Engine Type

With the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage starting at about $14k, it’s already plenty affordable. Still, Mitsubishi is making choices simple for consumers by putting standard features across the lineup, starting with the powertrain. All trims (ES, LE, the Carbonite Edition, and SE) are powered by a 1.2L MIVEC DOHC engine, optimized with Mitsubishi Motors’ brand of variable valve timing technology (VVT). This helps to optimize the engine and fuel efficiency, and the engine delivers 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.

Driving and Handling

The base trim of the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage (ES) may come with a 5-speed manual transmission standard, but it can upgrade to the same INVECS-III continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the rest of the lineup. If sticking with manual transmission, consumers can expect a fuel economy of 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. If choosing the INVECS-III CVT, then those numbers go up to 36 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

Exterior Features

The Mirage is looking pretty similar to previous model years, with the Carbonite Edition getting the real differences. This trim comes with a new Carbon pattern on the grille, side airdam, and rear airdam. The SE trim comes with LED headlights and DRLS and automatic high beam control, whereas the rest of the lineup comes with halogen headlights and LED taillights. The major choice between them is whether to get a trim with 14- or 15-inch wheels.

Interior Features

A little different from the exterior, the interior cabin helps consumers feel right at home and in control. Across the lineup, every trim comes with a 6-way adjustable driver seat, 4-way adjustable passenger seat, a split-rear bench seat, automatic climate control, rear heater floor ducts, steering wheel audio and phone controls, and steering wheel voice recognition control. If looking for the up-scale luxury Mitsubishi Motors can be known for, look into the SE trim for leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Entertainment

Now here is where the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is going to bring home the bacon. Every model comes with the 7-inch smartphone-link display audio system – currently, a staple of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles - with four speakers, AM/FM Radio Bluetooth wireless tech, and Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto capability. Small differences in the high-end SE trim consist of FAST-key entry and push-button start.

Safety Features and Warranty

Mitsubishi Motors has steadily added more and more safety features to its model lineup. All vehicles come with the basic safety features standard, including an advanced dual-stage airbags (including the driver’s knee airbag), three-point seatbelts, anti-locking brakes, active stability control and traction systems, a LATCH child seat tether system, an anti-theft engine immobilizer, and built with Mitsubishi’s signature RISE body construction. Of course, what 2021 model would be complete without at least one advanced automatic safety feature? Forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian control is also standard, but consumers who have trouble staying in their lane will benefit from the lane departure warning system found on the SE trim.

All Mitsubishi vehicles are covered by a basic limited warranty for 5 years/60,000 miles, a powertrain limited warranty for 10 years/100,000 miles, 7 years or 100,000 miles of anti-corrosion coverage, and roadside assistance.