2024 Mitsubishi Mirage vs. 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4: Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback Hussle!
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last cheap new cars you can buy. With a price tag starting under $20,000, the Mirage is one of the most affordable new vehicles you can buy in America today. However, is that low price tag worth it? Ask anyone in the automotive industry outside of a Mitsusbihi showroom, and chances are you’ll only hear negative opinions about the lowly Mirage.
From subpar build quality and interior features to an anemic engine, the Mirage is cheap, which is about its only positive aspect. So, how does the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan cousin fare compared to the Mirage hatchback? Is the Mirage G4 sedan a notable increase in quality, or is it simply more of the same?
Here is everything you need to know about the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage and the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 and which is the better ultra-cheap car for the money regarding performance, space, fuel economy, and price.
The Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback has barely better performance metrics
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback and 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan are powered by the same engine and transmission. Regardless of the trim level, both of these vehicles have a tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, which produces around 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque, according to Edmunds. This engine is, unfortunately, only offered with an automatic CVT, as the manual transmission option has been discontinued. Front-wheel drive is also the only driveline option available, with no all-wheel drive option.
However, the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is smaller and lighter than the Mirage G4 sedan. This gives the Mirage hatchback a slight lead in performance over its larger cousin. According to carHP, the Mirage hatchback has a 0 to 60 mph time of 10.6 seconds, while the G4 sedan takes 12.8 seconds to reach the same speed. This slightly quicker acceleration gives the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback the crown in performance, even if that sets the bar quite low.
The sedan has more passenger room, while the hatchback has more cargo space
Unsurprisingly, the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 sedan is the clear winner in interior space over the Mirage hatchback. Regarding dimensions, the Mirage G4 is over a foot longer than the Mirage hatchback, with a slightly longer wheelbase. That increase in space is not felt in the front seats, with the Mirage G4 and Mirage hatchback having identical front row dimensions. However, the rear seats get a noticeable upgrade in space, with passengers having over three more inches of legroom in the G4 sedan than in the Mirage hatchback. The Mirage G4 sedan also has slightly more hip and shoulder room for rear passengers than the Mirage hatchback.
Meanwhile, when it comes to rear cargo space under the hatch and in the trunk, the hatchback build easily wins. Hatchbacks typically have more space to work with in general, and the Mirage has around 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Meanwhile, the G4 sedan has about 12.6 cubic feet of storage.
The Mirage hatchback is incredibly fuel-efficient
Regarding fuel economy, the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is a clear winner. The Mirage hatchback and G4 sedan are powered by the same powertrain, but the sedan is larger and heavier. The Mirage hatchback gets around 36 mpg city/43 mpg highway with a combined rating of 39 mpg. The Mirage G4 gets around 35 mpg city/41 mpg highway with a combined 37 mpg.
The Mirage and Mirage G4 have the same warranty coverage, but the hatchback costs less
According to Mitsubishi, the Mirage G4 starts at $17,795 MSRP, and the Mirage hatchback starts at $16,695 MSRP. Both of these vehicles are covered by the same Mitsubishi factory warranty. This warranty gives drivers a ton of peace of mind by offering two-year or 30,000-mile maintenance coverage. This equates to three oil changes, three tire rotations, and one cabin air filter. Customers also get a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five years of roadside assistance.
The standard Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the clear winner
With identical powertrains, features, and warranties, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback is the clear winner over the Mirage G4 sedan due to its better fuel economy, cargo space, slightly better performance, and lower price. Unless you need more passenger space, the Mirage hatchback is the better ultra-cheap new car.
