“We loved the vehicle!! It is very nice, roomy and perfect size for my mother to get around town in. Has a good bit of storage room in the back for her shopping trips. Also the gas mileage is great.”
Mitsubishi Mirage: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car sold as a hatchback and as the Mirage G4 sedan. It is known for strong gas mileage, easy parking, simple everyday transportation, and low running costs.
The Mirage has consistently put economy and simplicity ahead of power, space, or a premium cabin. It returned to the U.S. as a hatchback for 2014, then added the Mirage G4 sedan for 2017 without changing its city-friendly focus. Later updates brought more phone-friendly technology and basic active safety, but the small-car formula stayed largely the same through its final 2024 U.S. model year.
Strengths
- Fuel economy is a central strength, with 2024 models rated as high as 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.
- Its very small footprint makes it easy to maneuver and park in crowded areas.
- Models from the 2021 refresh onward have a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection became standard across the lineup for 2021.
- The hatchback offers flexible cargo space, while the Mirage G4 sedan provides a separate trunk.
Who it's for
The Mirage fits commuters, first-time buyers, and city drivers who want basic transportation that uses little fuel and slips easily into tight parking spaces. The hatchback suits shoppers who value cargo flexibility, while the G4 works for those who prefer a separate trunk. It is less suited to drivers who want quick acceleration, generous passenger room, or an upscale cabin.
Mitsubishi Mirage lineup
The ES is the straightforward entry trim for shoppers who want the Mirage's basic economy-first formula. The LE adds modest convenience and appearance upgrades without moving far from that simple mission, while the Black Edition is mainly for buyers who like blacked-out styling and red cabin accents. The RALLIART, offered in recent years, brings rally-themed looks rather than a different performance personality. The SE sits at the more comfort-focused end of the range, with added everyday convenience features over the lower trims.
Mitsubishi Mirage generations
From 2014 to 2024, the Mirage spans 1 generation. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2014.
6th Generation (2014–2024)
This generation brought the Mirage hatchback back to the U.S. as a lightweight, fuel-efficient small car with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine. The Mirage G4 sedan joined for 2017, alongside a substantial hatchback refresh, and another broad styling, safety, and touchscreen update followed for 2021.
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2024
Final U.S. model year. The lineup carried over with small feature and appearance updates for LE, Black Edition, and RALLIART models.
2023Trim changes
The RALLIART hatchback joined the lineup, and a CVT became standard across both body styles as the manual transmission was dropped.
2022Trim changes
Black Edition returned with black exterior details and red cabin accents. Other updates were limited to added convenience features.
2021Mid-cycle update
Both body styles received refreshed front and rear styling, a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard forward collision braking with pedestrian detection.
2020Trim changes
The Mirage G4 added an LE trim. Automatic climate control became standard across the hatchback and sedan lineups.
2019Trim changes
A new LE hatchback joined the lineup. Cruise control and a height-adjustable driver's seat became standard on both body styles.
2018
Base ES models gained a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, while rearview cameras and steering-wheel audio and phone controls became more widely standard.
2017New generation
The hatchback received redesigned front and rear styling, cabin updates, slightly more power, larger brakes, and revised suspension tuning. The Mirage G4 sedan also made its U.S. debut.
2015Trim changes
The RF special edition joined with a Rockford Fosgate sound system and added convenience features. Other changes were minor.
2014New generation
The Mirage returned to the U.S. as a five-door hatchback with a lightweight design and a fuel-saving 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi Mirage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage a hatchback or a sedan?
Both. The Mirage is the five-door hatchback, while the Mirage G4 is the sedan with a separate trunk. The hatchback returned to the U.S. for 2014, and the G4 joined the lineup for 2017.
Does the Mitsubishi Mirage come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Mirage lineup covered here is gas-only. It uses a small 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine designed around fuel savings rather than hybrid assistance or strong acceleration.
Does the Mitsubishi Mirage have AWD?
No. The Mirage and Mirage G4 use front-wheel drive, not AWD. That simple layout suits commuting and city driving, but shoppers who regularly face deep snow may want a different model.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage good on gas?
Yes. Fuel economy is one of the Mirage’s main strengths. In the latest lineup, ratings span 35–36 mpg city and 41–43 mpg highway, depending on body style. Exact figures vary by model year and transmission.
Who is the Mitsubishi Mirage a good fit for?
It fits someone who wants a simple commuter that is easy to park and light on fuel. Its small footprint works especially well in cities. It is less suited to shoppers seeking quick acceleration, a roomy cabin, or a premium feel.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage powerful enough for highway driving?
It can handle highway trips, but speed is not its strength. Newer Mirages make 78 horsepower, so merging and passing require patience. The car is more at home in everyday commuting and city traffic.
Has the Mitsubishi Mirage had more than one recent generation?
No. The U.S. cars covered here belong to one long-running family. The hatchback arrived for 2014, the G4 sedan followed for 2017, and a 2021 refresh updated the styling, touchscreen, and active safety. The final U.S. model year was 2024.
Mitsubishi Mirage Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mitsubishi Mirage.
3.9
Mitsubishi Mirage
(1,176 reviews)
“Consider driving during winter snow..heavy rains and how low vehicle is to ground getting in and out if you are taller large body frame or older with bad knee joints.”
“The Mirage G4 is a comfortable and reliable small car, especially for a senior. It is not overpowering and complicated.”
“Es un vehículo pequeño y muy amigable, para uso dentro de la ciudad y muy ahorrador de combustible”
“With all the negative reviews of the 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage, I was nervous getting one. I'm glad I followed my own instincts, as it's the most fun I've had with a vehicle since my 1999 Suzuki Amigo I bought in 2002. It's fun to drive, fantastic on gas mileage, and I can turn it on a dime, with my finger. Great system for using my cell phone, and the interior is sharp looking. Overall very nice car.”
“It is a great starter car for first time buyers. Comfortable, great gas mileage and reliable.”