by Aiden Eksteen
There are very few subcompact 5-door hatchbacks to choose from in the USA, with most Americans showing a preference for larger, more pragmatic vehicle types such as trucks and crossover SUVs. There are many first-time buyers, however, that do enter the market looking for an entry-level, budget-friendly car like the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. This tight clique of vehicles includes the Kia Rio and the Chevrolet Spark, all of which are among the most affordable and economical cars in America. So far into its fifth generation, the Mirage hatch is still powered by the 76-horsepower three-pot motor it's become quite infamous for, being that it's the weakest motor sold in America. The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback carries a price of just $14,295, however, which makes it the most affordable car in America, too. Though it may be severely underpowered and unentertaining to drive, the Mirage is also the most efficient gasoline-run car you'll find. With its remarkably low pricing comes far too many compromises, though. Its offers listless performance and a second-rate cabin impression, but is the Mirage's price low enough to overlook these flaws?
Mitsubishi has introduced a few cosmetic updates for the Mirage, along with newly standard safety features. Outside, some of the changes include a new Dynamic Shield design for the grille, a sportier front bumper, and two new colors. Inside, a seven-inch display providing access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now comes fitted as standard. Crucially, the entire range gets standard forward collision warning and pedestrian detection, while the SE trim is available with lane departure warning and automatic high beams.
Buyers can now opt for an available Carbonite Edition (CE), a package that includes a B-pillar decal, red exterior accents, and a unique front grille. Last year's GT variant is no longer available for 2021.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES |
1.2L Inline-3 Gas
|
5-Speed Manual
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$14,295 |
| LE |
1.2L Inline-3 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$16,220 |
| Carbonite Edition |
1.2L Inline-3 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$16,995 |
| SE |
1.2L Inline-3 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$17,445 |
As an entry-level, budget-friendly runabout, the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage does offer plenty of value for the money it costs. However, it also comes with many drawbacks, and whether the Mirage is worth considering really comes down to what you'd be willing to do without in a car you'd likely be driving on a daily basis.
Perks of the Mirage include its impressively low pricing, class-leading fuel efficiency, it's fairly decent level of cargo space, and its rather extensive warranty coverage, courtesy of Mitsubishi. It also comes with a respectable infotainment system for a budget car that features full smartphone integration. J.D Power also availed the hatchback with a fairly decent rating for its reliability, but this is about where the Mirage's favorable qualities come to an end.
It's difficult to excuse the Mirage's utterly listless and mundane drive and handling qualities for the perks it does offer. It's really uncomfortable over surfaces that are anything less than perfect, too, and its second-rate cabin impression brought about by the spartan seats and abundance of low-grade materials is only worsened by the permeation of engine and outside noise, especially at higher speeds. The NHTSA and IIHS's review of the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage also returned a rather poor safety rating, a failing that is arguably inadmissible in this day in age.
The Mitsubishi Mirage may offer a fair number of perks, but its drawbacks are just far too severe by comparison. Many of the Mirage's main contemporaries offer better experiences overall, from theway they drive to the value they bear throughout.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo