2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Review
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+7
Used i-MiEV for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Affordable price
- crisp response and easy maneuverability in city traffic.
Cons
- Shorter range than rival EVs
- long charging time
- sluggish acceleration
- busy ride on the highway
- tight quarters for passengers
- low-quality interior materials.
What’s new
The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is offered in a single ES trim level, and standard and optional equipment have been revised.
Edmunds says
Although it's priced temptingly low, the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is less practical than rival electric cars, given its long recharging times and barely adequate highway performance. Other EVs will be better choices.
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Insights
Trim:
i-MiEV ES
Estimated Range Based on Age
Not available
Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Columbus, Ohio. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.
Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet
from Charging
No charging time information available
Hybrid Parts Warranty
8 yrs or 100,000 milesHybrid batteries are federally mandated to carry at least 8 years or 100,000 miles of warranty coverage from the manufacturer. Batteries that lose capacity more rapidly than expected should be eligible for replacement under warranty. Coverage of additional hybrid components beyond the battery itself will vary by automaker.
According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.
Exceeded original 8 year warranty.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
$4,000
Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.
- Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.
For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit
Cost to Drive
$58/mo
i-MiEV
vs
$174/mo
Car Avg.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Am I Ready for an EV?
- EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.
- If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.
- Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.
Vehicle overview
As charging stations become common in city centers across the country, electric vehicles are starting to get a little more practical, especially if you have a short commute. If you're shopping for a new EV, you'll find that the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the least expensive entry point into all-electric transportation. Although its sheer affordability is compelling, the i-MiEV has some significant downsides that might make it less of a bargain than it initially appears.
To its credit, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is likely to meet most shoppers' basic requirements for an electric vehicle. Small and lightweight, this four-door hatchback feels almost spirited in city traffic, and it's extremely easy to maneuver and park. However, if your daily drive includes highway travel, you'll find that the i-MiEV's skinny tires and fairly basic suspension result in a bouncy ride. Accelerating up to cruising speed might also test your patience: Mitsubishi's EV takes nearly 15 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite slow, even for an electric car in this price range.
By far the biggest issue with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, though, is whether you can wait for it to recharge once you've reached your destination. Even if you have access to a Level 2 (240-volt) charging station, it takes 7-8 hours to recover a full charge. If you can only charge at 120 volts, expect to wait at least twice as long. Further, the car has an EPA-estimated range of only 62 miles, and in our Mitsubishi i-MiEV long-term test (/mitsubishi/i-miev/2012/long-term-road-test/wrap-up.html), we were never able to drive farther than 58 miles on a single charge.
For most EV shoppers, the pioneering Nissan Leaf will prove far more practical than the i-MiEV, as it offers a lot more range, quicker recharging times and a much nicer interior. Priced a bit lower than the Nissan, the Chevrolet Spark EV offers impressive performance and range, but it's only available in California and Oregon and its charging times are just as long as the Mitsubishi's. The sporty Fiat 500e is another interesting choice, but it's pricey and only sold in California. Finally, there's the Ford Focus Electric, the roomiest car in this class. It costs the most, but it's available nationwide and has a long list of amenities and high-tech options. All of these cars are likely to be easier to own than the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is really only suitable for city dwellers with consistent access to a Level 2 charger.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 49-kilowatt electric motor (66 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque) fed by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. There are three selectable driving modes: "D" for full power, "Eco" which limits power output to maximize economy and "B," which increases regenerative braking but allows for full use of power. In Edmunds testing, the i-MiEV went from zero to 60 mph in 14.7 seconds -- a very long time, even for an electric vehicle.
Driving range is an EPA-estimated 62 miles per charge. Other small electric vehicles typically have a longer range of about 75-85 miles. The EPA has given the i-MiEV an energy consumption estimate of 30 kWh per 100 miles rating (the lower the kWh number, the better), which is on par with the Nissan Leaf.
With the i-MiEV's 3.3kW onboard charger, it can take a long time to charge fully. Plugged into a 120-volt household outlet, the Mitsubishi takes 14-22 hours to reach a full charge, and in our testing, it was usually closer to 22. With an SAE Level 2 (240-volt) charging station, the EPA estimates the i-MiEV can be recharged in 7 hours, though we found that the i-MiEV typically needed 8 hours at a Level 2 charger.
Safety
The 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV comes standard with antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. It also features an "Approaching Vehicle Audible System" (AVAS), which alerts pedestrians that the i-MiEV is nearby by emitting a sound at low speeds. Rear parking sensors are optional.
In Edmunds brake testing, an i-MiEV came to a stop from 60 mph in 120 feet, which is a good performance for an EV. In government crash testing, the i-MiEV received four out of five stars for overall protection, with four stars for total frontal-impact protection and three stars for total side-impact protection. The lower side-impact score is the result of excessive rear door panel intrusion during testing -- suggesting an elevated risk of torso injuries for passengers riding in back.
Driving
Like all electric cars, the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV boasts a quiet cabin. The only sound from the electric motor is a whir that kicks in when you accelerate hard. There's some wind, tire and road noise at higher speeds, but overall the cabin remains quiet enough to allow for easy conversation. Comfort is another matter, though, as the i-MiEV has a busy, often bouncy ride unless you're traveling over perfectly smooth pavement.
We achieved a top speed of 81 mph in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which is well below the Leaf's top speed of 90 mph. This top speed is enough to allow the i-MiEV to keep up on the highway, but this limitation, along with the car's slowness in getting up to speed, underlines the fact that this Mitsubishi is better suited for city motoring. Further, consistently cruising at even 65 mph quickly depletes the i-MiEV's batteries. Driven in city traffic, the i-MiEV has some pep off the line, while the low speeds and frequent stops help maximize its range.
Interior
Many electric cars feature cabins loaded with cutting-edge style and tech, but the 2014 i-MiEV isn't one of them. Hard plastics abound, and the plain, no-nonsense presentation of its dash and controls is more in keeping with that of your typical bargain-priced subcompact than anything else. At the same time, standard equipment includes a remote system that allows you to activate the car's climate control and charging timer.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV's tall body offers ample headroom, but the driving position is awkward and legroom is tight for taller adults, who will likely run out of seat-track travel. A lack of legroom is also an issue in the backseat, and the seats themselves are flat and not terribly supportive.
With just 13.2 cubic feet of space behind the backseat, the i-MiEV has less cargo capacity than most of its rivals, though there's enough room to squeeze in your golf clubs or a standard-sized suitcase. The picture improves with the rear seats folded; cargo capacity expands to a healthy 50.4 cubic feet.
2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV models
The rear-wheel-drive 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV is powered by a 49-kilowatt electric motor (66 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque) fed by a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. There are three selectable driving modes: "D" for full power, "Eco" which limits power output to maximize economy and "B," which increases regenerative braking but allows for full use of power. In Edmunds testing, the i-MiEV went from zero to 60 mph in 14.7 seconds -- a very long time, even for an electric vehicle.
Driving range is an EPA-estimated 62 miles per charge. Other small electric vehicles typically have a longer range of about 75-85 miles. The EPA has given the i-MiEV an energy consumption estimate of 30 kWh per 100 miles rating (the lower the kWh number, the better), which is on par with the Nissan Leaf.
With the i-MiEV's 3.3kW onboard charger, it can take a long time to charge fully. Plugged into a 120-volt household outlet, the Mitsubishi takes 14-22 hours to reach a full charge, and in our testing, it was usually closer to 22. With an SAE Level 2 (240-volt) charging station, the EPA estimates the i-MiEV can be recharged in 7 hours, though we found that the i-MiEV typically needed 8 hours at a Level 2 charger.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
5 star(69%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
13 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
The EV technology is ready
stan_cz, 08/21/2012
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I have this car for a half year with 2800 miles on it and it became the primary car in our family. Our 2 kids love it, too. The car completely changed my way of thinking as EV owner and driver. Going to a gas station is now hassle to me. Range anxiety is non existent as I learned that I need to think just a little before going for a trip. If the expected distance is above 75-80 miles, I … take our Jetta TDI, that simple. Very recently, I have taken my iMiEV for a long trip to test its range when driving up to 40 MPH w/o A/C. I was able to get 93.4 miles with 1 mile remaining. No need to reach for the hidden reserves. It is really fun to drive.
4.88 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC Car
stuartdanoff, 08/05/2012
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ES 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
This car is just GREAT. I wanted a "town" car because I don't drive more than @ 65 miles at a time. This is the car.
First day was a scorcher (94 degrees) I put on the AC full blast and drove just about 65 miles in total comfort. Smooth ride. Perky pick up, adequate radio and roomy front seat...I am 5 foot 11.
Then I returned home, plugged it in to my 240v charger, had lunch, read the … mail and drove out again on the partial charge.
NO GAS !!!!!!
I am very satisfied. Love this car.
4 out of 5 stars
Not the only one in town anymore
mitsulover, 08/17/2014
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
Lack of back seat leg room and basic seat design meant I could only give the car a "3" for comfort (but it's not advertised as a family hauler anyway).
I already had two Mitsus, so, I had to pick the I-MiEV over the Leaf.
But if you have a family of 4, buy the Leaf.
As with my other Mitsus, the Japanese built or designed models (think Lancer vs. Galant) seem to have a better build … quality and design (this one has the "J" VIN).
Like my Buell, this thing is still rare enough to get lots of people coming by with questions, so be prepared.
At $0.15 per KWhr, I pay a little over $3 for a full (22 hrs @ 110V) charge which gives me a little over 60-miles on the freeway or 80+ in the city.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2017 update: got rear-ended by a Chinese student on a Visa driving a Maserati (and yep, had no insurance-forgot to ask mom and dad for insurance?), anyway, big heavy car just flicked the lil' Mitsu forward 20 or so feet. Bent two brackets holding the bumper on and my bumper inherited a couple of dimples from his bumper, but otherwise I had to give it a high marks for safety. Instead of 60 miles between charges, getting around 57 or 58 (ya, I notice because I drive pretty much the exact same route everyday-this is my work car). I guess the battery has dropped-off a little. Wow, didn't realize the resale value for electric cars was so bad. Noticing 2 or 3 year old Leafs, 500's, MiEVSs, etc. selling for less than half of MSRP. Not sure same is true for Teslas, but, if you are going to get an electric car, you would be crazy to buy one new. Still liking it. Spunky torque off the line, skinny enough to fit in any spot and not get door dings. After an ordeal to get my front windshield replaced, I discovered that these cars are still really rare and if something needs to be replaced, it is a special order and a couple of weeks wait for just about any part.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2019 update. Well, this may be the end of the line for my 7 year old miev. At 45,000, I don't think it was use that killed the battery pack, but just age (total range now 37 miles if I take city streets, a little over 20 on the freeway). If I can't get the dealership to give my a new or refurbished battery pack under the existing warranty, it will not be worth the 10K to buy a new one. California is all about getting you into an electric car, but, they seem to have no problem with sending them to the landfill after 7 or 8 years since no one (maybe Tesla owners excluded) is going to pay 2X what their 500, Leaf, or I-car is worth to buy a new battery pack. I have been looking a the Eclipse Cross....
5 out of 5 stars
I'm in LOVE!
believe, 08/06/2013
2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV SE 4dr Hatchback (electric DD)
I can hardly believe how well this vehicle handles!
My wife and I made the purchase in Virginia and drove it to Eastern Pennsylvania (our home). We drove through some wicked storms and a ton of traffic around DC and Baltimore and all I can say is this car is a dream to drive. We were able to stop at dealers (Nissan) for FREE charges on the way home. Our cost $0!! 169 miles for … free!!!
I'll be using it for work and our average cost will be around $2.51 per 100 miles or $12.55 for 500 miles of driving. You can't beat that! If I fill it up over night, the cost goes even lower.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV, so we've included reviews for other years of the i-MiEV since its last redesign.
2014 i-MiEV Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,995 |
---|---|
EV Tax Credits & Rebates | $4,000 |
Engine Type | Electric |
Cost to Drive | $58/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the i-MiEV include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall3 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall3 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat2 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.7%
Related Used 2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Acura NSX 2020
- Used Hyundai Venue 2022
- Used Chevrolet Corvette 2020
- Used Toyota Highlander 2022
- Used Kia Rio 2016 For Sale
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2017
- Used Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2014
- Used Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2012
- Used Mitsubishi i-MiEV 2016
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Grand Wagoneer
- RC 350 F Sport
- 2023 Land Rover Defender
- Jeep Wrangler 2023
- 2024 Camaro
- 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
- Audi S8 Audi
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2023
- 2023 GLK-Class
Research other models of Mitsubishi
- 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4
- Mitsubishi Outlander 2023
- Mirage G4 Car
- Car Outlander Mitsubishi
- 2023 Outlander PHEV
- Mitsu Eclipse
- Outlander Sport Car
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
- Outlander Phev
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Kia Rio
- Audi S 5 For Sale
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback 2023
- 2023 LEAF
- Hyundai Venue
- Nissan Leaf
- 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
- Golf R
- 2023 Polestar 2
Other models
- Used Chrysler 300M in Eureka, CA
- New BMW 7-Series for Sale in Bryan, TX
- Used Audi RS-7 in New Braunfels, TX
- Used Ford Econoline-Wagon in Pleasant Hill, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Cls-Class for Sale in Rockford, MI
- Used Ford C-Max-Hybrid in Bloomsburg, PA
- Used Honda Accord-Plug-In-Hybrid in Middletown, CT
- New Volvo S90 for Sale in Mattapan, MA
- Used Dodge Grand-Caravan in South Boston, MA
- Used Audi RS-Q8 in Rutland, VT