The Mitsubishi Mirage is unapologetically straightforward and focused only on providing the best possible transportation efficiency at the lowest price. It gets fantastic gas economy for a non-hybrid vehicle at a pittance, and it has more inside space than you’d expect in such a little car. Although it’s not terrible to drive, it’s ungainly and sluggish, with an outdated, cheap-feeling interior and few active safety measures. Although the extended Mitsubishi guarantee and the Mirage’s fundamental simplicity provide peace of mind, using the Mirage requires accepting genuine tradeoffs.
What’s New?
The optional five-speed manual transmission is no longer available in 2023
Cons and Pros
Pros
- amazing fuel efficiency
- Low cost; extensive warranty
- There is good luggage and a passenger room for such a little vehicle.
Cons
- Rough engine and little power
- The inner cellar deal
- Competitors are more modern and offer more safety features
Small, affordable vehicles are becoming rare in this era of the crossover craze and $48,000 average automobile costs. However, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is one last example of an old-school economic vehicle. This gearbox is manual. The Nissan Versa has replaced the Mitsubishi Mirage as America’s least expensive new vehicle. However, it still costs $17,450, including destination, and you may often get one for less if you hunt around. Despite the extended warranty and 39-mpg efficiency after the purchase, life with the frugal Mirage requires tradeoffs.
It doesn’t pretend to be amusing, stylish, or fast, but the Mirage is refreshingly upfront about its goal of providing ultra-cheap transportation. It is the smallest, lightest, and least potent automobile you can purchase in America in a hatchback style. It’s also among the earliest types that are still available. Built-in Thailand in 2011 with a focus on export markets, it has only seen minor revisions since it was introduced for sale in the United States in 2014. Updated styling and a few new active safety features were introduced in 2021, but the five-speed manual gearbox that was previously an option will be discontinued in 2023.
Despite being unabashedly tiny and straightforward, the Mirage is surprisingly spacious and not harmful to drive. However, as crossovers supplant compact vehicles, this rivalry is shifting. The Nissan Versa and the Kia Rio will be the only two genuine entry-level compact cars in 2023. Still, the Versa, which is only available as a sedan, is much bigger overall. It is 7.5 inches longer than the Mirage G4 sedan and is almost as big as a Honda Civic hatchback. Competitors include tiny, low-cost crossovers like the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Venue. All are more sophisticated, bigger, and quicker but also more expensive.
A raucous, 78-horsepower three-cylinder engine is housed under the hood, and all current Mirages feature a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT). The vehicle’s power-to-weight ratio is almost identical to that of the original 1979 Mirage, locally known as the Dodge Colt, and its zero-to-60 time is 11 seconds, which was acceptable back then but is now considered sluggish. The Mirage’s low weight and precise handling help offset its lack of power, and the CVT isn’t much worse than most rivals. However, the thin tires discourage pushing the car’s boundaries.
The Mirage’s tiny, lightweight doors and many bland, hard plastic interior components may seem like relics of much earlier little vehicles, yet all that weight loss results in unequalled non-hybrid mpg. In my tests, I saw a combined mileage of 42 mpg, and, more crucially, even the least expensive hybrids and EVs cost thousands more. The Mirage hatchback offers greater luggage capacity and more rear room than most rivals for a compact vehicle. Although there are evident engine and road vibrations inside, the ride is not unpleasant for such a little car.
Like the rest of the vehicle, the Mirage’s infotainment and safety features are essential. Although forward-automated emergency braking, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are already standard, the competition now provides considerably more in these areas. If there’s one word that keeps coming up here, it’s “basic.” Mitsubishi also provides the same extensive warranty coverage as Kia, and it’s important to note that the Mirage has an excellent dependability reputation. The Mirage is a thrifty companion, but that is all it is, and you must be OK with that if you want to use it.
Performing Mitsubishi Mirage
You’re in the wrong spot if you’re seeking dual turbos, cross-drilled brakes, or adaptive suspensions. In the Mirage, efficiency over speed is everything. Even though trudging through Los Angeles traffic in a Lotus Esprit might be more fun, most Mirage purchasers aren’t interested in smashing a little, sluggish vehicle as quickly as they can. The Mirage is slow and unrefined, but because of one Lotus-like quality, lightness, it’s not the wrong vehicle to drive.
A CVT drives the front wheels of the Mirage, which is powered by a 1.2-liter inline three-cylinder engine with 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The least potent vehicle in the United States is also one of the lightest. The G4 weighs 2,172 pounds, while the Mirage hatchback weighs only 2,095 pounds (250 less than a Mazda Miata).
It moves slowly, even with so little weight by today’s standards. Passing on two-lane roads is best avoided since it takes 11 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. Though it doesn’t seem to be straining, the CVT will gladly cruise at 80 mph once it gets going. Not quietly, however. Even at idle, there is much engine noise and tremors. The Chevy Trailblazer’s three-cylinder engine is not typical of all three-cylinder engines; nevertheless, it is an older model.
Although the narrow tires make a lot of noise and don’t inspire road rage, the vehicle nonetheless responds well to driver inputs and has light steering. Its handling might be delightful with bigger wheels and better tires, but they are not standard. Even after a few forceful stops, the brakes still feel decent and don’t fade too much. Thanks to the short wheelbase and tires, you can feel potholes and other road irregularities, but the ride isn’t crashy or unpleasant.
Even though they all weigh more and aren’t exactly hot rods, the Versa, Rio, and Venue all feature smoother and quieter engines with at least 40 more horsepower.
For fuel economy.
The Mirage adheres to the energy-efficiency guidelines for pre-hybrid vehicles. Since the Mirage (hatchback) is the smallest and lightest automobile on the market, it requires less energy to move and gets an outstanding gas economy. The G4 gets 37 mpg combined (35 cities, 41 highways), whereas the Mirage Hatch calls 39 mpg combined (36 cities, 43 routes). The Mirage ES hatchback outperformed its prediction in our real-world test, achieving 42 mpg in combined driving.
Modern hybrid and electric vehicles do, of course, enable far more significant and heavier vehicles to consume even less energy. Still, you won’t find any at prices close to the Mirage. (The Toyota Corolla LE, the least expensive hybrid, begins at $23,895. While the Kia Rio and the automatic-transmission Versa are not far behind with combined mileage ratings of up to 36 mpg and 35 mpg, respectively, no non-hybrid vehicles can match the Mirage’s stingy fuel economy.
Safety and driver support technology:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awards the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage a four-star overall rating and four out of five ratings in each test. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) testing results are likewise inconsistent, with “good” ratings in the majority of categories but only an” in the organization’s small front overlap test and an “acceptable” rating for side impacts for the G4 sedan (the hatchback receives a “good” rating there). Mitsubishi installs seven airbags, including rear side curtains, which is a bonus.
Because it is a highly cheap vehicle, it is missing several features. Only forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is a standard active safety component. Although they are technical options, automatic high beams and lane departure alerts are only available on the top-trim SE. Even parking sensors may be added for $695. All Mirage’s rivals have more excellent driver-assistance equipment and superior safety features.
Room and Comfort: Mitsubishi Mirage
Even in its most miniature hatchback version, the Mirage is surprisingly pleasant for its size and cost. Although the Mirage hatchback is over 2 feet shorter than the Nissan Versa from the exterior, it has more rear legroom, with 34.2 inches, than the Nissan’s limited 31. The Mirage hatchback also offers more space in the rear than the Rio, the Nissan Kicks, the Toyota Corolla hatchback, or the four-door Mini Hardtop, but it isn’t a vast back seat, and tall people won’t enjoy it.
With 37.3 inches of back legroom, comparable to some considerably bigger small and midsize cars, it’s even more significant in the Mirage G4 sedan. Even though both models are officially five-seaters, the automobile is narrow enough for the driver to reach the passenger door handles. Even little children won’t like sitting in the centre of the backseat. Large enough door apertures allow for the loading and unloading of car seats.
All variants of the Mirage have cloth seats, and the only thing even somewhat “stylish” about the plasticky interior is the 1990s-inspired designs on the upper trims. They are, nonetheless, very supportive and pleasant for literally inexpensive chairs. Even heated front seats are an option for the top-tier SE.
Information: Mitsubishi Mirage
While the Mirage’s standard 7-inch touchscreen display is there, calling it “infotainment” may be overstating the case. This basic system has a few car functions, Bluetooth, and music system settings, as on the Ford Maverick and base Honda Civic. There is volume control, and the system is compatible with satellite radio, but that is about it.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as standard, as is one USB port. Mitsubishi does not provide a native navigation system because it correctly expects that most drivers who desire navigation would plug in their phones and use those mapping applications instead of paying extra. At the very least, the controls are all simple to use, and the screen reacts swiftly to your inputs.
Storage and Cargo Space: Mitsubishi Mirage
The little Mirage isn’t as tiny on the interior as you’d assume, just like the passenger compartment. Mitsubishi states that there are 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats of the Mirage hatchback. Though it appears like a measurement with the spare tire gone and every square inch of room up to the ceiling being used, it is a sizable hold for this compact automobile. The trunk increases to 47 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down, comparable to several compact SUVs.
Although it requires tipping heavy bags on their sides to fit, the area behind the seats is still quite valuable and enormous with the seats folded.
Those numbers contrast with those of the Kia Rio hatchback (17.4 and 32.8 cubic feet), Hyundai Kona (19.2 and 45.8 cubic feet), and Hyundai Venue (18.7 and 31.9 cubic feet). The 12.7 cubic-foot trunk of the Mirage G4 is less practical. The Versa’s size advantage translates to a Honda Civic-sized trunk of 14.7 cubic feet, while the Kia Rio sedan’s trunk measures 13.7 cubic feet, splitting the difference.
The Mirage’s little item storage area is nothing spectacular, and even the centre console bin is modest (and, shockingly, optional on all but the SE), although most of the competition is about on par.
Design and Style: Mitsubishi Mirage
Although this automobile wasn’t purchased for its aesthetic appeal, Mitsubishi at least tried with the outside. The hatch is the more appealing of the two body types, and thanks to a redesign in 2021, the front end is now more attractive than ever in the ten years this vehicle has been sold. Sand Yellow, Infrared, and Sapphire Blue are just a few of the vivid hues Mitsubishi provides. Bright colours make this automobile appear cheery and less inexpensive, so we’d go with one of them.
The advantages are those. The G4 lacks flair because of its awkward dimensions and undersized wheels, but at least it has far greater rear space. However, cost-cutting is most noticeable in the cabin. This cabin is outdated, plain, and just functional, and everything is made of rugged, inexpensive plastic. You could wipe practically any filth off these surfaces if you installed some rubber floor mats, which you can get from the dealeth many other extras, but they aren’t beautiful.
The Mitsubishi Mirage 2023: Is It Worth It? The most cost-effective Mirage is which?
The Mitsubishi Mirage is the least expensive option to saddle up with a brand-new automobile if you don’t want a manual gearbox. Given the sky-high pricing for new cars and the limited supply, it’s worthwhile for someone. Is this vehicle sufficient for you, and how does the bargain appear?
The cheapest option is the most excellent bargain since this vehicle is sluggish, out-of-date, and all about cheap gas. The standard ES hatchback is the most fantastic bargain and comes with everything you need for everyday driving ($17,450 plus a $1,045 delivery cost). The Kia Rio LX ($17,875) and automatic Versa S ($18,595) are both cheaper than it, despite having better interiors and more basic active safety systems. Starting at a higher price of $18,450 is the standard G4 ES Sedan.
The top-trim SE ($19,350 for the hatchback, $20,150 for the G4) puts the Mirage in competition with the better-equipped, bigger, and more contemporary Versa, Rio, and Venue, as well as bigger cars like the Kia Forte. The mid-grade Mirage LE ($18,050 for the hatchback, $19,050 for the G4) and Black Edition ($600 over the LE) only add decorative features.
Even in the wild auto market of 2023, you may sometimes find the Mirage, Rio, and Versa for less than MSRP if you shop carefully and slowly, and the Mirage ES is always the least expensive. The issue with secondhand cars is another. A five-year-old Honda Fit with low mileage costs almost as much as a brand-new Mirage on the current market. Older, finer used automobiles may be found for less than $17,000, but few certified pre-owned cars are available below that price point.
Mitsubishi and Kia have equal and excellent warranty coverage, far longer than Nissan’s: five years or 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and ten years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Some Mitsubishi dealers also offer extensive extended warranties. Still, we would be careful of adding too many extras or financing a Mirage at exorbitant rates or for a very long period. Given the present market circumstances, even if the automobile is not faulty, its resale value won’t be very high.
How much does the Mitsubishi Mirage cost to insure?
The Mitsubishi Mirage has shockingly high insurance premiums. Our findings show that a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record may anticipate paying an average yearly premium of $2,440 for an essential Mirage ES and as much as $2,766 for a top Mirage G4 LE sedan, even though these prices are averaged across all 50 states. In contrast, a Nissan Versa costs $2,030, a Kia Rio costs $2,128, and a Hyundai Venue costs $1,727. Visit our auto insurance calculator for a more precise idea of your possible insurance costs.
