2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Mitsubishi Mirage
Pictured: 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Carbonite Edition in White Diamond, front right. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
5dr Hatch
Engines
1.2L 3-cyl
Horsepower
78 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
39 combined · 36 city / 43 hwy
Length
151.6 in
Curb weight
2,072 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 39 MPG combined — 42% better than the average 2021 compact car (27.5 MPG).
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 78 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2021 models.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is a compact car offered with a 1.2L 3-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 152 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,072 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 39 MPG combined (36 city / 43 highway), 42% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2021

  • New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Mirage →

Trims, performance & features

Engine78 hp1.2L 3-cyl
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

ES/LE/SE

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Leamchabang, Sriracha County, Chonburi Prefecture

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 Mirage configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
5dr Hatch151.6 in65.7 in59.4 in96.5 in56.3 / 55.9 in2,072 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Mirage1.2L 3-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive36 / 43 / 39+42%$1,700225
Mirage G41.2L 3-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive35 / 41 / 37+35%$1,800238
Mirage1.2L 3-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive33 / 41 / 36+31%$1,850242
Mirage G41.2L 3-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive33 / 40 / 35+27%$1,900252
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.5 MPG2021 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 5 HB FWD
Side crash test — 2021 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage (this car)39 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Mazda 331 MPGNot rated0
2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI33 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Mazda 235 MPGNot rated0
2021 Chevrolet Spark33 MPGNot rated0
2021 Hyundai Accent36 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Hyundai Venue31 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
Air Bags2
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings2
Electrical System1
Unknown Or Other1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Lane Departure › Warning1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/05: 124/03: 126/07: 126/09: 123/0524/0326/0726/09max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Mirage years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2024 Mirage39151.6 in★★★★★010
2023 Mirage39151.6 in★★★★★05
2022 Mirage39151.6 in★★★★★05
2020 Mirage39149.6 in★★★★★05
2019 Mirage39149.6 in★★★★★015
2018 Mirage39149.6 in★★★★★221
2017 Mirage39149.6 inNot rated328
2015 Mirage39148.8 inNot rated239
2014 Mirage39148.8 inNot rated341

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →