2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric

header-image
$29,125 - $31,125
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Impressive efficiency

Unimpressive all-electric range

All-new model

Reasonably priced

Choppy acceleration

Swift acceleration

Poor quality interiors

Well-appointed and quiet cabin

Subpar cargo room

Specs & Features

$29,125

price

66 hp

horsepower

145 lb.-ft.

torque

1-Speed Direct Drive

transmission

electric RWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Belonging to the subcompact hatchback segment, the 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Hatchback carries all the qualities of a true electric vehicle. With a starting price of MSRP $29,125, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV offers two trim levels. This puts it in direct competition only with the Nissan Leaf. There aren't any powertrain options to explore here.

The i-MiEV is equipped with a single motor setup and a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery with a rated power output of 66 horsepower. Through this setup, the i-MiEV gets a range of 62 miles. In a straight line, the i-MiEV clocks a 0-60 of 14.7 seconds. While the powertrain leaves you devoid of choices, the choice is instead offered through the 4 beautiful colors available for the car.

Buying Advice

The i-MiEV comes in only one trim level. Most shoppers will find it sufficient for their needs given its ample set of features. Among its features are a single-zone front air conditioner, heated side mirrors, and remote keyless entry.

Trims

    ES
    $29,125 onwards
    • LED taillights and daytime running lights
    SE
    $31,125 onwards
    • 15-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Premium cloth Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$15,265

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.18

Horsepower

94 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

89 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$39,200

electric

7.78

143 hp

184 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$29,125- $31,125

electric

8.09

66 hp

145 lb.-ft.

4

Read Review

$35,200- $37,250

electric

7.79

107 hp

207 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$12,490- $17,690

electric

8.09

70 hp @ 5800 rpm

68 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

2

Read Review

2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    14 sec25 sec-
    9.03 sec17.8 sec93 mph
    10 sec17.3 sec-
    2012 Scion IQ

    Ranked #2

    10 sec17.4 sec103 mph
    10.3 sec17.0 sec80 mph

    2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      126 mpg99 mpg113 mpg--
      110 mpg99 mpg105 mpg--
      106 mpg92 mpg99 mpg--
      2012 Scion IQ

      Ranked #4

      36 mpg37 mpg37 mpg8.5 gal.306/314.5 mi.
      34 mpg38 mpg36 mpg8.7 gal.295.8/330.6 mi.

      2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        144.7 in.62.4 in.63.6 in.6.1 in.100.4 in.
        175 in.69.7 in.61 in.6.3 in.106.3 in.
        172.9 in.71.8 in.58.2 in.5 in.104.3 in.
        2012 Scion IQ

        Ranked #4

        120.1 in.66.1 in.59.1 in.5.3 in.78.7 in.
        106.1 in.61.4 in.60.7 in.5 in.73.5 in.

        2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13.2 cu.ft.104.5 cu.ft.50.4 cu.ft.
          14.5 cu.ft.90.7 cu.ft.44.8 cu.ft.
          14.5 cu.ft.98.3 cu.ft.24 cu.ft.
          2012 Scion IQ

          Ranked #4

          3.5 cu.ft.73.8 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.
          7.8 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.7.8 cu.ft.

          2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            18.6 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.50.4 cu.ft.
            2012 Scion IQ

            Ranked #2

            16.7 cu.ft.3.5 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.
            44.8 cu.ft.14.5 cu.ft.44.8 cu.ft.
            7.8 cu.ft.7.8 cu.ft.7.8 cu.ft.
            24 cu.ft.14.5 cu.ft.24 cu.ft.

            2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              750 lbs.2579 lbs.
              507 lbs.1808 lbs.
              827 lbs.3640 lbs.
              956 lbs.3385 lbs.
              2012 Scion IQ

              Ranked #1

              -2127 lbs.

              Top Mitsubishi Cars

              2012 Mitsubishi I-MiEV Electric

              Horsepower : 66 hp

              MPG Combined : 113 mpg

              0-60 : 14 sec

              #1

              2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

              Horsepower : 168 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 25 mpg

              0-60 : 9.1 sec

              #2

              2012 Mitsubishi Eclipse

              Horsepower : 162 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 23 mpg

              0-60 : 8.7 sec

              #3

              2012 Mitsubishi Galant

              Horsepower : 160 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 24 mpg

              0-60 : 9.8 sec

              #4

              2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

              Horsepower : 152 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 28 mpg

              0-60 : 8.6 sec

              #5