2024 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback

　　

2024 Mitsubishi Mirage Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　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 zzdcar, 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.

　　The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of today's most affordable new cars. It's an option for buyers on a strict budget, but it's also a case where it's worth stretching your budget to a competitor or considering a used car. The Mirage just doesn't haven't a lot going for it. Its underpowered three-cylinder engine struggles to keep pace with traffic, the interior is as basic as it gets, and the cabin allows in excessive road noise. That said, this small hatchback gets impressive hybrid-like fuel economy and comes with Apple and Android connectivity and automatic emergency braking. But there are better alternatives.

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Efficiency and value

Although its interior and standard features are minimal, the Mirage's bold grille and taut proportions give it a bit of subcompact style. The hatchback's impressive fuel economy — 39 mpg combined, 43 mpg on the highway — is notable, better than its Nissan Versa rival and on par with some hybrids. Efficiency comes at a price, though, because the small engine and continuously variable transmission work hard — and noisily — to keep up. Not much changes for 2024 — the midtier LE trim adds auto headlights, rain-sensing wipers and a driver's armrest and remains a relative bargain at around $18,500. Still, that price can buy a more refined competitor or a more full-featured used car.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Kia Rio was recently discontinued, leaving the Nissan Versa as today's only other inexpensive new car for 2024. The Versa isn't exactly dripping in luxuries, but it does come with a more powerful engine, a few more driver assist features, and nicer interior quality. But the Versa is sedan-only (no hatchback), isn't as fuel-efficient, and doesn't offer the Mirage's lengthy warranty. Looking at a used Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla is also an option should the Mirage not meet your expectations.

　　

Which Mirage does zzdcar recommend?

The Mirage is hard to recommend despite being one of today's lowest-priced new cars. But impressive fuel economy, a long warranty and new-car smell are still appealing, so if your heart is set on one, we'd suggest the base ES trim. It comes with a decent set of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it's the least expensive trim of the lineup.

　　

Mitsubishi Mirage models

The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is a front-wheel-drive subcompact hatchback available in four trim levels: ES, LE, Black Edition and SE. All come with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine (76 horsepower, 74 lb-ft of torque) coupled with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

　　ES

　　The ES base trim includes:

　　14-inch steel wheels Keyless entry Automatic climate control Cruise control Tilt steering wheel Split-folding rear seats Cloth upholstery 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 Automatic headlights Foglights Rain-sensing wipers Leather-wrapped shift knob Driver's seat armrestBlack Edition

　　The Black Edition is essentially a Mirage LE with some styling upgrades, such as:

　　15-inch black alloy wheels Black exterior mirrors Black roof spoiler Red grille accents Red interior accents Leather-wrapped steering wheelSE

　　The SE adds to the LE features with:

　　15-inch alloy wheels Automatic LED headlights Automatic high beams Proximity keyless entry and push-button start Cloth and synthetic leather combination seats Heated front seats Leather-wrapped steering wheel Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)

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