Impressive fuel economy when equipped with the CVT automatic
Long warranty coverage
One of the least expensive cars on sale
Acceleration is very slow
The engine is noisy and unrefined
Excessive road noise at highway speeds
Low-buck interior, even for this class of car
Updated front and rear styling
Some previously optional features are now standard, including forward collision mitigation and 7-inch infotainment screen
Part of the fifth Mirage generation introduced for 2014
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is aptly named since its appeal tends to vanish as you draw near for a closer look. If you go by just the specs, the Mirage looks great. It starts off with the EPA fuel economy estimate of 39 mpg combined, which makes the Mirage one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrids around. It's also one of the least expensive new cars around. Oh, and its tidy size should make it easily maneuverable. A small, affordable car that gets great mileage — what's not to love?
Well, for starters, that impressive fuel economy comes at the expense of power. The Mirage comes with a tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, and its 76 horsepower struggles to move the Mirage with any authority. While not a big issue around town, that power deficit makes merging on the highway genuinely stressful. The Mirage's poor build quality and substantial road and engine noise also make for a fairly unrefined experience.
You could look past these flaws if the cost of entry were unbeatably low, but it's not. The Mirage is indeed very affordable, but rivals such as the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Rio are in similar pricing territory. The Rio, in particular, is also significantly more comfortable and refined. The Mirage sounds like a good idea, but the reasons to buy one evaporate the closer you get.
Which Mirage does Edmunds recommend?
The Mirage's primary appeal lies in its low price, so stick with the base ES trim. You'll miss some of the upper-level creature comforts, but the ES has the essentials: automatic air conditioning, cruise control, smartphone connections and USB. Paying more for the higher trim levels doesn't make sense when you can buy a better competitor's car for nearly the same price.
Mitsubishi Mirage models
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback available in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and Carbonite Edition. Every Mirage comes with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.
ES
The ES comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, but you can opt for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which comes with every other trim level. Standard features include:
14-inch steel wheels
Automatic climate control
Cruise control
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel
Keyless entry
Technology and safety features include:
Rearview camera
7-inch audio display
Bluetooth
Four-speaker sound system with USB input
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connection
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
LE
The LE adds:
14-inch alloy wheels
Carbonite Edition
The Carbonite Edition is essentially a Mirage LE but with a handful of exterior cosmetic enhancements.
SE
The SE adds to the ES features with:
15-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Foglights
Automatic high beams
Cloth and simulated leather combination seats
Heated front seats
Driver's seat armrest
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Push-button ignition and proximity keyless entry
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes destination/handling, tax, title, license etc. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your Mitsubishi retailer for details.
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Safety
Our experts’ favorite Mirage safety features:
Forward collision mitigation
Warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios.
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
4 / 5
Back Seat
4 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. the competition
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Honda Fit
The Honda Fit won't be around for 2021, but it's worth tracking down a 2020 model. The Fit isn't swift but it has adequate power (nearly double that of the Mirage) and gives you a more solid feel as you drive down the road. The Mirage has slightly better fuel economy but not enough to make a significant difference. And with the Fit's additional power, you won't need to bury the gas pedal at every freeway on-ramp. The Fit has more cargo-carrying versatility too.
Shoppers drawn in by the Mirage's rock-bottom price should also consider the Spark. It's slightly smaller, and its base as-new starting price is actually lower, but it offers better build quality, comfort and a few more features, including automatic emergency notification and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot. The Spark's engine also has more power, but it doesn't make the car any quicker.
The Kia Rio is more expensive than the Mitsubishi Mirage, but we think it's worth it. Like the Honda Fit, the Rio offers solid build quality, and it's a more entertaining and engaging car to drive. The Rio also nearly matches the Mirage's impressive fuel economy and has a similarly long warranty. It's the smarter buy.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Mirage both on the road and at the track. You probably care about Mitsubishi Mirage fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Mirage gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg to 39 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Mirage has 17.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mitsubishi Mirage. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Updated front and rear styling
Some previously optional features are now standard, including forward collision mitigation and 7-inch infotainment screen
Part of the fifth Mirage generation introduced for 2014
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Mirage is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Mirage. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Mirage's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is a good car. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Mirage is a good car for you. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The least-expensive 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $14,295.
Other versions include:
ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $15,595
Carbonite Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $16,995
SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $17,445
LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $16,220
ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M) which starts at $14,295
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Mirage?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Mirage, the next question is, which Mirage model is right for you? Mirage variants include ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), Carbonite Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), and LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT). For a full list of Mirage models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Overview
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is offered in the following submodels: Mirage Hatchback. Available styles include ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), Carbonite Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), and ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M).
What do people think of the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Mirage.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Mirage featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17,680. The average price paid for a new 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is trending $1,266 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,266 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16,414.
The average savings for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is 7.2% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 2 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT)
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $16,865. The average price paid for a new 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is trending $1,260 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $1,260 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15,605.
The average savings for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is 7.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 26 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Mitsubishi Mirages are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings
of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage for
sale near. There are currently 127
new 2021 Mirages listed for sale in your area, with list
prices as low as $16,560 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the
type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to
find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle
you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find
out what other owners paid for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of
your choice and save up to $5,165 on a used or CPO 2021 Mirage available
from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2021 Mitsubishi Mirages you
want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Mitsubishi for sale - 4 great deals out of 9 listings starting at $8,846.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.
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