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2020 Chevrolet Spark Pros vs Cons

Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Are You Considering a 2020 Chevrolet Spark? Here Are Some Reasons For and Against

The subcompact SUV market has been a somewhat crowded one over the past few years, making it difficult for many vehicles to stand out. One brand that has managed to do so for the past several years has been Chevrolet with its Spark range.

Though the range has been of a high standard for much of its history, the 2020 Chevrolet Spark is one of the more notable, for various reasons. From an outside glance, however, many people may not believe that it’s a vehicle worth investing in.

After a look inside and under the hood, however, a few notable reasons to consider the 2020 Chevrolet Spark become apparent.

What’s New For 2020?

If you’re expecting a large number of differences between the 2020 Chevrolet Spark and many of its predecessors, you may be somewhat disappointed. This is primarily because the manufacturer has only made a few small adjustments to the vehicle, with many of these being cosmetic.

However, this should be expected, as the 2019 version of the subcompact SUV underwent a variety of notable changes. With the new model, buyers should notice that many of these additions have been modified and enhanced with the 2020 version.

Much of this is focused on the infotainment system, which received quite a variety of changes previously, and which have been fine-tuned with the 2020 Chevrolet Spark.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2020 Chevrolet Spark – The Pros

While every buyer will have their reasons for choosing one vehicle over another, there is a variety that is somewhat common. This is primarily because cay buyers will typically look at many of the same features. There are a few reasons why you should consider a 2020 Chevrolet Spark.

1. Great Fuel Economy

The majority of SUVs aren’t known for their fuel economy, although this is something that many subcompact vehicles tend to shine at. Even with this, the Chevrolet Spark offers somewhat more mileage than many of its competitors.

This is seen on both the highway and across the city, so buyers shouldn’t have to worry about refilling too often. Coupled with the size of the vehicle, this could make it quite a recommended option for city driving.

Though there are a certain amount of other subcompact SUVs that can boast a large fuel economy, few come close to the Spark range.

2. Fantastic Safety Features

Safety is a feature that the majority of SUVs excel at, regardless of which size category they fall into. However, there are quite a few notable differences between the features and safety ratings that many subcompact SUVs will have.

This is one of the primary areas where the Chevrolet Spark shines, as it includes quite a significant number of safety features, which has led to the vehicle being rated highly in this regard.

Though competitors will have many of these available as optional extras, the Chevrolet Spark is one of the few that includes many as standard.

3. Nimble Navigation

How easy it is to drive and navigate with a vehicle is quite important, although it isn’t an area where many of the cars stand out. This is predominantly because the majority of them can feel somewhat bulky and heavy when in use, which can also affect many subcompact SUVs.

The new Chevrolet Spark avoids this and offers much nimbler navigation than you might expect. Much of this can be seen in its turning radius, which is much smaller than many people may have thought.

It’s also quite secure and safe on the road, which can help make a last-minute change of lanes much easier than you can expect elsewhere.

4. Standout Technology

Many mini-cars and subcompact SUVs tend to lag behind when it comes to interior technology. As a result, many buyers have had to compromise on this to take advantage of the various other benefits that the vehicle may have.

This isn’t the case with the 2020 Chevrolet Spark, as it includes quite a considerable number of infotainment and electronic features. Because of that, buyers shouldn’t have to worry about compromising on anything when they choose the vehicle.

5. Great Sound System

While the Chevrolet Spark can boast a variety of entertainment features, it's sound system is one of the standouts. Initially upgraded in the 2019 model, this has received a few tweaks to refine and improve it.

The system features six speakers that are spread evenly across the vehicle, ensuring that there’s a delicate balance of sound across the car. While this isn’t the highest sound quality that you can expect elsewhere, the system can negate much of the sound that you may hear from the wheels or road.

6. Sleek Exterior

One of the most notable drawbacks of subcompact SUVs is that they often don’t have much of a well-designed exterior, making many of them visually unappealing. However, this isn’t true with the Chevrolet Spark, as it features a much more stylish exterior design than many others in the class.

The majority of this is driven by Chevrolet brand’s unique style, although this has been enhanced with a bit of subcompact flair. The majority of this can be seen in the vehicle’s smooth, fine lines, with the aerodynamics of the car not detracting from its overall style.

7. Variety Of Models

While many subcompact SUVs will have a certain number of model options, these can typically be limited to two or three, with there being few differences between them. In contrast, the 2020 Spark offers four trims, each of which come with a variety of notable changes.

These affect not only the overall look and performance of the vehicle, but also its handling and several other aspects. As such, potential buyers will have much more of an option when buying a Chevrolet Spark than they may have elsewhere.

8. Large Cargo Area

Subcompact SUVs aren’t known for having much cargo space. From an outside look, the Chevrolet Spark may seem as though it suffers from the same trait, which may be somewhat of a drawback for many people.

In contrast, the 2020 Spark has much more cargo space than you might think, which is enhanced by the foldable seats that are included. Though you shouldn’t see as much space as you would with larger cars, what’s available here can be quite beneficial for many people.

9. Tall Interior

Similar to cargo space, subcompact SUVs aren’t known for having quite a large amount of headroom. However, this is another area where the 2020 Chevrolet Spark bucks the trend, as the interior is notably taller than many of its competitors.

Though it will still lack when compared to larger SUVs, it’s something that could be attractive for many people who would prefer a subcompact vehicle without having to compromise too much on headroom.

The primary reason for this is a roof that has been designed to be extra-high, which also adds a certain amount to the vehicle’s exterior style.

10. Large Amount Of Visibility

Visibility while driving is something that can play a large role in many potential buyer’s decision. As you may assume from the safety ratings that the 2020 Spark has gotten, there’s quite a large amount of this on offer, both from the front and back.

The majority of this is driven by windows that extend further than you would typically expect them to. As a result, much more of the road is visible from the driving position, which is an advantage that many of us may want to capitalize on.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2020 Chevrolet Spark – The Cons

Though there is a notable number of reasons to buy the 2020 Chevrolet Spark, it does come with a few drawbacks. While these mightn’t be too large, depending on your preferences, they’re still worth considering.

1. Weak Engine

Nobody expects a subcompact to have a large amount of power, especially when compared to its larger counterparts. Even at this, however, the 2020 Spark comes in at a somewhat underwhelming 98 horsepower.

While this should be enough for the majority of the driving you might do, it can be significantly less than many people may want. If you’re looking for engine power, then this isn’t the choice for you.

2. Slow Acceleration

As a result of the 2020 Chevrolet Spark having a limited amount of power, there isn’t much speed or acceleration to boast about. In contrast to many other subcompact SUVs, the Spark achieves 0 to 60mph in about 11 seconds, which is significantly slower than many others. Though this shouldn’t be too large of an issue, it can take quite a while to get used to.

3. Lacking In Rear Legroom

Though the Chevrolet Spark has plenty of headroom to take advantage of, there is a noticeable lack of legroom, which affects both the front and back seats. As a result, driving over long distances can be quite uncomfortable. This could undo many of the benefits that the extra headroom provides.

How It Stacks Up Against The Competition?

While the 2020 Chevrolet Spark outperforms the majority of other subcompact SUVs with ease, there’s a certain amount of stiff competition. Perhaps the most notable of these is the Mitsubishi Mirage, although this doesn’t offer as much comfort and lacks some of the Spark’s features.

One other tempting choice may be the Mini Cooper, as it’s surprisingly similar in what features both vehicles offer. However, the 2020 Spark is available at a considerably lower price between the two, making it a more cost-effective choice.

The last of the Spark’s primary competition comes from Chevrolet itself in the form of the Sonic. While there are a variety of benefits to the Chevrolet Sonic, it’s much more expensive than the 2020 Spark.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a nimble sub-compact SUV, then the 2020 Chevrolet Spark could be the right choice for you. While it lacks some of the features that you’ll see in other vehicles, it does come with quite a few as standard.

Alongside this is the fact that it’s much more affordable than many of its competitors. This value is further enhanced when compared to a few other options that lack some of the 2020 Chevrolet Spark’s base features.

While there isn’t much engine power, this is something that can affect much of its class. As such, it can be one of the better subcompact SUVs on the market.

Previous Chevrolet Spark Buying Guides:

Why buy a 2019 Chevrolet Spark? w/ pros vs cons