The Mitsubishi Mirage G4, a subcompact sedan known for its fuel efficiency and affordability, has been a staple in the budget car market for several years. Choosing the right model year can make a significant difference in terms of reliability, features, and overall value. This guide will delve into the best and worst years for the Mirage G4, offering expert insights to help you make an informed decision.
Model Year Overview
| Model Year | Key Features/Improvements | Potential Issues/Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | First year of G4 model, available with CVT or manual, good fuel economy. | Some reports of CVT issues, basic interior. |
| 2018 | Minor trim level updates, standard rearview camera. | Similar CVT concerns to 2017, limited power. |
| 2019 | Updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved styling. | Still underpowered, some reports of wind noise. |
| 2020 | No major changes. | Similar issues to previous years. |
| 2021 | Significant facelift with updated front and rear styling, enhanced safety features. | Carryover engine and transmission, some find styling polarizing. |
| 2022 | No significant changes. | Similar issues to previous years. |
| 2023 | No significant changes. | Similar issues to previous years. |
| 2024 | Expected to be the last model year, minor updates possible. | Potential for end-of-production quality control issues or attractive deals. |
Detailed Explanations
2017: First Year of G4 Model, available with CVT or manual, good fuel economy.
The 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 marked the introduction of the sedan variant of the Mirage hatchback. It offered a fuel-efficient 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine, available with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It was a budget-friendly option, appealing to those seeking an economical and practical car.
Potential Issues/Drawbacks: Some reports of CVT issues, basic interior.
While the 2017 Mirage G4 offered decent fuel economy, some owners have reported issues with the CVT transmission, particularly regarding its responsiveness and longevity. The interior was also basic, with hard plastics and minimal features.
2018: Minor trim level updates, standard rearview camera.
The 2018 model year saw some minor trim level updates, and the rearview camera became a standard feature, enhancing safety and convenience. This was a welcome addition, making the car slightly more appealing.
Similar CVT concerns to 2017, limited power.
The 2018 Mirage G4 continued to suffer from the same CVT-related concerns as the previous year. The engine's limited power remained a significant drawback, especially when accelerating or merging onto highways.
2019: Updated infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, improved styling.
The 2019 model year brought a significant upgrade to the infotainment system, adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This made the car more modern and user-friendly. There were also minor styling tweaks, improving the overall appearance.
Still underpowered, some reports of wind noise.
Despite the infotainment upgrade, the 2019 Mirage G4 still struggled with its underpowered engine. Some owners also reported excessive wind noise at higher speeds, which could be a nuisance on long drives.
2020: No major changes.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 received no major changes from the previous year. It carried over the same features, engine, and transmission.
Similar issues to previous years.
As a result of the lack of changes, the 2020 model year inherited the same issues as the 2019 model, including limited power and potential wind noise.
2021: Significant facelift with updated front and rear styling, enhanced safety features.
The 2021 model year brought a significant facelift to the Mirage G4, with updated front and rear styling. This made the car look more modern and appealing. Enhanced safety features were also added, improving the car's overall safety rating.
Carryover engine and transmission, some find styling polarizing.
Despite the styling and safety improvements, the 2021 Mirage G4 retained the same engine and transmission as previous years. Some critics and consumers found the updated styling polarizing, with opinions varying on its aesthetic appeal.
2022: No significant changes.
The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 saw no significant changes from the 2021 model year. The features, engine, and transmission remained the same.
Similar issues to previous years.
The 2022 model year inherited the same issues as the 2021 model, including limited power and polarizing styling.
2023: No significant changes.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 continued the trend of minimal changes, with no significant updates from the previous year.
Similar issues to previous years.
The 2023 model year also inherited the issues of previous years, including the underpowered engine and potentially divisive styling.
2024: Expected to be the last model year, minor updates possible.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is expected to be the last model year for this model. Minor updates are possible, but nothing significant is anticipated.
Potential for end-of-production quality control issues or attractive deals.
As the final year of production, the 2024 Mirage G4 could be subject to either quality control issues due to the end of the production line, or attractively priced deals as dealerships try to clear out inventory.
Best Years to Consider
Based on the information above, the 2019 model year stands out as a particularly good choice due to the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which significantly enhances the infotainment experience. The 2021 model year is also worth considering, as it features a refreshed exterior design and enhanced safety features, making it a more modern and appealing option.
Years to Potentially Avoid
While all Mirage G4 models offer affordability and fuel efficiency, the 2017 and 2018 model years may be less desirable due to reported CVT issues and the lack of modern infotainment features. However, if you are on a very tight budget and find a well-maintained example of these years, they could still be a viable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mitsubishi Mirage G4 year has the best fuel economy?
All model years of the Mirage G4 have excellent fuel economy, typically around 37 MPG combined.
Are there any known issues with the CVT transmission?
Some owners have reported issues with the CVT transmission, particularly in the earlier model years (2017-2018).
Does the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were added to the Mirage G4 starting with the 2019 model year.
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 a reliable car?
The Mirage G4 generally has good reliability ratings, but regular maintenance is crucial.
What is the biggest drawback of the Mitsubishi Mirage G4?
The biggest drawback is its underpowered engine, which can make acceleration and merging challenging.
Conclusion
Choosing the right year for your Mitsubishi Mirage G4 can significantly impact your ownership experience. While all model years offer affordability and fuel efficiency, the 2019 and 2021 models stand out due to their improved features and styling. Consider your budget and priorities when making your decision, and be sure to thoroughly inspect any used vehicle before purchasing.