Many automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers get hung up on speed and luxury these days. Ogling over performance figures and the accouterments of range-topping models can leave many stressed. With opulence and power, however, come eye-watering MSRPs. One of the hallmarks of luxury is freedom of movement. But in basic circumstances, walking everywhere can get quite tiresome. It’s much more extravagant to sit down while traveling, especially when you’re not the one pedaling the propulsion system. Based on that preface, does the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage fit the bill as a fast and luxurious car?

Is the Mirage luxurious?

Yes, it is. Even the base 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage comes packed with features that would make an early-2000s Mercedes S-Class owner blush. The ES trim is stocked with a seven-inch touchscreen hooked to a four-speaker stereo. It contains Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and voice recognition functions. An ever-essential USB port is added, too.

Realistically, nearly any new car made will provide potential owners with much more tech and entertainment options. But one of the characteristics of luxury is space. With 47 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down, the Mirage is one of the roomiest in the segment. Therefore, it could easily double as a tent for festival-hopping youths. And a tent with a Bluetooth-capable stereo and an HVAC system is luxurious.

Is the Mirage fast?

Yes, it is. Compared to walking or taking the bus, the Mirage is perfectly capable of quick travel. Outside of those parameters, the story is quite different. The 78 rampaging Japanese horsepowers may be adequate for pulling away from stoplights but not for rapid highway passing. Moreover, reviewers complain about the noise-to-power ratio in the Mirage. Car and Driver called it “buzzingly unrefined.”

Despite that, Mitsubishi says the Mirage is “miles ahead of the competition.” Obviously, not in speed and power, but in fuel economy. Mitsubishi says the 1.2-liter three-cylinder will help potential owners achieve 36 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. Regrettably, it’s only stocked with a continuously variable automatic transmission after the deletion of the five-speed manual.  

Is the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage worth it?

Every time a Mirage driver’s eardrums burst with pedal-to-the-metal acceleration onto the highway, they may think: is this car worth it? Once they experience the Mirage’s impressive turning radius and ease of city parking, it may become apparent. Time saved is a luxury. Easy parking makes travel faster.

The options list for the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is even shorter than the time it would take to park it. Unfortunately, for the performance-inclined, Mitsubishi doesn’t offer the Mirage with turbos, upgraded suspensions, or exhaust systems. Yet, there’s a lot they do that can make the car feel special. They include illumination features, faux carbon fiber trim pieces, chrome bezels, and even a “classy edition” shift knob. The $250 LED fog light conversion is also a unique distinction.

With a base MSRP of $16,245, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage will fit nearly any budget. The subcompact is for those relegated to older, less reliable vehicles and people buying a ticket rather than starting a car. Also, those who walk to complete weekly errands. The Mirage stands out as an attainable modern car with contemporary features and safety standards. For many, it’s as fast and as luxurious as one needs.