Amongst the most compact SUVs available today, the Mitsubishi Mirage offers a unique combination of performance, safety, and economy. This compact, affordable SUV can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 10.4 seconds and can tow up to 1,500 pounds with the rear seats up.
Fuel economy rating
Despite being a small, affordable car, the Mitsubishi Mirage offers one of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class of traditional gas-engine subcompacts. In fact, it ranks above the Chevrolet Spark and Scion IQ in the compact segment.
The Mirage is available in four trim levels, with the base ES model being equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The hatchback is EPA-rated at 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. The Mirage hatchback also offers 17.2 cubic feet of trunk space.
The Mirage’s fuel economy rating of 35-40 mpg combined makes it one of the most fuel-efficient small cars in the U.S. However, the ride is not comfortable and the engine produces a rough sound when starting and at idle. It is also difficult to get a full grasp of the vehicle’s speed. It takes about 12 seconds for the Mirage to reach 60 mph from a standstill.
0 to 60 mph in 10.4-seconds to 11.1-seconds
Getting from A to B in under 10 seconds is impressive for a car of its weight class. But there’s no denying that it takes a lot of patience and finesse to get it done. This is why you need to have a plan in place before hopping into your new ride. After all, you wouldn’t want to get your new wheels stuck in the dirt while on a road trip. Luckily, the Mirage is designed with the driver in mind. Its optional five-speed manual and CVT gearboxes are engineered to make the most of your commute to work or play.
The Mirage’s 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine puts out 72 hp and 87 lb-ft of torque. The five-speed manual gearbox does a good job of distributing this power. The CVT isn’t quite as smooth and the engine makes a few snorts along the way.
Interior feels outdated
Designed to compete in the subcompact segment, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a value-based car that looks cheap and doesn’t offer much in the way of performance. While it isn’t the cheapest vehicle in its class, the Mirage makes up for its shortcomings with a reasonably roomy interior, a generous warranty, and a decent amount of features.
The interior of the Mirage is a bit bland, but it does boast a few interesting features. There is a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which isn’t something you see every day in a small car.
There are also power windows, a power door lock, a backup camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a standard AM/FM/CD audio system. There’s no USB port or rear dome light, but there are two speakers in the doors.
Shifting problems
Typical shifting problems include slipping, rattling, and harsh gear movement. These problems can leave you feeling unsafe on the road, especially at high speeds.
A clutch jam can lock the shift lock solenoid, which is a device that prevents the driver from changing gears without first depressing the brake pedal. In some cases, a faulty ignition barrel can cause the transmission to get stuck in the park, requiring an expensive tow to the nearest mechanic’s workshop.
The transmission is one of the most important parts of the Mitsubishi Mirage. In order to keep your Mirage running smoothly, it’s important to maintain regular transmission maintenance.
One way to test the effectiveness of the transmission is to check its fluid level. It’s important to make sure the fluid is green or red in color. If you have a manual transmission, it may be a good idea to use a special friction modifier.
Rear-seat cargo space
Despite its small size, the Mitsubishi Mirage offers a surprising amount of rear-seat cargo space. The hatchback provides 17.1 cubic feet of space with the seats up. And when the seats are folded, the trunk expands to 47 cubic feet. The Mirage hatchback’s trunk space also includes a loading lip, making it easy to load and unload cargo.
The Mirage offers a wide range of tech features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also has plenty of safety features, including automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Its gas mileage is impressive, too, with 36 cities and 43 highway mpg.
The Mirage also features a touchscreen, which allows drivers to access apps like Apple Maps. Bluetooth connectivity provides hands-free phone calls and audio streaming. The Mirage offers several entertainment features as well, including a seven-inch touchscreen, a front USB port, and a four-speaker stereo system.
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