“I am 6'3" and if I were any taller the car would not be comfortable. I use it as a commuter car and can make it to work and home on a charge. I charge it at work if I have errands to run after work.”
Mitsubishi i-MiEV: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a tiny four-seat electric hatchback built mainly for short commutes and city driving. It is known for its easy-to-park size, simple setup, and modest driving range.
The i-MiEV stayed focused on basic urban transportation throughout its U.S. run from 2012 to 2017. Its formula was consistent: a small rear-wheel-drive electric car with room for four and no gasoline use. Later model years made fast charging and cold-weather equipment standard, but the focus remained short daily trips rather than long-distance travel.
Strengths
- Its very small footprint makes it easy to place on crowded streets and in tight parking spaces.
- The fully electric drivetrain uses no gasoline and suits short, routine trips.
- Its four-seat cabin gives it more everyday usefulness than a two-seat city car.
- Every U.S. model from 2014 onward came with fast-charging hardware, a battery warming system, heated front seats, and heated mirrors.
- The 2017 model was rated for 62 miles of electric driving, which is workable for modest daily commutes with regular charging.
Who it's for
It best fits someone with short, predictable daily trips, a place to charge, and a strong preference for easy parking and low energy use. It is less suited to frequent highway travel, road trips, or buyers who need a spacious back seat.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV lineup
The ES is the i-MiEV’s core trim and the only version sold in later U.S. model years. Pick it for the model’s straightforward electric-city-car experience without much trim complexity. Early cars also appeared as the higher-positioned SE, which added equipment over the ES. By 2014, Mitsubishi had simplified the range to the ES and made several previously extra-cost or upper-trim features standard.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV generations
From 2012 to 2017, the i-MiEV spans 1 generation. The current 1st U.S. Generation arrived for 2012.
1st U.S. Generation (2012–2017)
The U.S.-market i-MiEV is a small four-seat electric hatchback with rear-wheel drive, a 49-kW electric motor, and a 16-kWh battery. Its basic design and powertrain stayed the same throughout the U.S. run, while later years mainly adjusted trims and equipment.
0 In Stock
2017
Final U.S. model year. The single ES trim and its main equipment carried over from 2016.
2016
Returned after the skipped 2015 model year. A navigation package added a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, steering-wheel controls, and a rearview camera.
2014Trim changes
The lineup was reduced to one ES trim. Fast charging, cold-weather equipment, heated front seats, aluminum wheels, and other previously extra-cost features became standard.
2012New generation
U.S. launch year. ES and SE trims debuted with a 49-kW rear electric motor, a 16-kWh battery, and room for four.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV fully electric?
Yes. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a battery-electric hatchback with no gasoline engine. U.S. models use a 49-kW, 66-hp rear electric motor and a 16-kWh battery.
How far can the Mitsubishi i-MiEV go on a charge?
Later U.S. i-MiEV models carry an EPA-rated range of 62 miles. That makes the car better suited to short commutes and local errands than long highway trips.
How many people does the Mitsubishi i-MiEV seat?
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV seats four people. It is a four-door hatchback with a small exterior footprint, so it is easy to place in tight city streets and parking spaces.
Who is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV a good fit for?
It fits someone with short, predictable daily trips and a practical place to charge. Its compact size suits city driving, while its 62-mile rated range means it is less suited to frequent long-distance travel.
Is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV practical for road trips?
Not especially. The i-MiEV was designed mainly for city and commuter use, and later models have a 62-mile rated range. CHAdeMO fast charging helps on equipped cars, but the basic mission is still short daily driving.
How many generations of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one i-MiEV generation, running from 2012 through 2017. Mitsubishi skipped the 2015 model year, then brought the car back for 2016 before ending the U.S. run after 2017.
Is the Mitsubishi i-MiEV front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive?
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is rear-wheel drive. Its 49-kW electric motor powers the rear wheels and produces 66 horsepower in the U.S.-market model.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
4.4
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
(11 reviews)
“Great local use car for 50-60 miles per day. Otherwise impractical unless you own another car.”
“It is an electric vehicle, the cheapest one out there. The idea was to get transportation costs down to a minimum. It does it very well. They really have a well-thought-out vehicle and I highly recommend it.”