Overview
For folks who enjoy fuel-efficient small cars, there are few new ones available, but the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is just that. Based on the Mirage hatchback, the Mirage G4 sedan is powered by a 78-hp three-cylinder engine and can be had with a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Needless to say, it’s slow. On the other hand, the Mirage G4 delivers phenomenal fuel economy for a nonhybrid car. That, coupled with its low cost of entry, makes it an attractive prospect for frugal buyers. Everyone else will likely find the Mirage G4 lacking the substance expected from a modern car. For example, it comes standard with infotainment features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it lacks a comprehensive offering of driver-assistance tech. Rivals such as the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio cost a little more, but may be worth the investment.
What’s New for 2022?
Last year’s Carbonite Edition trim has been replaced with a similar Black Edition model for 2022. It includes black 15-inch aluminum wheels, a black roof spoiler, and other black exterior and interior trim items. Elsewhere in the lineup, a vanity mirror integrated into the passenger’s sun visor is now standard, and all models now come with welcome and departure lighting. The SE and Black Edition cars now offer automatic headlamps and automatic windshield wipers.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
To its credit, the Mirage G4’s base model comes with some attractive standard features. All models are equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic climate control. We’d suggest sticking with the base model rather than paying to upgrade to a more expensive trim, as those prices put the Mirage G4 in contention with better cars from the class above.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
There’s no way around it: Relative to rival models, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is dealing with a severe horsepower deficit. This little Mitsu is equipped with a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that generates just 78 horsepower and 74 pound-feet of torque. You’ll get a lot more muscle under the hood with rivals such as the Accent (120 horsepower). A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the Mirage G4’s base model, but all other trims are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard. In everyday driving, the Mirage G4 exhibits tepid acceleration. This is especially noticeable on the freeway, where heavy throttle inputs are necessary to muster the power needed for passing maneuvers. Also, the engine sounds coarse, and it gets noisy at high speeds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Fuel efficiency is one of this sedan’s key strengths. According to the EPA, the Mirage G4 achieves fuel economy of 35/41 mpg city/highway with the optional CVT. With those numbers, this sedan gets better mileage than rivals such as the Nissan Versa (up to 32/40 mpg). When equipped with the standard manual transmission, the Mirage G4’s fuel economy drops to 33/40 mpg. For more information about the Mirage G4’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
With some economy cars, the cabin design transcends the expectations that you might have for a vehicle that’s modestly priced, but this isn’t the case with the Mirage G4. Both in terms of design and the quality of materials used, its cabin is unambitious. Relative to its hatchback sibling, the Mirage G4 sedan provides an extra three inches of rear-seat legroom. Of the two models, this is the one to get if you need to comfortably seat passengers in both rows. The Mirage G4 provides 13 cubic feet of cargo space. Rival sedans provide more room for your stuff. The Versa provides up to 15 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Accent offers 14 cubic feet of room.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Mirage G4 comes with standard Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls. Base models are also equipped with a four-speaker audio system and HD radio, as well as a front USB port and an auxiliary audio-input jack. Additionally, a 7.0-inch display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. If you need a more premium sound system, you can upgrade via the available Rockford Fosgate setup.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the Mirage G4 comes standard with automated emergency braking, most advanced driver-assistance features are absent from the car’s options sheet. For more information about the Mirage G4’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-departure warning
- Available automatic high-beam headlamps
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mitsubishi’s warranty coverage matches that of the Accent and beats what’s offered by the Versa and the Chevy Spark. The Mirage G4 offers longer coverage than the warranty protection provided by competing models such as the Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the Mirage G4, however, the Yaris provides complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED: $17,830 (base price: $14,830)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 12-valve inline-3, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 73 cu in, 1193 ccPower: 78 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 74 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: continuously variable automatic
DIMENSIONS:Wheelbase: 100.4 inLength: 169.5 inWidth: 65.7 in Height: 59.2 inPassenger volume: 90 cu ftCargo volume: 12 cu ft
Curb weight: 2193 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS: Zero to 60 mph: 12.8 sec Zero to 90 mph: 35.6 sec Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 12.7 sec Top gear, 30-50 mph: 6.2 sec Top gear, 50-70 mph: 8.8 sec Standing ¼-mile: 19.5 sec @ 73 mph Top speed (C/D est): 100 mph Braking, 70-0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.78 g
FUEL ECONOMY: EPA city/highway driving: 35/42 mpg
C/D observed: 33 mpg
Keyword: 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Review, Pricing, and Specs