2022 Chevrolet Spark Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Drivers in the market for an inexpensive commuter car should check out the 2022 Chevrolet Spark. This subcompact hatchback is an especially good option for folks who simply need to get from point A to point B. Although the Spark doesn’t pack a lot of performance, many people will appreciate its strong fuel economy and ability to easily fit into tight spots. Let’s take a look at the biggest and advantages and disadvantages of the new Spark.

What’s New for 2022?

No drastic changes were made to the new Chevy Spark. However, a few new paint color options arrive for 2022.

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Chevrolet Spark – The Pros

1. Among America’s Least Inexpensive Cars

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark is geared towards drivers who need a low-cost commuter car. Few cars in the country have a lower starting MSRP. Chevy has priced the base Spark at less than $14,000. Not only is the Spark inexpensive, but it’s affordable to maintain. The cost of servicing the Spark doesn’t break the bank. Whether they need new braking pads or an oil change, owners won’t have to reach deep into their pockets.

2. Delivers Good Fuel Economy

Every new 2022 Chevrolet Spark comes equipped with a small 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Although this engine doesn’t pack much muscle, it does help the hatchback to deliver good fuel economy. Models equipped with a manual transmission can return around 29 mpg town/38 mpg freeway. Choosing the Spark’s automatic continuously variable transmission slightly boosts fuel economy on the highway. Budget-minded drivers will also appreciate the fact that the Spark runs on regular unleaded gasoline.

3. Nimble and Easy to Park

When traveling in the city, drivers will be able to easily maneuver the Chevy Spark through traffic. This subcompact car is light and easy to toss around. Although the Spark is certainly not a sports car, it does have a confident feel in most driving situations. Ride quality isn’t bad for a vehicle in this price class. Furthermore, a short wheelbase and tight turning also make the Spark easier to fit into confined spots.

4. Youthful Exterior Styling

Most drivers won’t have any complaints about the Chevy Spark’s exterior design. Its upbeat styling will appeal to a lot of younger people. Hidden rear door handles give this hatchback a coupe-like appearance. Chevy also gives buyers some cool paint colors to pick from, including Blue Glow and Nitro Yellow. Outdoor lovers may favor the ACTIV trim, which features a raised suspension and a few rugged exterior treatments. Meanwhile, chrome accents help dress up the range-topping 2LT trim.

5. Plenty of Desirable Technologies Come Standard

Despite the 2022 Chevrolet Spark being such an inexpensive ride, it does provide a surprising number of standard features. Many drivers will especially appreciate the spark’s standard technologies. Chevy’s modern infotainment system is a key highlight. It features a 7.0-inch touch display, which links to your smartphone through either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Another big plus is the interface’s built-in 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. Bluetooth and twin USB ports are included as well.

6. Thoughtful Safety Features

Crash scores for the 2022 Chevrolet Spark are not available. Luckily, some thoughtful safety features are found on this hatchback. A total of 10 standard airbags helps provide passengers with an extra layer of protection. Meanwhile, Chevy’s standard Rear Vision camera gives drivers an extra set of eyes. Rear parking sensors are also offered. There’s a Driver Confidence package available for the top-of-the-line trim. It adds forward emergency braking lane departure alert, which are among today’s most popular driver-assist safety technologies.

7. A Decent Amount of Interior

While the Chevy Spark is not a large car, it does provident a decent amount of interior room. It can even accommodate taller drivers. There’s an impressive 41.7 inches of legroom in the front. A high roof also rewards passengers with good headroom. Active people and college students can take advantage of the Spark’s flexible cargo area. By folding down the rear seat, drivers can increase the hatchback’s storage space to more than 27 cubic feet.

8. Manual Transmission Maximizes Performance Potent

Many buyers are expected to opt for the Spark’s automatic CVT, which only slightly boosts fuel economy. However, drivers who are willing to shift their own gears can benefit from the five-speed manual transmission. It helps extract the most performance out of the car’s tiny engine. When accelerating from traffic lights and entering the highway, the manual-equipped Spark feels a tad livelier. Drivers can also easily shift down to a lower gear for more grunt when climbing hills.

9. Excellent OnStar Communications System

Chevy’s excellent OnStar communications system comes standard on the 2022 Chevrolet Spark. Whether you’re driving locally or decide to venture out of town, this system enables you to access emergency support within seconds. There are different subscription features for buyers to choose from. Roadside assistance, on-demand vehicle diagnostics, and automatic crash response are all available.

10. Simple, Straightforward Interior Design

Some drivers will appreciate the simplicity of the Spark’s interior. All the primary controls are logically placed and simple to use. Even the car’s infotainment unit is easy to operate.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Chevrolet Spark – The Cons

1. Not a Powerful Car

The 2022 Chevrolet Spark definitely does not pack a lot of muscle under the hood. Chevy rates its engine to develop only 98 horsepower. While the Spark is a lightweight car, its performance is still limited. Models equipped with an automatic CVT feel less responsive. Road tests show the Spark clocks a slow 0-60 mph time of around 10.9 seconds. When merging onto a fast-moving freeway, drivers will really need to step on the gas.

2. Not the Best Family Vehicle

Parents who have small children will find the Spark to be perfectly suitable. However, this subcompact car is not the best fit for bigger families. There isn't a great deal of legroom in the rear. Adults and most teenagers will want more space to stretch out.

3. Seat Comfort Could Be Better

When behind the wheel of the 2022 Chevrolet Spark, drivers should not expect to experience a luxurious ride. While the Spark’s seats are okay for daily commuting, they’re not the most comfortable in the class. Some people may find the driver’s seat to be a tad too stiff and narrow. There’s also only a minimum amount of lateral support. Because the Spark lacks a telescoping steering wheel, it’s more difficult for some people to obtain the perfect driving position.

4. Certain Safety Technologies Are Not Offered

The Spark’s Driver Confidence package does bring some helpful safety technologies. However, certain driving aids are simply not offered. Blind-spot warning would help drivers to detect vehicles approaching from the rear. Smart cruise control and lane-keep assist are also unavailable.

5. Low Resale Value

The Spark tends to depreciate in value fairly quickly. Owners shouldn’t expect to get a big return on their investment. After five years of driving the Spark, value could decrease by around 60 percent. There’s not a high demand for pre-owned Sparks on the used car market. Because of its low initial cost, some people consider the Spark to be more of a disposable car. This is especially true after it begins to rack up a lot of miles.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Chevrolet Spark vs 2022 Kia Rio

Many people rave about the Kia Rio’s surprisingly upscale interior and long warranty. However, only the Chevy Spark gives drivers access to an OnStar communications system. To get the Rio with upgraded alloy wheels, buyers must step up to the car’s most expensive trim. Furthermore, a traditional manual transmission is not offered on the new Rio.

2022 Chevrolet Spark vs 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage actually has a lower starting price. It also boasts a significantly longer warranty. On the downside, this car delivers a less pleasing driving experience. Not only does the Mirage allow a lot of road and wind noise to enter the cabin, but it also doesn’t provide the best seat comfort.

2022 Chevrolet Spark vs 2022 Nissan Versa

Few cars in the class are as comfy as the 2022 Nissan Versa. It also offers a few extra safety technologies. However, Nissan no longer offers the Versa as a hatchback. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also aren’t on the Versa’s list of standard equipment. In order to get advanced smartphone integration, buyers must move past the base Versa.

Conclusion

Car shoppers who need inexpensive transportation should check out the 2022 Chevrolet Spark. High fuel economy and a tight turning radius make it ideal for commuting. Good head- and legroom also enable the Spark to accommodate taller drivers. Another highlight is the Spark’s energetic styling. Bold paint color options help this car to stand out.

There are a few shortcomings to consider. Some drivers will desire more performance than the Spark can offer. Meanwhile, a small backseat limits the Spark’s ability to accommodate a growing family. Potential buyers should also be prepared to go without blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist.