealerships in August 2012 as the fastest-selling new car in the country for July 2012. Powered by the 1.2L S-TEC II engine with 84 hp and 83 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 model supports a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg). No factory tow package was available, and aftermarket Class I hitches are required for trailer towing.

Towing Equipment and Setup

Light towing with the Chevrolet Spark requires proper equipment selection to stay within the vehicle’s rated limits. Because the Spark carries a Class I hitch rating with a 1-1/4-inch receiver, only light-duty towing hardware is applicable.

Hitch Class and Receiver Size

The Chevrolet Spark accepts only a Class I trailer hitch with a 1-1/4-inch receiver. Class I hitches are designed for trailers up to 2,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight in their rated capacity, but the Spark’s vehicle-specific limit of 1,000 lbs gross and 100 lbs tongue takes precedence. Weight-distributing hitches are not applicable to the Spark and the vehicle is not capable of supporting their additional load forces.

Normal Towing vs. Light Towing Setup

Transmission and Drivetrain Considerations

CVT-equipped Spark models should avoid sustained uphill grades with trailers near the maximum towing limit, as continuous variable transmissions generate additional heat under load. Manual transmission models generally handle brief grades better due to direct gear control. The Spark uses front-wheel drive across all model years, meaning trailer sway control and rear axle assistance are not available.

Tire Load Ratings

Maintaining correct tire pressure is critical when towing any load with a light vehicle. The Spark’s small tires carry a limited load rating, and adding even 500 to 700 lbs of trailer tongue and cargo weight to the rear of the vehicle changes weight distribution noticeably. Always verify that tire load ratings are not exceeded under combined vehicle and trailer weight conditions.

FAQs

What is the maximum towing capacity of a Chevrolet Spark?

The maximum towing capacity of the Chevrolet Spark is 1,000 lbs (453 kg) for all model years from 2013 to 2022. This figure applies to conventional trailer towing with a properly installed Class I hitch. The maximum tongue weight is 100 lbs (45 kg).

How much can a Chevrolet Spark tow with a tow package?

The Chevrolet Spark was never offered with a factory tow package at any trim level or model year. Third-party Class I aftermarket hitches are available for the 2013 through 2022 Spark, and they allow towing up to the manufacturer-rated limit of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) without modifying the frame.

Does the Chevrolet Spark come in 4WD, and does it affect towing capacity?

The Chevrolet Spark was available exclusively in front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration throughout its entire production run from 2013 to 2022. No 4WD or AWD variant was ever produced for the North American market. Towing capacity does not vary by drivetrain because only one drivetrain was offered.

What trailer weight is safe for a Chevrolet Spark?

A safe trailer weight for the Chevrolet Spark is generally between 500 and 800 lbs for everyday towing conditions, leaving a buffer below the 1,000 lbs (453 kg) maximum rating. This margin accounts for variable road grades, braking distance, and drivetrain thermal load. Always keep tongue weight at or below 100 lbs (45 kg) regardless of total trailer weight.

Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Chevrolet Spark?

A weight-distributing hitch is not applicable to the Chevrolet Spark and the vehicle’s frame is not rated to support one. The Spark uses a Class I hitch only, which is a standard dead-weight receiver hitch. Weight-distributing systems are designed for Class III, IV, and V applications with significantly higher towing capacities.

Can I flat tow a Chevrolet Spark behind an RV?

The Chevrolet Spark can be flat towed (four wheels down) behind a motorhome only when equipped with a manual transmission. Automatic and CVT-equipped Spark models require a tow dolly to prevent transmission damage during flat towing. This limitation applies to 2013 through 2022 model years, though the 2019 through 2022 LT-trim automatic models are excluded from flat tow approval.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Spark maintains a consistent maximum towing capacity of 1,000 lbs (453 kg) across all model years from 2013 to 2022. Third-generation models (2013 to 2015) use the 1.2L S-TEC II engine, while fourth-generation models (2016 to 2022) use the 1.4L LV7 engine, both yielding the same tow rating. The Spark’s Class I hitch configuration, FWD drivetrain, and subcompact vehicle weight class define the towing limits, and no factory tow package was offered at any point in production. Tongue weight must not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg) regardless of trailer configuration or model year. Always verify specifications using the owner’s manual before towing any load.