Why the Mitsubishi Mirage is a Top Choice for Budget-Conscious Drivers
Mitsubishi Mirage, the ultimate fuel efficiency champion! With a lightweight design and impressive EPA ratings of up to 43 mpg highway, this non-hybrid vehicle is perfect for budget-conscious drivers. Explore its fuel tank capacity, efficiency evolution, and tips to maximize your mileage. Learn why the Mirage stands out among competitors and how it contributes to a greener environment. Drive smart and save more with the Mitsubishi Mirage!
Fuel Tank Capacity
The current generation Mitsubishi Mirage, which debuted in 2012 and received updates in 2016 and 2021, features a fuel tank capacity of 9.2 gallons (35 liters). This relatively small tank size contributes to the vehicle’s lightweight design, which is a key factor in its excellent fuel efficiency.
Did you know? Despite its small 9.2 gallon tank, the Mirage can travel over 350 miles on a single tank of gas thanks to its impressive fuel economy.
Fuel Efficiency Ratings
The Mitsubishi Mirage consistently ranks as one of the most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles available in the United States. According to EPA estimates for the 2024 model year:
• Mirage Hatchback with CVT transmission: 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway / 39 mpg combined
• Mirage G4 Sedan with CVT transmission: 35 mpg city / 41 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined
These impressive numbers put the Mirage at the top of its class for fuel efficiency among non-hybrid vehicles. The hatchback variant, in particular, stands out with its 43 mpg highway rating.
Factors Contributing to the Mirage’s Fuel Efficiency
Several key factors allow the Mitsubishi Mirage to achieve its excellent fuel economy:
1. Lightweight design: The Mirage weighs just over 2,000 pounds, making it one of the lightest cars sold in the US.
2. Aerodynamic body: The Mirage’s sleek shape helps reduce air resistance, improving highway fuel economy.
3. Efficient engine: The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine is small but well-tuned for efficiency.
4. CVT transmission: The Continuously Variable Transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal efficiency range.
5. Low rolling resistance tires: Special tires reduce friction with the road, further improving fuel economy.
Efficiency Across Variants and Generations
The Mitsubishi Mirage has gone through several generations since its introduction in 1978. Let’s examine how fuel efficiency has evolved across different variants and generations:
First Generation (1978-1983)
The original Mirage was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, coming in the wake of the 1970s oil crisis. While exact fuel economy figures for this generation are difficult to find, it was considered quite efficient for its time.
Did you know? The first-generation Mirage featured Mitsubishi’s “Super Shift” transmission, which effectively provided 8 forward gears for improved efficiency.
Second Generation (1983-1991)
This generation saw improvements in aerodynamics and engine efficiency. In the US market, the Mirage (sold as the Dodge/Plymouth Colt) achieved EPA ratings of up to 33 mpg city / 41 mpg highway with the most efficient engine and transmission combination.
Third Generation (1991-1995)
Fuel efficiency continued to improve with this generation. The most efficient US model achieved EPA ratings of 33 mpg city / 41 mpg highway, similar to its predecessor but with improved performance.
Fourth Generation (1995-2003)
This generation saw the Mirage nameplate used primarily for the coupe version in many markets, with the sedan version often sold as the Lancer. Fuel economy remained competitive, with the most efficient US models rated at 33 mpg city / 41 mpg highway.
Fifth Generation (2012-present)
After a hiatus in many markets, the Mirage returned as a global model focused on maximum fuel efficiency. The current generation has achieved the highest fuel economy ratings yet for a non-hybrid Mitsubishi:
• 2014-2015 models: 37 mpg city / 44 mpg highway / 40 mpg combined
• 2017-2020 models: 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway / 39 mpg combined
• 2021-present models: 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway / 39 mpg combined (hatchback)
Did you know? The Mirage’s fuel efficiency has remained remarkably consistent since 2017, even as the car has received updates and improvements in other areas.
Comparing Mirage Variants
The current Mitsubishi Mirage is available in both hatchback and sedan (G4) body styles. Let’s compare their fuel efficiency:
Mirage Hatchback
• CVT transmission: 36 mpg city / 43 mpg highway / 39 mpg combined
• Manual transmission: 33 mpg city / 41 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined
Mirage G4 Sedan
• CVT transmission: 35 mpg city / 41 mpg highway / 37 mpg combined
• Manual transmission: 33 mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 35 mpg combined
As we can see, the hatchback version consistently achieves slightly better fuel economy than the sedan, likely due to its more aerodynamic shape and lighter weight.
Real-World Fuel Efficiency
While EPA ratings provide a standardized measure of fuel efficiency, real-world results can vary based on driving conditions, habits, and other factors. Many Mirage owners report achieving or even exceeding the EPA estimates in everyday driving.
Factors that can affect real-world fuel efficiency include:
• Driving style (aggressive vs. conservative)
• Traffic conditions
• Weather and temperature
• Terrain (flat vs. hilly)
• Vehicle maintenance
• Use of air conditioning
Did you know? Some Mirage owners have reported achieving over 50 mpg on long highway trips by using hypermiling techniques.
Maximizing Fuel Efficiency in Your Mirage
To get the most out of your Mirage’s excellent fuel economy potential, consider these tips:
1. Maintain steady speeds: Use cruise control on highways when possible.
2. Avoid rapid acceleration and braking: Gentle inputs save fuel.
3. Keep tires properly inflated: This reduces rolling resistance.
4. Remove unnecessary weight: Don’t carry items you don’t need.
5. Use the ECO mode: This adjusts the car’s systems for maximum efficiency.
6. Plan your trips: Combine errands to reduce overall driving.
7. Regular maintenance: Keep your Mirage in top condition for best efficiency.
Environmental Impact
The Mitsubishi Mirage’s excellent fuel efficiency translates to lower carbon emissions compared to many other gasoline-powered vehicles. According to the EPA, the 2024 Mirage hatchback with CVT transmission produces:
• 228 grams of CO2 per mile
• 5.7 tons of CO2 per year (based on 15,000 miles of driving)
This is significantly lower than the average new vehicle sold in the US, which produces about 400 grams of CO2 per mile.
Did you know? The Mirage’s low CO2 emissions have earned it recognition from environmental groups as one of the “greenest” non-hybrid vehicles available.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison with Competitors
To put the Mirage’s fuel efficiency into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its subcompact competitors:
1. Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback, CVT): 36/43/39 mpg (city/highway/combined)
2. Chevrolet Spark: 30/38/33 mpg
3. Kia Rio: 33/41/36 mpg
4. Nissan Versa: 32/40/35 mpg
5. Toyota Yaris: 32/40/35 mpg
As we can see, the Mirage consistently outperforms its gasoline-powered competitors in fuel efficiency.
Future of Mirage Fuel Efficiency
As automotive technology continues to advance, we can expect future generations of the Mitsubishi Mirage to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency even further. Potential improvements could include:
• Mild hybrid systems
• More advanced aerodynamics
• Further weight reduction through use of lightweight materials
• Improved engine and transmission technology
There’s also the possibility of a fully electric Mirage in the future, as Mitsubishi (part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance) continues to invest in electrification technology.
Electric Range and Efficiency: A Look Ahead
While the current Mitsubishi Mirage is a gasoline-powered vehicle, it’s worth considering what an electric version might look like in terms of range and efficiency. Although Mitsubishi hasn’t announced plans for an electric Mirage, we can make some educated guesses based on similar-sized electric vehicles:
Potential Full Charge Capacity
Given the Mirage’s small size and focus on efficiency, an electric version would likely have a battery capacity in the range of 35-50 kWh. This would be similar to other small electric vehicles like the Mini Cooper SE (32.6 kWh) or the Fiat 500e (42 kWh).
Estimated Range per kWh
Small, efficient electric vehicles typically achieve around 4-5 miles of range per kWh of battery capacity. Based on this, we might expect an electric Mirage to have a range of:
• With a 35 kWh battery: 140-175 miles
• With a 50 kWh battery: 200-250 miles
Did you know? The efficiency of electric vehicles is often measured in miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe). Based on the efficiency of similar small EVs, an electric Mirage could potentially achieve over 100 MPGe in city driving.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Mirage stands out as a fuel efficiency champion in the subcompact car segment. Its combination of a lightweight design, aerodynamic shape, and efficient powertrain allows it to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings that rival some hybrid vehicles. While it may not offer the power or luxury features of larger vehicles, the Mirage excels in its primary mission of providing affordable, efficient transportation.
As fuel prices and environmental concerns continue to be significant factors for many car buyers, the Mirage’s excellent fuel efficiency makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious and eco-minded consumers alike. Whether you’re looking to minimize your carbon footprint or simply save money at the pump, the Mitsubishi Mirage delivers impressive efficiency that’s hard to beat in its class.