2021 Mitsubishi Mirage

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.

If you've decided that the 2021 Mirage is the car for you, it's most likely because you're drawn by its attractive pricing and thrifty gas mileage returns. To play into its affordability and economy, we'd suggest going for the entry-spec ES model, as it comes standard with just about all the same creature comforts and conveniences as the higher-spec models including the seven-inch infotainment system, AM/FM stereo, four-speaker layout, and the driver-assist and safety features suite that contains forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, hill-start assist, a rearview camera, and cruise control. The upper-tier models seem to add little more than meaningless cosmetics. The small selection of additional features don't add enough value to warrant the price and work against the Mirage's strength as a budget, no-frills runabout. The standard manual gearbox does slightly improve performance by allowing for greater driver engagement, and the cost to fuel efficiency is minimal when compared to the CVT.