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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 126 / 99 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 112 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $700 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $17,755–$20,464 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.0/10, the 2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV earns a Fair rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.1/10, while Performance at 4.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.2/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 4.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,755–$20,464, 112 MPG, seating 4, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV sits in the budget-friendly tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Based on our scoring, the 2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV ranks #268 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 0% of the segment. Its 6.0/10 overall score is 1.6 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $17,755 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 66%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Across the i-MiEV model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6.2/10 | $18,550 | Read review → |
| 2013 (this review) | 6.0/10 | $17,755 | |
| 2012 | 6.1/10 | $16,960 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum 08/11/2019 · 19V804000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Power assist / Vacuum 02/09/2014 · 14V522000 | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2009, to March 25, 2014. Due to either software programming or corrosion caused by road salt, the brake vacuum… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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