Mitsubishi Mirage

Overview: Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a Good Economy Car?

The Mitsubishi Mirage delivers no-frills transportation for bottom-tier pricing. Sold as a tiny hatchback, the subcompact Mirage employs a modest 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that sends 78 horsepower to the front wheels through a CVT automatic. What the Mirage lacks in performance gets offset by a low purchase price (new or used) and very good fuel economy. While the Mirage name has been around since the 1970s, this overview covers the sixth-generation Mirage that arrived in the U.S. for the 2014 model year (Mitsubishi didn’t sell a 2016 edition of the Mirage in the U.S.). The subcompact Mirage G4 sedan is considered a different model.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Mitsubishi Mirage cars for sale.

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Related: The Mitsubishi Mirage Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Mitsubishi Mirage offers:

• Five-door subcompact hatchback body style
• 1.2L three-cylinder engine
• Front wheel drive
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT) or manual transmission

Trims

The early years of the Mitsubishi Mirage consisted mainly of the base DE and the better-equipped ES trims. In the following years, the automaker expanded the Mirage lineup to include the ES, LE, SE, and GT grades.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The Mirage is ideal as a city car, daily commuter, and grocery getter, but its small cabin, cramped rear seat, and short wheelbase can make long journeys a burden. Befitting its economy car status, standard technology in older examples is focused on the essentials, like air conditioning and a radio. However, newer Mirage models have automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, advanced driver-assist features, and other extras. Cargo space isn’t abundant, especially behind the second row: this is no SUV crossover. However, folding rear seats help the Mirage's versatility.

Review: How Long Do Mitsubishi Mirages Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

How It Drives

Mirage car performance feels appropriately weak, given the engine’s sub-100 horsepower output. Smoothness and noise isolation also prove only average. The upside comes with excellent fuel economy, exceeding 40 mpg in some cases.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Mirage received a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, Mitsubishi Mirage reviews are mainly positive. Owners give this subcompact car a 4.4 (out of 5.0) overall score, with reliability and value being among the car’s strong points.

Learn More: Are Mitsubishis Good Cars? How To Make The Right Purchasing Decision

FAQs

Why was Mirage discontinued?

The Mitsubishi Mirage has not been discontinued. Rumors suggested that Mitsubishi would drop this hatchback, but the company confirmed that Mirage would be part of its U.S. lineup at least through 2025.

Does Mirage have transmission problems?

Some owners report issues with the CVT, such as hesitation, shaking, or making unusual noises. This transmission is supplied by Nissan, a Mitsubishi strategic partner, and is known to be problematic, especially among older cars.

Is the Mirage bigger than a Spark?

Yes, by a small margin. With more overall length and wheelbase span, the Mitsubishi Mirage slightly outsizes the Chevy Spark subcompact in most interior dimensions. The Kia Forte and Hyundai Accent, often cross-shopped against the Mirage, are larger than the Mirage.

Does Mirage have a turbo?

No, forced induction is unavailable in the cost-conscious Mirage. The lone engine remains a tiny 78-horsepower 1.2-liter three-cylinder tailored more towards Mitsubishi Mirage MPG than performance.

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