The 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L 3-cylinder gets 39 MPG combined, and this figure largely defines the car’s purpose. It’s not focused on rapid acceleration, sharp handling, or advanced tech. Instead, it’s about getting the most miles from each gallon of fuel, which is important to certain buyers. The Mirage is unique because it’s one of the most affordable and economical new cars available.

City and highway performance

The EPA provides a more detailed breakdown of the 39 MPG, with 36 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Mirage’s ideal environment. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it easy to drive on busy city streets and park in tight spaces. Stop-and-go traffic doesn’t affect it as much as larger vehicles. The highway rating is also critical. While merging onto the interstate won’t be exciting, the Mirage can easily maintain highway speeds while providing excellent fuel efficiency. These numbers come from controlled tests, but they offer a useful comparison point.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage’s annual fuel cost at $1,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national gas prices. This number is important for potential Mirage owners because it’s a large part of the car’s total expenses. Gas prices change, but this $1,100 figure offers a solid estimate that helps buyers plan their budgets. It is a strong point for those who want low running costs above all else. To explore all Mitsubishi fuel economy data, please visit our fuel economy listing.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are useful, but real-world fuel economy can change depending on driving habits, road conditions, and how well the car is maintained. Hard acceleration, frequent hard braking, and skipping maintenance can all lower fuel efficiency. On the other hand, smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic, and keeping tires inflated can help you reach or even exceed the EPA estimates. The Mirage’s small engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) are particularly sensitive to driving style, so driving more efficiently can noticeably improve MPG.

How it compares

The Mirage’s impressive fuel economy ranks it among the best in its class. For example, the Nissan Versa offers more space, but its fuel economy is 35 MPG combined with an automatic transmission. The Kia Rio gets about 36 MPG combined. Even hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius c (now discontinued) only got around 46 MPG combined, and they cost significantly more. For buyers who want the lowest ownership costs, those few MPG points matter.

Make sure to compare MIRAGE MPG across all years before choosing.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Mirage’s CVT is designed to maximize fuel economy, but it can feel slow if you accelerate quickly. Accelerate smoothly to avoid overworking the engine. This will improve fuel economy and extend the life of the transmission.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tires often and keep them at the pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces MPG. A simple tire pressure gauge can quickly pay for itself through fuel savings.

Reduce extra weight. Carrying unnecessary items in the trunk or backseat adds to the vehicle’s weight, which lowers fuel economy. Remove any unnecessary items. Even small weight reductions matter when you’re trying to get the best MPG in a small car.

Regular maintenance is key to getting good fuel economy. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance help the engine run well. See your owner’s manual for the recommended maintenance schedule and follow it. A well-maintained engine is more fuel-efficient.

On the highway, cruise control can help. Cruise control maintains a steady speed, which reduces changes in fuel use. Be aware of hills, because cruise control might downshift unnecessarily on steep slopes, which reduces fuel savings.