Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007 and has written more than 2,500 car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Alex is a correspondent for Edmunds and has also written for MotorTrend, Automobile, Hot Rod, Super Street, CNET, PRI Magazine, AutoWise and other publications. When he’s not writing about cars, he’s wrenching on his E30-generation BMW 325is, which he’s owned since college and plans to restore one day.
Pros
Impressive fuel economy
Long warranty
One of the least expensive cars on sale
Cons
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
What's new
Manual transmission dropped; CVT now standard on all models
Part of the fifth Mirage generation introduced for 2014
Edmunds Recommended Trim
Our editors recommend the ES trim for the best balance of features, performance, and value. See why we chose it
Overview
There's nothing quite like that new car smell. But sometimes you have to ask yourself if that olfactory experience is worth sacrificing a few creature comforts, especially when you're working with a limited budget. The Mitsubishi Mirage is one such case where you might instead consider a used car over new.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) 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 $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the lowest-priced cars on sale today, and it shows. The Mirage gets a basic interior equipped with only the bare essentials. Under the hood is a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that makes a scant 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. With so little power to work with, that engine is constantly huffing and puffing, which makes the cabin a noisy place to be. For 2023, Mitsubishi dropped the five-speed manual transmission, which previously came standard on the base ES. That means every Mirage now gets the efficient but whiny continuously variable automatic transmission.
But the Mirage does have a few things going for it aside from its low base price. For one, it gets exceptional fuel economy. The tiny hatchback gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, which is better than some hybrids. It also, surprisingly, offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as standard. Still, if price is your chief concern, we recommend stretching your budget a bit and considering competitors like the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent and Nissan Versa before settling on the Mirage.
Which Mirage does Edmunds recommend?
We generally don't recommend the Mirage, but if you have your heart set on getting one then make it the base ES trim. That way you won't pay too much and you'll still get a decent set of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Mitsubishi Mirage models
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback available in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and Black Edition. Every Mirage comes with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque and is coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
ES
The ES is the base model for the Mirage hatchback line. Standard features include:
14-inch steel wheels
Automatic climate control
Cruise control
Tilt 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 connectivity
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
LE
The LE adds:
14-inch alloy wheels
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Foglights
Black Edition
The Black Edition is essentially a Mirage LE with a handful of exterior cosmetic enhancements.
Additional features include:
15-inch alloy wheels finished in black
Black exterior mirrors
Black roof spoiler
Red grille accents
Red interior accents
SE
The SE adds to the ES features with:
15-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Automatic headlights with auto high beams
Rain-sensing wipers
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)
Save as much as $2,125 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,125 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the SE trim.
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 … relatively negative, however, again the 2019 is the best refinement. I average 50 mpg, the 5 speed shifts smooth and once you are comfortable for its power train, it’s para with our Versa.
Note: I purchased a 1987 Mitsubishi Montero new, before SUV were all the rage. The Montero was a great off road and highway vehicle. 15 years together and no problems. Mitsubishi is back in action. Consider the Mirage with its excellent value and warranty.
The 'experts' are Wrong
4 out of 5 stars
WJ, 11/19/2019
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M)
After 89,000 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. It handles normal.The manual transmission is 'notchy' at first but smooths out after about 3,000 miles. 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 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 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.
Great Little Car
5 out of 5 stars
lee, 06/11/2019
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M)
Love the Mirage, It's no race car but with the 5 speed it will get up to freeway speeds pretty quick. I drive twice weekly from Central Wa. to Seattle over Snoqualmie Pass all year round and I avg 40+ Mpg. It Drives excellent year round in the hot summer to the Crazy Snow with no problems. I do put snow tires on in the winter. Would recommend this little beast over any hybrid out there. … Almost the same MPG. 1/3 to 1/2 the price and no battery dying after 80,000 miles.
Absoultely nothing wrong with this car
4 out of 5 stars
Greg, 07/09/2019
2019 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl 5M)
One can get a lower delivered price versus MSRP than probably any 4-door hatchback car sold in the U.S. with few exceptions. Better mpg than Spark, Versa, Fiesta and Fit. Lower "real" price than Spark, Versa, Fiesta and Fit. More cargo space than all competitors except Fit. More usability than the 3-door Fiat 500. With the standard wheels, it has a tighter turning radius than the … competitors; better warranty than the competitors. Better still, you can find a heck of a deal on a one or two year old Mirage and still have a very generous warranty and the best mpg of the entire bunch. The only car I've found that competes on price 1-3 years old is the Fiat 500, but it's only a 3-door and has many more issues for driving dynamics, as I own one. The negotiated lower price is one huge feature missing from professional reviewers' analysis of this car versus the competition. This consideration is absolutely analyzed in most consumer reviews, which explains the huge discrepancy. I test drove a 2018 CVT ES model and could find nothing wrong with this car in any area for driving a car for transformational purposes. Accelerating normal results in normal acceleration with no fuss or much noise. Handling was fine; suspension was fine; seat comfort is/was exemplary; far superior to my F150 and Fiat 500; 14" wheels results in very agile and quick maneuvers in the city and going up to speeds of 65 or below was completely without notice good or bad, which is what one would want and actually prefer in a basic city car. Other cars may be better at this or that or have more appealing appearance, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with this car driving it around that I could find whatsoever, and I drive many late model vehicles. I test drove a 2018 Mirage with 20K on the odometer from a dealer. They were asking $10K. They showed me a picture of my preferred 5-speed 2019 (used) with 6 miles on the odometer for $11.7K. How in the world can reviewers be telling us this car is a bad choice except for it's depreciation? If you want a car to drive to 100,00-200,000 miles over 6-12 years that is completely fine and gets good mpg, this is your car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage, so we've included reviews for other years of the Mirage since its last redesign.
These Are the Cheapest New Cars & SUVs on Sale Today | Top 10 Least Expensive New Cars for 2023
New cars these days are expensive, to say the least — the average price of a new car is currently standing at almost $50,000 — and trying to find something less expensive can feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, though, there are still a decent number of cheaper new cars available, and we're here to help you find them. Edmunds' Lauren McCay takes you through the top 10… cheapest new cars on sale today in the video above!
The Hyundai Accent is another subcompact car with a low starting price. But unlike the Mirage, the Accent doesn't feel like you're in a penalty box. The interior is relatively spacious for a small car, and the quality of materials is close to what you'd find in some of Hyundai's more expensive offerings. The Accent also drives surprisingly well, though it's still pretty gutless with only 120 hp on tap. The Accent is only available as a sedan, so the Mirage might be the way to go if you need more cargo room on a tight budget.
Like the Hyundai Accent, the Nissan Versa is offered only as a sedan. It's roomier than the Mirage hatch and has a nicer interior. A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto do not (they do in the Mirage). Overall, though, the Versa is a good-looking and practical small car that you'll be much happier with.
The Kia Rio is the Accent's corporate cousin, and the two cars are similar mechanically. The Rio, however, is offered as a hatchback. It's more expensive than the Mirage, but for that extra money you get a more spacious, higher-quality interior and a vastly better driving experience.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is arguably the most affordable car on the market, and when equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission, it's also one of the most fuel-efficient, getting an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined.
It, along with the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan (which we review separately), is one of the most basic vehicles you can purchase. From a spartan interior to its limited list of standard features to the weak engine, the Mirage will remind you of all the dollars and cents you saved purchasing it. The positive attributes of the Mirage, beyond its low starting price of around $15,000, are its excellent powertrain warranty (10 years/10,000 miles), that aforementioned fuel economy, forward collision warning and smartphone integration.
You won't get the warranty on a used car purchase, but you also won't find much changed while looking at the last couple iterations of the Mirage. The updates have been few and far between as the vehicle enters its ninth year of service, and it may not be in Mitsubishi's long-term plans as it (shocker!) focuses on more SUVs and crossovers.
Even if price is your primary concern, it's still worth checking out the subcompact competitors like the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio. If you're OK branching into extra-small sedans, the Hyundai Accent is worth a look too.
Edmunds says
The Mitsubishi Mirage is worth a look if for no other reason than its starting price. But if that's the only reason you're looking, be sure to consider your other options too.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Mirage both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Mirage gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews) 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 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Manual transmission dropped; CVT now standard on all models
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 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Mirage gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 38 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Mirage is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The least-expensive 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $16,245.
Other versions include:
ES 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $16,245
LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $16,845
Black Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $17,445
SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $18,145
RALLIART 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT) which starts at $18,145
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), LE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), Black Edition 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT), and SE 4dr Hatchback (1.2L 3cyl CVT). For a full list of Mirage models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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