2019 Mitsubishi Mirage Review

Name: 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage Review
Brand: Mitsubishi

Price Range: $10,950 - $16,990

Mitsubishi Mirage GT 4dr Hatchback Exterior Shown

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$11,995 avg. price

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Impressive fuel economy when equipped with the CVT automatic
One of the least expensive cars on sale
Long 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

New LE and RF trim levels
More standard features for 2019
Part of the fifth Mirage generation introduced for 2014

The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage is a car that, name notwithstanding, is just what it appears to be: an inexpensive hatchback suited for basic travel. Closer inspection and even brief seat time further reveal that the Mirage, in reality, lacks the power and refinement of any of its nearest competitors.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

20 listings

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2019 Mitsubishi Mirage
RF 4dr Hatchback
$14,990
- 15,663 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 36 City / 43 Hwy MPG
- Carvana - Richmond (95 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Alarm
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
39 Combined MPG (36 City/43 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ML32A3HJ9KH009811
Stock: 2003716441
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-10-2025
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage
ES 4dr Hatchback
$11,998
- 65,371 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 33 City / 41 Hwy MPG, Manual
- CarMax Harrisonburg (87 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Alarm
Close
Located in Harrisonburg, VA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
36 Combined MPG (33 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ML32A3HJ7KH000475
Stock: 27273442
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The main reason to consider buying a Mirage is price. It's one of the least expensive new cars you can buy and represents a viable option if you're on a tight budget but still desire the warranty and financing options of a new car. The Mirage delivers impressive fuel economy (39 mpg combined and 43 mpg highway) and a robust 10-year powertrain warranty. For 2019, you also get a handful of new standard features including cruise control and an adjustable-height driver's seat.

While the price may look right, just know that the Mirage is one of the least appealing new cars to drive. In a very real sense, you're getting what you pay for. We'd strongly suggest trying to stretch your budget a bit further for one of several superior competitors, including the Chevrolet Spark, Ford Fiesta or Kia Rio. Notably, the 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

5.9 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Mitsubishi Mirage GT (1.2L inline-3 | CVT automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	5.9 / 10
Driving	4.0
Comfort	4.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.0
Technology	8.0

Driving

4.0

Not all cars should be judged on outright performance, but the Mirage almost fails to provide the driver with the bare minimum of performance necessary for modern travel. Most drivers might be unwilling to push the Mirage as far as it needs to go to keep up, let alone have any fun.

Acceleration

3.0

It takes everything this 1.2-liter engine has, and then some, just to keep up. Merging onto a highway is almost hazardous. And acceleration, once at highway speeds, is glacial. The Mirage is woefully underpowered, clocking one of the slowest times we've ever seen to 60 mph: 12.7 seconds.

Braking

8.0

Although unimpressive on paper, these front disc/rear drum brakes feel quite good on the road. Braking force is easy to modulate at any speed, and the pedal gives more than adequate feedback. Panic stops felt like a nosedive, and the rear end would wiggle and squirm but was always stable.

Steering

5.0

The steering lacks the ability to self-center between 11 and 1 o'clock, meaning you need to guide it back to the center. You'll often be chasing the Mirage around in a freeway lane or somewhat clumsily navigating it along a twisty road. A 30.2-foot turning circle makes it extremely maneuverable in tight spaces, at least.

Handling

8.0

If you can accept a fair amount of body roll, the Mirage turns in with reasonable quickness and is a nimble car around town. The narrow 175-section tires have enough grip to help hang on to precious momentum, and the stability control system is well judged and doesn't interfere in everyday situations.

Drivability

4.5

The CVT automatic defaults to efficiency when it should help you wring what little power there is from the tiny engine. Going up hills is stress-inducing because the Mirage readily loses valuable momentum with the slightest lift of the throttle due to the CVT automatic's calibration. Sport mode makes the responses needlessly jumpy.

Comfort

4.0

The amount of noise and vibration that infiltrates every second of driving the Mirage is shocking. The din overshadows the powerful climate control system and the fairly comfortable ride. Had any other production engine been installed instead, the Mirage's fortunes may have turned around.

Seat comfort

5.0

With almost no bolstering to speak of and very little support, the front seats are more like fabric-covered chairs than car seats. The seats led to fatigue in less than an hour, but the seat heaters are quick and powerful. The rear seats will do for short trips, but they are firm and fairly upright.

Ride comfort

6.5

The Mirage dispatches speed humps and singular highway dips with ease thanks to a fairly compliant suspension. But over an undulating surface, the Mirage shows itself to be underdamped, bounding up and down and even side to side. Broken surfaces can shake the little car pretty hard.

Noise & vibration

2.5

The Mirage is a very noisy thing. The engine sounds like a cement mixer, and wind noise is excessive. At idle, the car vibrates like it's misfiring. Once underway, wind noise becomes noticeable at moderate speeds and is loud enough at highway speeds to drown out the beleaguered little engine.

Climate control

8.0

While the low-contrast orange and black screen could be brighter, the interface is simple and easy to use. Both the air conditioning and heat are fast-acting and powerful, but the overly stylized center vents simply spill air into the cabin rather than direct it where you want it.

Interior

7.0

The interior won't win any design awards, but it has pretty solid basic functionality, with good visibility and user-friendly access and controls. Though getting in and out is easy, being comfortable once inside is not. But there's decent space inside for such a diminutive car.

Ease of use

6.5

The interior is pretty straightforward. Most of the controls are self-explanatory and within easy reach. The seat heater switches are the only exception since they are located in the center console underneath the dash.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The step-in height should be agreeable for most everybody. The doors are exceedingly light. While the front seats offer easy access, getting into the tighter rear seats might take a bit more thought and time.

Driving position

6.0

Taller drivers might find the seating position a bit too high. Anyone taller than 6 feet will be looking out through the top of the windshield. The seat bottom doesn't adjust much for height. And while the steering wheel does adjust for tilt, it doesn't telescope.

Roominess

7.5

There's a fair amount of room up front, but the lack of a center console can leave the passenger without an armrest on one side. As long as you stick with two rear-seat passengers, they will have enough shoulder room, but rear legroom is tight.

Visibility

7.5

Thanks to thin roof pillars and lots of glass, visibility forward and to the sides is very good. The short front and rear overhangs make it easy to judge distances when parking. Rear-seat headrests substantially block the view out back, but they can be removed.

Quality

Though there were no squeaks or rattles in our test car — commendable given the amount of vibration from the engine — panel fitment and overall fit and finish were well below expectations. For starters, the fabric in the cargo area wasn't adequately attached, and there was visible paint primer around the fuel filler cap.

Utility

7.0

While cargo space is more than adequate and adds great practicality to the Mirage, storage for passenger items almost seems like an afterthought. Its in-cabin storage is sparse and not very well laid-out.

Small-item storage

5.0

What storage space there is seems poorly thought out. Rear passengers will have to fight over even less storage space and should probably just keep anything on their laps or alongside them on the seat.

Cargo space

7.5

At 17.2 cubic feet, there's a fair amount of cargo space. That's more than a Fiesta or a Yaris, but less than the Nissan Versa Note. Split-folding rear seats help carry larger items, but the fabric in the cargo area isn't attached very well and easily snags on cargo.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

LATCH anchors are unmarked but easy enough to find thanks to the rough fit and finish of the rear seats. Larger car seats might not fit without sliding a front seat forward because there isn't a lot of room in the back seat to begin with.

Technology

8.0

There are cars costing three to four times what the Mirage does that don't offer the same smartphone connectivity. Therein lies the most appealing thing about this Mitsubishi. A solid stereo rounds things out, but with only one USB port, all of this tech seems like a last-minute addition.

Audio & navigation

8.5

An optional Rockford Fosgate sound system offers plenty of punch. Navigation is available only through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, both of which are compatible. The 6.5-inch touchscreen graphics aren't cutting-edge, but they're simple and straightforward.

Smartphone integration

8.0

Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, which is a nice surprise on a vehicle priced this low. Bluetooth audio is also supported. No connection issues were reported across any devices. But only one USB port is provided for the entire car.

Driver aids

7.5

Stability and traction control are offered. And while they cannot be fully disabled, they can be relaxed and are not overly intrusive. A backup camera is standard and useful but looks tacked on.

Compare 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Mitsubishi Mirage models

The 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is offered in five trim levels: ES, RF, LE, SE and GT. Every Mirage comes with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. The ES trim gives you the choice between a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the remaining trims offer only the CVT automatic.

Standard features for the base ES trim include 14-inch steel wheels, a rear spoiler, automatic headlights, air conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a USB port.

The new-for-2019 RF has the same features as the ES but comes with a six-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. You'll get more features with the new LE trim. It lacks that sound system but gains 15-inch black alloy wheels, a driver-seat armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, a CD player, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Red interior stitching and accents enhance the LE limited-edition status.

The Mirage SE offers similar equipment as the LE. But it reverts to 14-inch wheels (although alloy rather than steel) and adds foglights, keyless ignition and entry, and automatic climate control. Heated front seats aren't included, however.

Finally, the range-topping GT comes with 15-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights and heated front seats.

Notable options for the Mirage include front and rear parking sensors, remote engine start and the six-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (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 $3.02 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$103/mo

$157/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Has Your Car's Value Changed?

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#7 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mitsubishi Mirage from 2008-2022.}

$443/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.79x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.2%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Mitsubishi Mirage Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

54 reviews

5(63%)

4(24%)

3(3%)

2(5%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Love my silver bullet

KECIA TODD , 04/05/2018

2018 Mitsubishi Mirage SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT)

2nd **UPDATE))** I have owned my car for almost 3yrs now and I still love it. Great on gas and ample room inside. Hard plastic inside is starting to show some wear (but not much). ** UPDATE ** I have had my car for 10 months. I now get up to 58mpg on calm days and driving on the highway at 65mph. Everything else is the same. Bad camera and lack of nooks to place items. Other then that …

Thanks, Mitsubishi, for a Wisely-Designed Car

Keith Willmarth, 09/18/2016

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT)

So glad I didn’t read the dismissive reviews before I bought my 2017 Mirage ES. My response to “cons” in the Edmunds’ review: “acceleration sluggish”: Needn’t be. Slip into sporty gear and you’re abreast of the guzzlers. “rough, chattering engine note”: No. Are we talking about the same car? “lots of road noise at highway speeds”: I never noticed. “low quality interior …

Refined for 2k19

Tony, 12/11/2019

2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M)

Although the 2020 gets a face lift. The 2019 edition is the best since 2014. Larger brakes, sound deaden insulation, steering improved, among other areas. We own a 2017 5speed Nissan Versa, Mirages closest competitor in its price range. Despite have less horsepower, the Mirage is more refined then the Versa. The Versa also gets a face lift for 2020. The reviews on the Mirage have …

The 'experts' are Wrong

WJ, 11/19/2019

2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M)

After 95,000 miles on a 2018 five speed purchased new for $9985 in autumn of 2017, I can assure any prospective buyer that the interior noise is not "shocking" as one reviewer claimed, nor does the car wander around the road at highway speeds, nor are all the other negatives by which the so called 'experts' denigrate this car correct. I'm not sure what they expect but I traded a Prius C … for this car and by many measures they feel equivalent-except that the Mirage costs $10,000 less. It is fast enough for all legal speeds, comfortable for 2 people, handles everyday driving perfectly well and gets 43-51 mpg depending on outside temperature and type of driving. I average 47 mpg year round in hilly Pennsylvania. It is not at it's best at highway speeds, but it is not meant to be. The 3 cylinder engine has been around in one form or another for decades and is smooth throughout the RPM range, while the manual gear ratios are perfectly matched for the power band. The transmission is 'notchy' at first but smooths out after about 3,000 miles.The radio, heater, and the air conditioning are adequate, if not powerful, and all the interior electronics like rear defroster and window motors have been trouble free. In fact, after 7 years the car has been totally reliable mechanically except for a rattling heat shield that was easily corrected. I replaced the front brakes and rotors at 37,000 miles after they rusted beyond state inspection standards.That seemed a little premature but could be because of winter salt on the roads around here. The brakes were replaced again at about 70,000 miles. I changed the original Dunlop tires at 25,000 miles ( which wore out too quickly I thought) with an economy brand costing only $34 dollars per tire.These too wore out in 25,000 miles so I put on Kumho tires at $55 each. They perform the best of the three brands and last a little longer, but plan on replacing tires every 30,000 miles at least. I have changed the synthetic oil every 7,000 miles, changed the transmission fluid at 50,000 miles and the air filters at 30,000 and 60,000 miles, which is basic maintenance. Last summer at 75,000 miles the engine started using a little oil, maybe 1/2 quart in 3,000 miles, but the engine runs normally and that amount has not changed in 15,000 additional miles, so I'm just driving it for now. At 85,000 miles I changed the accessory belt and brake fluid as preventive maintenance, and a few miles ago I had to change the first driving light bulb-a two minute job once you have the bulbs. The car just reached 95,000 miles so I plan to replace all four brakes and tires this summer, as well as the transmission fluid again. In conclusion, I consider the car with the manual transmission fun to drive-not in a Mazda Miata way- but in a small car easy to zip around way. A Mirage is not the fastest, smoothest, most powerful car on the road but it is not supposed to be. Rather it is a reliable daily driver car with a great warranty at a fantastic price. I have heard that they are discontinuing the Mirage, but finding a used, low mileage, well maintained one for $10,000 or less would be a good deal- One owner in Minnesota obtained over 400,000 miles, so they are durable if taken care of. Test drive this car for yourself- If it is not to your tastes, fine, but do Not be discouraged by the expert reviews. Many people who actually own this car love it. Personally, I bought this car as what mechanics call a "disposable car"-meaning I plan to drive it until it dies so I am not worried about resale value. I do Not work for Mitsubishi nor know anyone who does.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mirage since its last redesign.

See all 54 reviews of the Mitsubishi Mirage

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2019 Mirage Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$13,795
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	36 MPG
Cost to Drive	$103/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Mirage 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.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat4 / 5
Back Seat4 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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