There’s a particular kind of car that doesn’t try to be a luxury sedan, a performance coupe, or the latest tech-loaded crossover. It asks, gently and persistently: “Do you really need more?” That’s the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage — a small, inexpensive subcompact that keeps asking drivers to reconsider priorities. It’s not flashy. It won’t win drag races. But in a market crowded with ever-larger, ever-more-expensive vehicles, the Mirage quietly makes a case for humility, frugality, and simple usefulness.
Below: an honest look at what the Mirage is, what it does well, where it struggles, who should consider it, and why — for certain buyers — it’s still worth a serious look.
What the Mirage is and what it isn’t
The Mirage is Mitsubishi’s long-running entry in the subcompact segment. In 2022 it continues the brand’s no-frills approach: compact footprint, very low starting price, lightweight construction, and a focus on fuel efficiency and maneuverability. Offered as a hatchback (the Mirage) and a sedan variant (the Mirage G4 in some markets), it’s aimed squarely at budget-conscious buyers, city commuters, and first-time drivers.
What it isn’t: a performance car, a tech flagship, or a plush luxury ride. If you want turbocharged acceleration, cabin refinement rivaling pricier models, or long lists of premium driver aids as standard, the Mirage will leave you wanting.
Design & packaging: small footprint, sensible layout
From the outside, the 2022 Mirage reads as intentionally modest. Styling is compact and unpretentious — a short front overhang, small greenhouse, and a hatchback profile that emphasizes practicality over drama. The interior follows the same approach: straightforward controls, a functional dash layout, and seating that prioritizes space efficiency.
Inside, the Mirage surprises in two ways. First, for such a small car it’s intelligently packaged: front occupants get adequate headroom and legroom, and the hatchback’s cargo area is reasonably flexible — fold the rear seats and you can move surprisingly large items for a car of this size. Second, build materials are appropriately basic, and hard plastics are evident, but the cabin is designed to be durable and easy to maintain.
The Mirage doesn’t compete on interior luxury, but it does deliver on the core promise: a usable, sensible interior that serves daily needs without pretense.
Powertrain and driving character: efficiency over excitement
At the heart of the Mirage is a small, economical engine paired with an emphasis on light weight. The typical configuration is a three-cylinder gasoline engine paired with either a manual gearbox (offered in some trims) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The emphasis is crystal-clear: keep things light, keep revs down, and extract the best possible fuel economy.
Driving the Mirage is an exercise in moderation. Acceleration is leisurely — the car is happiest at city speeds and on relaxed highway cruising, not during aggressive overtakes. The suspension is tuned more for comfort and compliance than for razor-sharp handling; body roll is present if you push into corners, but daily driving on city streets and suburban roads is comfortable and composed.
Where the Mirage shines is in urban environments. Its small turning circle and narrow footprint make tight parking and weaving through traffic easy and stress-free. The car’s light weight helps fuel economy, and in stop-and-go traffic it rewards with low operating costs.
Fuel economy & running costs
One of the Mirage’s strongest selling points is fuel efficiency. Lightweight construction and a small-displacement engine translate into very good miles-per-gallon figures in real-world city driving and sensible highway use. For buyers who spend most of their time commuting, running errands, or driving in congested urban areas, the Mirage’s low fuel consumption is a substantial ongoing saving.
Maintenance and repair costs tend to be lower than those for larger or more complex vehicles, in part because the Mirage uses simple, well-understood technology. Insurance costs are often favorable for small, low-value cars, too, making total cost of ownership attractive — especially for budget-minded drivers.
Safety & technology: basic, improving, but limited
Safety features in the Mirage align with its value-focused mission: basic active and passive safety systems are provided, but advanced driver-assistance technologies are not as plentiful as in many newer rivals. Expect standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control on equipped trims, with optional or higher-trim packages adding items such as a rearview camera and basic infotainment connectivity.
If you prioritize the latest semi-autonomous safety suites (adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking as standard), the Mirage is not the leader here. Buyers who place premium importance on advanced driver aids should compare carefully — many competitors in the subcompact price band or just above it increasingly include more comprehensive tech.
That said, for urban commuters and budget buyers who drive responsibly and value predictability over headline-grabbing tech features, the Mirage’s safety package is adequate for its class. As always, if safety rankings are a top concern, consult formal crash-test results and ratings from the authorities in your market before buying.
Comfort & practicality: admirable packaging for a tiny car
Don’t let the Mirage’s size fool you. The cabin is cleverly designed and feels roomy for the class. Seats are supportive enough for short to medium trips, and the simplicity of the controls makes the car easy to live with. The hatchback layout delivers practical cargo flexibility — a real plus for students, young professionals, and small families who need to manage luggage, groceries, or occasional furniture runs.
Noise levels are where the Mirage shows its budget roots; wind and road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, and the small engine can be vocal under heavy acceleration. If you spend a lot of time on long highway drives, the Mirage’s modest NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) refinement may be a compromise you’ll notice. For shorter trips and city use, however, most owners find the tradeoff acceptable given the car’s economical benefits.
Trim levels & value proposition
One of the Mirage’s strongest selling points is its low entry price. Mitsubishi positions it as one of the least expensive new cars in many markets — a deliberate strategy to attract first-time buyers and budget-focused shoppers. The base trims offer the essentials: air conditioning, basic infotainment, and safety fundamentals. Higher trims bring upgraded convenience features — nicer infotainment displays, improved upholstery, and available alloy wheels — without dramatically inflating the price.
The Mirage’s value proposition is simple and effective: a very low cost of entry, low running costs, and fewer needless extras. For buyers whose checklist starts with “affordable” and “efficient,” that’s an easy box to tick.
How it stacks up against rivals
In its segment, the Mirage competes with other affordable subcompacts like the Nissan Versa, Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent (depending on market availability), and various used small cars. Compared to these rivals:
The Mirage typically undercuts many on price.
It often matches or beats rivals on fuel economy thanks to its light curb weight.
Cabin refinement and feature lists are usually more basic than those of competitors that aim slightly upmarket.
Safety tech and crashworthiness can lag behind rivals that prioritize advanced driver aids as standard.
The takeaway: if you want the absolute lowest price and excellent fuel economy, the Mirage is a contender. If you want a small car with richer features, stronger safety tech, or a placid highway demeanor, you should compare carefully.
Who should buy the Mirage?
The Mirage is a tailored tool — great for specific users:
City dwellers who need a tiny, nimble car that’s cheap to operate and park.
Students and first-time buyers who prioritize low monthly payments and minimal running costs.
Second or third household cars used for short errands, school runs, or commuter duty where comfort and performance are secondary.
Buyers shopping with strict budgets who prefer a new car (with a warranty) over a used vehicle.
Who should pass? Drivers who spend many hours on interstate highway travel, families needing more space and safety technology, or buyers who want a refined cabin and sporty performance. For them, stepping up to a larger hatchback, compact car, or small crossover will likely yield a more satisfying ownership experience.
Ownership experience & real-world impressions
Owners of the Mirage repeatedly praise its low operating costs and the freedom that comes with inexpensive transportation. For many, the Mirage replaces public transit, ride-sharing, or older used cars — and the ability to own something new, economical, and covered by a warranty is a meaningful upgrade.
Common critiques among owners include the car’s modest acceleration, the minimal soundproofing, and the fairly Spartan cabin materials. But most owners accept those tradeoffs given the Mirage’s price and the daily usefulness it offers.
Maintenance tends to be straightforward. The Mirage isn’t a complex engineering exercise; mechanics and parts are familiar and inexpensive compared to luxury or performance cars. That practicality is a quiet but powerful selling point.
The final verdict: a purposeful little car
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage does exactly what it sets out to do: remain small, inexpensive, and efficient. It doesn’t pretend to be more than that. In a world where cars are growing larger, heavier, and more complicated, the Mirage is refreshingly single-minded. It asks drivers to reconsider what they truly need from a vehicle and rewards those who are honest about their priorities.
If your checklist is dominated by price, fuel economy, and city-friendly packaging, the Mirage is a compelling choice. If your priorities include acceleration, plush interiors, or cutting-edge safety tech, this isn’t the car for you. But for the right buyer — someone who values simplicity, thrift, and the joys of easy parking — the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is more than a humble commuter: it’s a reminder that less can still be plenty.
Before you buy: a few practical tips
Test-drive in real-world conditions
Spend time on the roads you normally use — city streets, local highways — to see if the Mirage’s performance and noise levels fit your comfort zone.
Compare trim packages
Decide which features you can’t live without (infotainment screen size, rearview camera, alloy wheels) and compare the total price rather than just base MSRP.
Check safety ratings
Look up crash-test scores and safety-system availability for your market — if advanced driver aids are a priority, plan to shop higher trims or other models.
Consider total cost of ownership
Factor in insurance, fuel, and maintenance — the Mirage usually shines here. But if you drive long distances daily, fuel savings may be less meaningful.
Think long term
If you plan to keep the car for many years, consider comfort and noise on long trips; sometimes spending a bit more up front avoids fatigue later.
