2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Review
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim
Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.Pros
- Impressive fuel economy with CVT
- One of the least expensive cars on sale
- High level of warranty coverage
Cons
- Acceleration is very slow
- Rough and noisy engine
- Excessive road noise at highway speeds
- Low-buck interior, even for this class of car
What’s new
The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4's ES trim level now comes with the 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and a rearview camera.
Vehicle overview
The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is the sedan stablemate to the Mirage hatchback. And just as with the hatchback, the main reason to consider buying the G4 is its inexpensive price. When new, it's one of the cheapest cars you can buy.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES 4dr Sedan (1.2L 3cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$108/mo for Mirage G4 ES
Mirage G4 ES
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
If you're on a tight budget, the Mirage represents a viable new-car option as well as the warranty coverage and financing benefits that come with it. Just know that you're also getting one of the least appealing cars to drive right now. It's slow, uncomfortable and unrefined.
If your budget allows, we suggest going with more practical and desirable subcompact hatchbacks, such as the Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris iA. The Mirage might be inexpensive, but rival subcompact sedans still offer more car for the money.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Though its name might suggest otherwise, the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is pretty much what it appears to be. It's an inexpensive subcompact sedan that will get you from point A to point B, and that's about it. Refinement, power and desirability are all lacking.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (1.2L inline-3 | CVT automatic | FWD).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Mitsubishi Mirage has received some revisions, including refreshed exterior bodywork, new interior materials, optional smartphone integration, revised suspension tuning and engine power. Our findings remain broadly applicable to the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4, however.
Driving
Combining a tiny three-cylinder engine with a CVT is a recipe for slow-moving transport. The underdamped suspension causes the car to skitter across midcorner bumps. The brakes at least work well.
Acceleration
The Mirage weighs just a bit more than 2,000 pounds, but its engine is not up to the task. A zero-to-60-mph "sprint" drags out in a laggardly 11.7 seconds. Merging and passing require extra caution.
Braking
Around town, the brake pedal feel is jumpy and hard to modulate. Our panic-stop test took 121 feet from 60 mph. That's respectable, although stability was lacking.
Steering
The steering is slow and lacks feel, and we can't remember the last time we felt so many kickbacks through the steering wheel.
Handling
The Mirage offers little handling grip from its skinny tires, and the chassis is easily upset by any kind of midcorner road imperfections. It's also highly susceptible to crosswinds.
Drivability
Even the slightest push on the gas pedal causes the CVT to drastically increase engine rpm, making the Mirage lurch at low speeds. The engine is loud during acceleration and generally unpleasant to listen to.
Comfort
The Mirage's front seats are surprisingly comfortable, although the door armrests are made of rock-hard plastic. Over rough roads, the Mirage's ride quality is unduly harsh.
Seat comfort
The seats are cushioned enough for long stints, though they look flimsy and the cloth material feels cheap. There's no center armrest, and door armrests are plastic.
Ride comfort
On smooth roads, the Mirage's suspension feels adequate, but even the smallest bumps can be felt and heard. Serious vibration comes into the cabin.
Noise & vibration
The three-cylinder engine sounds rough even at idle. Wind noise is fairly well controlled, but the vehicle is boomy and seems to have a complete lack of sound deadening.
Interior
The interior controls work well for the most part, and if you're familiar with Mitsubishi products you'll recognize some of the shared parts. There's more space inside than you'd think, and it's easy to get in and out up front.
Ease of use
This is about the most basic interior you'll see these days. The driving position is high, and you can't adjust the distance of the steering wheel. The push-button ignition is oddly located to the left of the steering wheel.
Getting in/getting out
Pretty much perfect step-in height up front plus large doors make things easy. The rear doors are small, though. The rear seatback is quite upright, and you need to duck your head to avoid the roof.
Roominess
Excellent headroom up front and surprisingly good elbow room. In back, knee- and footroom are pretty good considering the size of the car.
Visibility
Roof pillars are narrow up front for good sightlines, but the rear pillars are thicker, somewhat reducing blind-spot visibility.
Quality
Other than the interior controls, the whole car feels cheap, as if it's made out of tin. If you tap the roof liner, you hear metal. There aren't soft-touch surfaces anywhere, and there were some interior rattles over harsh pavement.
Utility
While small and lacking small storage space, the Mirage uses its interior space efficiently and is even competitive with cars one class bigger.
Small-item storage
The center console cupholders don't hold bottles in place, and there isn't much in the way of bins. The door pockets are well-sized, and there's a handy key fob pocket.
Cargo space
The trunk is large for the class, but it has a small opening. The 60/40-split folding rear seats ensure you have access to what little space is available.
Which Mirage G4 does Edmunds recommend?
One of the key benefits of the Mirage is in its comparatively inexpensive price tag, so stick to the base ES trim level. It comes with a touchscreen interface, a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity this year, which enhances its appeal. The more you spend on the Mirage, the more it's going to make sense to buy a different kind of car.
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 models
The 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is a subcompact sedan offered in two trim levels: ES and SE. Both trims utilize the same engine: a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. The ES gives you the choice between a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the SE is only available with the CVT.
Standard features for the base Mirage ES trim include 14-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, automatic headlights, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port.
Optional for the ES is the Smart Phone Display package. It adds 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a slightly smaller 6.5-inch touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The Mirage SE includes all of the above, along with keyless ignition and entry, foglights, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a height-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats.
Stand-alone options include various aerodynamic flourishes, added interior lighting, rear parking sensors, and utility items such as cargo nets and mud flaps.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4.
5 star(46%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(8%)
1 star(16%)
26 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
2018 Mirage SE
CEM, 02/12/2017
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE 4dr Sedan (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
After owning 4 of these, 2 hatchbacks and 2 sedans, One was a 5 speed manual, rest were the CVT. The only warranty claim on any of them was a cracked armrest on the door. The manual is more fun to drive and get more MPG. Only problem is if you want a loaded car you are forced to get the CVT. Reviewers online hate the car ( Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, ect) but owner give … it one of highest consumer satisfaction ratings among its class. Why is this? Well, Mirage owners get what this car is about, great MPG without dealing with the expense of buying a hybrid, Great warranty, Above average reliability, Great safety ratings, Cheap car to insure and maintain. Smooth ride, VALUE FOR THE MONEY. No other car manufacturer could come close on price. Example was the Nissan Versa, its was 3645.00 more money, had half the warranty. Don't pay attention to the sticker price, find out what the dealer is willing to sell it FOR! If your main concern is going from point A to point B no one can do it cheaper than a Mirage. My big concern now for Mitsubishi is Nissan owns the majority share now, Hopefully Nissan leaves Mitsubishi alone !
5 out of 5 stars
Enough with the bs
Dirk, 06/18/2019
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES 4dr Sedan (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
This is a great, no frills A to B sedan that puts money back in your pocket. My wife and I own a 2014 Hatch and a 2017 G4, both reliable, cheap to insure, maintain, and own. Sure, its slow and not a Cadillac of luxury, but thats not you own one. You own it because you can put 200k miles on one and spend a small amount doing it.
5 out of 5 stars
Best bang for your buck!!
Mikeyt1818, 04/18/2017
2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SE 4dr Sedan (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
I am never one to listen to Consumer Reports. They have no clue! This car is amazing! I'm getting 38.2 MPG with mixed driving on the crowded South Florida roads. I am 6'2 and this car is quite roomy. Plenty of room in the backseat as well. Great technology like backup camera, bluetooth, automatic climate control. Very comfy seats. Wonderful warranty. Looks nice in the wine red color I … selected. Decent sized trunk as well. I am so happy with my purchase. Feels much bigger than it is. And yes, perhaps the 1.2L, 78 hp, 3 cyl. is a tiny engine but the miles per gallon and amazing turning radius more than makes up for it. Great job Mitsubishi!
4 out of 5 stars
Just what the Dr Ordered
Markatmoc, 08/14/2018
2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 ES 4dr Sedan (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
I drive roughly 100 miles a day. I needed and wanted a car that got good Gas Mileage. I was not looking at a mirage G4 at first, I thought I wanted a Hatchback or small SUV, I was looking at the outlander, then i tried the Mirage HAtchback, it was ok i was impressed by the gas mileage numbers, but thought it was a bit small for what i needed, so then I was shown the Mirage G4, I looked … at many models before settling on a ES with several options, I wanted entertainment and comfort and great gas mileage. Thats exactly what it offers, great leg room and you sit up higher than you think you would, getting in out is a breeze. It has apple car play, android auto, bluetooth, DVD, HD Radio. I have gotten as good as 49 Miles per gallon, and average around 43, I mostly drive the interstate back and forth to work. I also Coach Soccer and trunk space is exceptional in this car. I have cut my gas bill in half and i really enjoy driving this car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage G4, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mirage G4 since its last redesign.
2018 Mirage G4 Highlights
ES
Base MSRP | $14,395 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $108/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Mirage G4 models:
- Rearview Camera
- Displays a view of what's behind the Mirage when you engage reverse gear.
- Hill Start Assist
- Prevents rolling back when starting off on a hill. The car behind you, and your rear bumper, will love it.
- Active Stability Control
- Helps maintain car control during emergency maneuvers.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestMarginal
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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