Consumer Reports editors and testers constantly rate the latest cars. Each undergoes over 50 evaluations in CR’s rigorous road test. The best vehicles handle the brutal process with grace. Others don’t fare as well on the 100-point scale. CR recently released a roundup of the newest models that performed the best and worst in road testing. The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage made the list, but not in a favorable way.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage at a glance

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is available as a hatchback or a sedan and is reasonably priced. The hatchback has more cargo room than the sedan. Otherwise, the two models are pretty similar.

The powertrain, too, is the same — a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine making a measly 78 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. As you might expect from an underpowered setup, this car is slow. So if you’re looking for a thrilling driving experience, you won’t find it here.

Though the cabin materials’ quality isn’t on par with some rivals, the 2022 Mirage is decently equipped, with automatic climate control, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay all standard.

Mitsubishi didn’t make many changes to the Mirage for this model year.

The Black Edition replaces the Carbonite Edition in the lineup. This appearance package includes 15-inch black-painted wheels, red fabric trim on the interior door panels, a red-trimmed grille, and an integrated roof spoiler. In addition, you can get optional automatic headlights and windshield wipers with the Black Edition.

The top-trim SE also offers automatic headlights and windshield wipers. 

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage performed miserably in Consumer Reports testing

The Consumer Reports team acquired a 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage ES model and put it through its paces. CR explains it was “too slow and noisy.” Testers gave it a paltry 33 out of 100 overall.

As for driving experience and performance, the Consumer Reports team found the Mirage sorely lacking. When accelerating, the engine moved sluggishly, vibrating and sputtering all the while. Plus, the noise from the engine and the vibration made for a loud cabin. Testers also found the interior to be inexpensive-looking and drab.

Additionally, handling was clumsy and didn’t instill confidence, which isn’t common in the subcompact car class. CR testers say body roll was noticeable even at moderate speeds. They note some tire squealing even on common turns and curves. Last, they weren’t impressed with the slow steering, which offered little feedback despite considerable input.

But this subcompact car has a few good qualities

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage still offers some positives. For instance, it’s affordable and gets great gas mileage, with 37 mpg combined. CR gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 for fuel economy.

In addition, the Mirage is roomier than it looks, and it’s easy to park — a bonus for city drivers. It also boasts several comfort and convenience features, such as automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, keyless push-button ignition, and a 140-watt audio system. The back seat is comfortable for a subcompact, and the ride is somewhat composed.

Plus, the Mirage’s design absorbs many of the blows from the road. At slow speeds, the suspension handles bumps and ruts well. But if you hit a pothole, the Mirage crashes in and bottoms out, according to the CR team.

Another thing the Mirage has going for it is a good warranty. The limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. The powertrain warranty is for 10 years or 100,000 miles. But don’t expect complimentary maintenance.