2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Review
- 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?
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.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage pricing
in Denver, CO
Features & Specs
| Carbonite Edition 4dr Hatchback 1.2L 3cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,995 |
| MPG | 36 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 76 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| SE 4dr Hatchback 1.2L 3cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,445 |
| MPG | 36 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 76 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| LE 4dr Hatchback 1.2L 3cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $16,220 |
| MPG | 36 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 76 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| ES 4dr Hatchback 1.2L 3cyl CVT | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $15,595 |
| MPG | 36 city / 43 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 76 hp @ 6000 rpm |
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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.
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Chevrolet Spark
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.
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Kia Rio
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.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?
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
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?
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:
- 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 CVT) which starts at $15,595
- ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M) which starts at $14,295
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Mirage?
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 Carbonite Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), ES 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 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 $17,055. The average price paid for a new 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is trending $976 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $976 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16,079.
The average savings for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) is 5.7% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 1 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Denver 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 2 new 2021 Mirages listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $15,565 and mileage as low as 6 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 $2,088 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 - 1 great deals out of 15 listings starting at $14,709.
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.
Check out Mitsubishi lease specials