From Pricing To Fuel Economy, the Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage are two compact cars that continue to grab attention for their affordability and efficiency.
Both Chevrolet and Mitsubishi have loyal fans, which is why you’ll spot plenty of both brands on the road.
The Chevy Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage are among their most popular entry-level models, offering budget-conscious drivers reliable transportation with impressive MPG ratings.
Whether you're comparing price tags, performance, or fuel efficiency, these two small cars bring a lot to the table.
Let’s break down how they stack up—from cost to commute.
You might head over to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer if the Mirage is what you want.
If the Spark appeals more, then going to a dealership that sells Chevys is what you’ll need to do.
Let’s take a moment to compare these models so that you can more easily figure out which one appeals the most.
Jump to:
Pricing
If price is mostly your biggest concern, then you should know that the starting MSRP for a Mirage is typically a little under $15K.
That is very reasonable for a car in this class.
As for the Spark, you are going to be looking at a price tag closer to $17K.
That is not a huge difference, but if you’re on a very strict budget, then the Mirage is probably the superior option in this area.
Of course, the total price tag of either one will also vary somewhat depending on the trim level you favor.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy is also something that many consumers focus on in this vehicle class.
That’s because, if you’re looking for a midsize, family-style car of this nature, you likely want something more practical rather than flashy.
The Mirage has a clear advantage in this area. It gets 36 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway. As for the Spark, it gets 29 miles per gallon in the city and 38 on the highway.
Again, that’s not an enormous difference. If this is an area on which you are particularly focused, though, you’ll note the advantage that the Mirage has.
Other Notable Features
There are a few other notable features that you’ll want to look at when comparing these two top-selling models.
The Mirage has seating for 5, while there is only seating for 4 if you go with the Spark.
The Spark also does not have as good of a warranty. You can normally get 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. As for the Mirage, you get 5 years or 60,000 miles with that one.
The Mirage comes with a 1.2 L13 engine, while the Spark has a 1.4 L 14. That will not make a great deal of difference in the power department. The drive type is 4WD for both, as is typical for this class of car.
Which One is For You?
Most people seem to agree that the notable advantages the Mirage has over the Spark make it the superior choice. The fact that it seats one more person, can be yours for a cheaper asking price, and gets you better fuel economy will all probably come into play. The longer standard warranty also means the Mirage has a hand up on the Spark.
Consider each of these factors when making your choice.
🚗 Chevrolet Spark vs. Mitsubishi Mirage – Real Mom Talk
So you’re looking for a zippy little car that won’t break the bank but can still handle Target runs, soccer practice, and the "Mom, can we go get ice cream?" vibes? Let’s break it down.
💙 Chevy Spark
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly Babe
One of the cheapest new cars on the market—like, “I still have money for snacks” cheap. - Super Compact
Parking this cutie is a dream. Squeeze into tight spots at school pickup like a parking ninja. - Cute & Colorful
Comes in fun colors—because why should the kids have all the fun? - Zippy for City Life
It’s peppy around town, perfect for urban errands and beating that red light (safely, of course 😉). - Tech Perks for the Price
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto? Yes please. Gotta bump those carpool playlists!
Cons:
- Tiny Backseat
Kids = okay. Teens or car seats? Ehh… it’s tight back there, mama. - Limited Trunk Space
Costco hauls or stroller storage might be a creative game of Tetris. - Not the Comfiest Ride
Great for quick trips, but longer drives? Let’s just say… pack a cushion. - Low Power on the Highway
It’s not exactly a speed demon—merging onto freeways might take a little patience. - Discontinued After 2022
Yep, GM said goodbye to the Spark. Still available used, but no brand-new models.
💛 Mitsubishi Mirage
Pros:
- Insanely Fuel-Efficient
We’re talking 35–40+ MPG. More gas money = more coffee money. Just saying. - Still in Production
Unlike the Spark, you can still get a brand-spankin’-new Mirage. - Hatchback Life = Flexibility
Fold those seats down and boom—diaper boxes, groceries, or your latest thrift haul fits fine. - Low Maintenance Costs
Easy on the wallet when it comes to repairs and upkeep. - Tons of Warranty Coverage
Mitsubishi offers a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Peace of mind for the win.
Cons:
- Slow with a Capital S
Like, “Are we moving yet?” vibes. But hey, you’re not racing to preschool, right? - Interior Feels Budget
Hard plastics and basic vibes inside. Not fancy—but functional. - Not Super Safe
Crash test ratings aren’t stellar. A little extra research here is a good idea if safety is your top concern. - Noisy on the Road
It can get a bit loud, especially on the freeway. Turn up the tunes to drown it out. - The Resale Value is Meh
Doesn’t hold value super well, so maybe not your forever car.
Final Mom Take
If you want a discontinued but peppy and tech-savvy city car, the Spark is your gal. If you’re all about fuel savings and warranty peace of mind—and don’t mind a chill pace—the Mirage could be your budget bestie.
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