Against 36 other 3-cyl cars rated 2022–2024, the Mirage beats their 31.2 mpg average by 7.8 mpg, about $246 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1985, the 1.2L 3-cyl (2014–2024), does 39 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.5L 4-cyl (1985–2002), 30.8: $262 a year apart.
Every Mitsubishi Mirage engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2L 3-cyl | 36.2 / 42.8 | 2014–2024 | $985 | |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 28.2 / 35.1 | 1985–2002 | $1,247 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 39.3 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 33.7 mpg and the Audi A3 30.7 mpg, next to 39 mpg for the 2024 Mirage.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2024) | $0.082 |
| Fuel per year | $985 |
| Fuel over five years | $4,925 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 2022–2024 | −$246 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,875 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage gives up 7 mpg in town: 43 on the highway against 36 in the city, $174 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2024) | 36 mpg | $1,067 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 43 mpg | $893 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (19%) | Typical for its type |
How the Mirage changed over the years
The Mirage peaked in 2024 at 39 mpg (36 city, 43 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1992 at 29 — 10 mpg apart, or $339 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2023 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2022 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2021 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2020 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2019 | 36 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2018 | 37 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2017 | 37 / 43 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2015 | 36 / 42 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2014 | 36 / 42 | 1 | $985 | |
| 2002 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2001 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2000 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1999 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1998 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1997 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1996 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1995 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1994 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1993 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1992 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1991 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1990 | 27 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1989 | 28 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1988 | 29 / 35 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1987 | 29 / 34 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 1986 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,164 | |
| 1985 | 31 / 37 | 1 | $1,129 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 28 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi Mirage — 2 engines across 1985–2024. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $1,875. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage get?
39 mpg combined, 36 city and 43 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the Mirage has averaged 33.7 mpg.
Is the 2024 Mirage more efficient than the 2023?
About the same: 39 against 39 mpg combined.
Which Mirage year has the best gas mileage?
The 2024, at 39 mpg combined (36 city, 43 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Mirage get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
About the same: 39 mpg for the 2024 Mirage against 39.3 for the 2025 Honda Civic.
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