Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.6/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.5/10, while Performance at 4.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.7/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 4.4/10 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 5.8/10 — 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 $15,961–$20,741, 36 MPG, seating 5, the Mitsubishi Mirage sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders 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 →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ranks #1259 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $15,961 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 42%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Mirage Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage scores 6.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.6 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
Strong fuel economy at 36 MPG, keeping running costs low
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Common Questions — 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?
We rate the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage worth buying?
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #1259 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage cost?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage starts at $15,961 and ranges up to $20,741 across trims (MSRP when new). At 36 MPG, expect roughly $1,458/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Mirage years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Mirage years we've rated are 2015 (6.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (6.8/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Mitsubishi Mirage
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More Mitsubishi Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Mitsubishi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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