Efficient and Economical: 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT Review

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT isn’t a flashy vehicle and it’s not the most powerful car on the road either but it excels where it counts for drivers seeking an efficient budget-friendly ride. Designed to be a practical subcompact the Mirage is particularly appealing to those who prioritize affordability and fuel efficiency over speed or luxury. Here’s an in-depth review covering everything you need to know about the 2021 Mirage ES CVT including its strengths and weaknesses as well as insights from automotive expert Alex Collantes on what makes this vehicle unique in its class.

Introduction to the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT

The Mitsubishi Mirage first appeared in the U.S. market in 2014 as an inexpensive fuel-sipping subcompact aimed at city drivers and eco-conscious buyers. Since then it’s become known for its affordability and compact size with consistent updates to improve fuel efficiency and design. The 2021 model year brought a refreshed exterior and additional tech features making it even more practical and accessible for urban drivers.

Highlights:

• Super affordable with a starting price around $15,000
• Outstanding fuel economy with a combined average of 36-40 MPG
• Compact size ideal for city driving and parking
• Generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty

Design and Exterior: Practical Yet Understated

The 2021 Mirage ES CVT is not winning awards for bold design but it’s compact and clean exterior is functional and suited for city driving. It’s a 5-door hatchback with a bit of a sporty flair but it won’t catch many eyes on the road. Updates for 2021 include a redesigned front grille and headlight design to modernize its look. Its simplicity could be a turn-off for some but it works well in its favor when prioritizing budget and efficiency.

Pros:

• Compact design makes city driving and parking easy
• Lightweight structure contributes to better fuel efficiency
• Sleek front grille and headlights give it a fresh look

Cons:

• Limited color options with somewhat basic styling
• Lightweight materials may feel less robust on rough roads

Interior and Comfort: Minimalist Yet Functional

The interior of the Mirage ES CVT is where Mitsubishi had to make some sacrifices to keep costs low. Expect a minimalist interior with basic materials and a no-frills design that’s all about function over form. The seats offer basic comfort but might feel a bit stiff on long drives. On the other hand the controls are intuitive and the touchscreen display adds a nice modern touch. Alex Collantes an automotive expert has noted "While the interior is simple it’s straightforward and does exactly what it’s supposed to. It’s perfect for city drivers who don’t need all the extras."

Key Interior Features

• Standard 7-inch touchscreen: Surprisingly decent for the price with smartphone connectivity
• Basic fabric seats: Comfortable enough for short city trips but may lack padding for longer drives
• Sufficient cargo space: Rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity making it versatile

Drawbacks:

• Limited comfort for extended trips
• Hard plastic components throughout the cabin
• Limited rear legroom which could be a downside for tall passengers

Performance and Handling: Made for Efficiency Not Speed

The Mirage ES CVT is equipped with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine putting out 78 horsepower. With an engine this small you’re not going to get the thrill of a high-performance car but that’s not the goal here. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) contributes to the car’s fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance during city and highway driving. Acceleration is modest and the Mirage can feel a bit sluggish on the highway especially when merging or passing.

What to Expect in Terms of Performance

• Fuel Efficiency: Best-in-class MPG (up to 43 MPG on the highway)
• Maneuverability: Tight turning radius makes for easy handling in crowded urban areas
• Acceleration: Modest at best good for city speeds but lacks highway power

Potential Downsides:

• Struggles at higher speeds and lacks quick acceleration
• Engine noise can be noticeable under stress
• Limited power may be a dealbreaker for those used to more powerful vehicles

Safety Features: Reliable but Basic

Safety is always important but for a budget car like the Mirage Mitsubishi has included essential safety features to keep the vehicle competitive in its segment. The 2021 Mirage comes with seven airbags a rear-view camera and a few advanced features that weren’t previously standard on older models. These upgrades enhance safety but the Mirage lacks advanced driver-assistance tech seen in higher-end models.

Standard Safety Equipment

• Rear-view Camera: Useful for reversing in tight spots
• Forward Collision Mitigation System: Warns and even brakes for frontal obstacles
• Seven Airbags: Comprehensive for this price range including knee airbags

Cons:

• No adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring
• Limited availability of advanced driver-assistance systems
• Basic crash test ratings compared to larger or newer models

Infotainment and Tech: Adequate Essentials

For a car in this price range the 2021 Mirage offers reasonable tech features starting with a 7-inch touchscreen display that includes Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity. While it lacks some modern conveniences like a premium sound system the tech package is enough to cover the basics for most drivers. Alex Collantes remarks "You’re not paying for a luxury experience here but for the price the tech in the Mirage ES is quite good."

Tech Highlights

• Touchscreen Display: Standard on all models user-friendly interface
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Easy to pair for hands-free calls and streaming
• Audio System: Basic sound but works well enough for city commutes

Downsides:

• No satellite radio or premium audio options
• Limited app integration with somewhat basic sound quality
• Touchscreen can be slow to respond at times

Fuel Economy: The Mirage’s Strongest Selling Point

Fuel efficiency is where the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT truly shines. This car is designed to keep costs low at the pump with an estimated 36 MPG city and 43 MPG highway. For drivers who commute frequently or do a lot of urban driving the Mirage’s fuel efficiency can translate to substantial savings over time. This factor alone makes it a standout option in the subcompact market for budget-conscious drivers.

Fuel Efficiency Breakdown

• City Driving: Up to 36 MPG excellent for stop-and-go traffic
• Highway Efficiency: Reaches up to 43 MPG making it a great choice for longer trips
• Annual Fuel Costs: One of the lowest in its class saving you money over time

Potential Drawbacks:

• Small fuel tank means more frequent fill-ups despite the efficiency
• The lightweight build helps with MPG but may affect stability on rougher roads

Warranty and Maintenance: Coverage That Adds Value

One of the best things about Mitsubishi vehicles including the Mirage is the generous warranty package. It includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty which is far more extensive than many competitors. For budget-conscious buyers the warranty can provide peace of mind knowing that major repairs will be covered for years to come.

Warranty Coverage

• Powertrain Warranty: 10-year/100,000-mile coverage
• Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Anti-Corrosion Protection: 7 years which is ideal for those in humid climates

Cons:

• Routine maintenance may be more frequent for subcompact vehicles
• Repairs outside warranty coverage may feel pricey due to limited part availability
• Some owners report mixed experiences with dealer servicing

Final Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Urban Cruiser

If you’re in the market for an affordable reliable subcompact the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT delivers on its promises. It may not have the power or luxury features of higher-end vehicles but for those who prioritize fuel efficiency low maintenance costs and a budget-friendly price tag this car is a practical choice. "For the right driver the Mirage ES CVT is the perfect fit" says Alex Collantes. It’s a car that understands its purpose and delivers on it without any frills.

Pros:

• Exceptional fuel economy for a gas-powered vehicle
• Affordable starting price with competitive warranty coverage
• Compact size ideal for city driving

Cons:

• Limited power and acceleration especially on highways
• Basic interior materials may not appeal to everyone
• Few advanced tech or safety features compared to rivals

FAQs about the 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT

Is the Mirage ES CVT good for long drives?

• While it’s fine for short trips the Mirage is better suited for city driving due to limited comfort on extended journeys.

How is the fuel economy in real-world driving?

• Many drivers report achieving close to the EPA estimates making it one of the most fuel-efficient gas cars in its class.

Does it have enough cargo space for daily needs?

• With the rear seats folded down the Mirage offers decent cargo space making it versatile for grocery runs and small loads.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage ES CVT is a budget-friendly option that checks all the boxes for city dwellers looking for something practical and economical without the luxury price