2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

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Rating5.7

Ranked #2 in 

Subcompact Hatchback
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$14,645 - $17,895
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 6, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Automatic climate control is offered as standard

Underpowered motor

Minor design tweaks (chrome accents)

Excellent maneuverability within urban limits

Barebones cabin

More standard interior features

Excellent fuel economy ratings

Will remain mostly unchanged for 2022

Specs & Features

$14,645

price

78 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

5-Speed Manual

transmission

1.2L 3cyl FWD 5M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Mitsubishi Mirage received its long-due update in 2021, the first time after its launch in 2014. The 2022 Mirage is likely to be a very slightly refreshed version of the 2021 model. A few changes would be made to the front and rear fascia along with updated headlamps and taillights. Most of the other aspects of the car will be left untouched. All in all, it will basically be a carryover model with little to no changes.

Buying Advice

The base ES trim with the CVT transmission option is plenty enough, but then the lack of alloy wheels can be a letdown. So overall the LE trim can opt as it gets all the basic features along with 15-inch alloy wheels at an affordable price. The Carbonite Edition is not worth the extra price paid, while the SE trim can opt for those who want a more premium experience as it adds some major updates into the base trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Mirage is a dramatic hatchback that runs out of steam as soon as you cross a few hundred feet. The engine on offer is meant for economy rather than performance. With the optional CVT equipped, it becomes the most fuel-efficient car in the segment. The fuel efficiency crown is retained for the 2022 model year as well. It competes with the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Rio.

Features
5.0/10

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage Hatchback is expected to be carried over to 2022 with the same four trims available, which are ES, LE, the Carbonite Edition, and the top-of-the-line SE. The base trim is pretty well equipped and comes with plenty of standard features, while the LE trim only adds alloy wheels over the base trim. This is a pretty useless option as alloy wheels could be provided as an option with the base trim itself. The Carbonite Edition comes with some cosmetic changes on the exterior as well as the interior with no major additions to the feature set. The SE trim, however, adds automatic climate control and some major updates over the other trims. The detailed feature list of the trims is provided in the table below -

Trim

ES

LE

Carbonite Edition

SE

MSRP

$15,295 (Man)

$16,295 (Auto)

$17,220

$17,995

$18,445

Features

14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers

14-inch alloy wheels

Carbonite Edition front airdam

15-inch alloy wheels

 

6-way adjustable driver seat

 

Carbonite Edition side airdam

Combination (fabric and synthetic leather) with a stitch seating surface

 

4-way adjustable passenger seat

 

Carbonite Edition rear airdam

Heated front seats

 

Chrome climate control panel accents

 

B-pillar carbon decal

Chrome climate control panel accents

 

7.0" Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA)

 

Carbon pattern front under grille with red stripe

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

 

4 speakers

 

Carbonite Edition badge

Leather-wrapped shift knob

 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

   

Carbon Pattern Print window switch panels

 

Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) with pedestrian detection

   

Automatic climate control

 

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

   

LED Headlights and DRLs 

We Recommend

The base ES trim with the CVT transmission option is plenty enough, but then the lack of alloy wheels can be a letdown. So overall the LE trim can be opted as it gets all the basic features along with 15-inch alloy wheels at an affordable price. The Carbonite Edition is not worth the extra price paid, while the SE trim can be opted for those who want a more premium experience as it adds some major updates into the base trim.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The fuel efficiency is the only sole strength of Mirage. It delivers more MPG than all of its rivals, thanks to the underpowered 3-cylinder engine. The vehicle achieves fuel economy of 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway with the optional CVT, while the standard manual transmission gives a fuel economy of 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Since the engine is expected to remain the same, the fuel efficiency will be no different for the 2022 model year.

Model

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (Expected)

2021 Chevrolet Spark LS

2021 Kia Rio S IVT

MPG (city)

36

29

33

MPG (highway)

43

38

41

MPG (combined)

39

33

36

Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)

9.2

9.0

11.9

Range (City/Highway) (miles)

331/395/358

261/342/297

393/488/428

The 2022 Mirage is the most economical hatchback in the segment. Kia Rio comes a close second, offering 36 mpg combined. However, it comes with an 11.9-gallon fuel tank, thus increasing its combined range to 428 miles, while other cars in the competition, including the Mirage, offer a sub-400-mile range. TheChevrolet Spark has the lowest mpg figures as well as the lowest range, making it the least efficient hatchback in the competition.

Interior
6.0/10

Since the 2022 Mirage will be a carry-over model, you cannot expect many changes in the interior. Maybe the company will throw in a few more standard features or options but that’s about it. Talking about the interior, the dashboard looks dated with a large speedometer. The quality of the materials is below average, with hard plastics all around. Soft-touch plastics haven’t been used anywhere. Steering mounted audio and phone controls are given in all the models. 

The vehicle can seat 5 people and cloth upholstery comes as standard. As you go higher up the trim ladder, you get heated front seats wrapped in fabric and synthetic leather. Remote keyless entry is provided in all models, while only the top-end SE model gets the Fast-key entry system with the Push-button start. All models come equipped with power windows and rear heater floor ducts. Micron air filtration and rear-view camera also come as standard.

Models

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage ES (Expected)

2021 Chevrolet Spark LS

2021 Kia Rio S IVT

Seating Capacity

5

4

5

Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

39.0/51.7/41.7

39.0/50.8/41.7

38.9/54.1/42.1

Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)

37.2/51.0/34.2

37.0/49.8/33.0

38.0/53.3/33.5

Cargo Capacity (ft cu)

17.1

11.1

17.4

The Mirage has the least space among all its competitors. When combined with sub-par interior quality and low-quality materials, the interior comes out to be the weakest amongst its competition. TheKia Rio provides far better interior quality with considerable use of soft-touch materials and up-market fit and finish. The look and feel are far more premium, and the space on offer is also more by a considerable amount. The Kia Rio has the most cargo area, followed by the Mirage, while theChevrolet Spark seriously lacks cargo capacity. Standout interior features include-

  • Combination (fabric and synthetic leather) with a stitch seating surface
  • Heated front seats
  • Chrome climate control panel accents
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Leather-wrapped shift knob
  • Automatic Climate Control

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage: Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system on the Mirage is pretty dated. In the age of 10-inch screens, it only gets a smaller 7-inch one. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A big thumbs up to Mitsubishi for including that.

A premium Rockford Fosgate sound system is available as an option. That pretty much concludes the infotainment aspect. One thing worth mentioning is that the unit is neither very fluid nor intuitive to use. The standout infotainment features include -

  • 7-inch touchscreen
  • 4-speaker sound system
  • Optional Rockford Fosgate sound system
  • Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration
  • Bluetooth Connectivity

Final Verdict

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage with its underpowered engine and unrefined ride quality, is not recommended at all unless you want a compact car for your city commutes. Because with a little more money you will get better cars with a 4-cylinder engine along with better acceleration, better ride quality, and more premium upmarket interior. The Kia Rio makes a strong case for itself in this segment, and it also gets the 10-years powertrain warranty like the Mitsubishi. If getting a better MPG is the only criteria you are looking for, then the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is decent. Otherwise, the Mirage is not the best option in the segment.

Trims

    ES
    $14,645 onwards
    • Engine: 1.2L 3cyl FWD 5M
    • Horsepower: 78 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 12.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg
    LE
    $16,595 onwards
    • Engine: 1.2L 3cyl FWD 1CVT
    • Horsepower: 78 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 12.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 39 mpg
    Black Edition
    $17,195 onwards
    • Engine: 1.2L 3cyl FWD 1CVT
    • Horsepower: 78 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 12.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 39 mpg
    SE
    $17,895 onwards
    • Engine: 1.2L 3cyl FWD 1CVT
    • Horsepower: 78 hp @ 6000 rpm hp
    • Torque: 74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 12.3 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 39 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$14,645- $17,895

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

5.72

Horsepower

78 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

74 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$41,230- $49,410

electric

6.15

201 hp

229 lb.-ft.

5

Read Review

$13,600- $18,100

Gasoline

5.39

98 hp @ 6200 rpm

94 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm

4

Read Review

2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    SourceCompare
    12.4 sec18.9 sec
    10.3 sec17.9 sec

    2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      33 mpg41 mpg36 mpg9.2 gal.303.6/377.2 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg9 gal.261/342 mi.

      2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        151.4 in.65.6 in.59.4 in.6.3 in.96.5 in.

        2022 Hyundai Veloster

        Ranked #1

        167.9 in.71.3 in.54.9 in.5.3 in.104.3 in.
        143.1 in.62.8 in.58.4 in.-93.9 in. -

        2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.1 cu.ft.86.2 cu.ft.47 cu.ft.
          11.1 cu.ft.83 cu.ft.27.2 cu.ft.

          2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            47 cu.ft.17.1 cu.ft.47 cu.ft.-
            27.2 cu.ft.11.1 cu.ft.27.2 cu.ft.8 ft.

            2022 Mitsubishi Mirage vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              980 lbs.2040 lbs. -
              -2246 lbs.

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              2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

              Horsepower : 76 hp @ 6000 rpm

              MPG Combined : 36 mpg

              0-60 : 12.4 sec

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              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

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              2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

              Horsepower : 152 hp @ 5500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 27 mpg

              0-60 : 9 sec

              #3

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              Horsepower : 126 hp @ 4500 rpm

              MPG Combined : 26 mpg

              0-60 : 9.3 sec

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