2022 Mitsubishi Mirage Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Recently, the focus of the automotive world seems to have shifted to giant SUVs and trucks. While these vehicles certainly serve a purpose, they will never replace the subcompact car for some drivers. They offer the fuel economy and low price tag that will never stop being appealing, especially for those who want a simple commuter.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage is a vehicle with few frills and even fewer thrills. That is not to say it is a bad car, necessarily. It does what it set out to do - provide affordable transportation. The initial price is incredibly low, and the fuel efficiency keeps the Mirage a budget-friendly vehicle for the long term.

For the new model year, Mitsubishi is introducing a brand-new Black Edition. Theoretically, this is being done to appeal to drivers who are concerned with the appearance of their car. All models are now equipped with a front-passenger vanity mirror, plus welcome and departure lighting. Like before, the Mirage is being offered in both sedan and hatchback body styles. In 2022, there are four trim levels available for each.

Buyers may be tempted to jump on the low price of the entry-level Mirage. If it does not have the features they need, however, it is arguable whether or not they are getting a good deal. The following guide will point out the differences between all trim levels so that shoppers can decide which of the four trims they will be best served by.

 

Compare the ES vs LE Trims. What is the difference?

One of the biggest complaints everyone has about the Mirage is its lack of power. The Mirage ES gets a 1.2L three-cylinder that pumps out a measly 78-horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. That is less than just about every other new car on the market. The engine can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission, or drivers can opt for a CVT. Unsurprisingly, the Mirage is only available with front-wheel drive.

The fuel economy estimates depend on both the transmission and the body style. For the best efficiency, buyers will want a hatchback with the CVT. It is estimated to get up to 36mpg in the city and 43mpg on the highway. With the manual, a hatchback 2022 Mirage is estimated to get 33mpg city and 41mpg highway. Both the manual and CVT are estimated to get 35mpg city and 41mpg highway if buyers opt for the sedan.

There are halogen headlights and LED taillights on the exterior of the 2022 Mirage. Hatchback models get a standard roof spoiler, while sedan models all have a trunk spoiler. The ES model has 14-inch wheels underneath it for both body styles. One nice exterior detail that all of the new Mirage models have in common are the chrome grille accents.

People may like the Mirage for its colorful paint options. The ES sedan has seven colors to choose from, with the bolder options being Sapphire Blue Metallic and Infrared Metallic. Those who choose the ES hatchback can also pick Sand Yellow Metallic.

When it comes to the interior, there is no power adjustment for either the driver or the front passenger. The driver gets six-way manual adjustment, while the passenger has only four-way to work with. In the back, the hatchback has a split-folding rear seat that helps drivers make the most of the cargo space. For the sedan, there is a pass-through that allows longer items to be hauled.

Speaking of cargo space, the sedan model of the Mirage ES has one of the smallest trunks out there. It offers up only 12.4 cubic feet to work with. On the other hand, the hatchback version has 17.1 cubic feet behind the second row and 47 cubic feet behind the first row, making it one of the roomiest cars in its class. While neither body style would be considered especially roomy when it comes to passengers, they can both theoretically seat up to five.

A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard for the 2022 Mirage ES, plus smartphone compatibility through both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If those features do not hold any appeal, there is also a Bluetooth connectivity standard. There are only four speakers for the sound system, but that actually is not too bad considering the size of the cabin. Mitsubishi has made an attempt to make the ES a little less bare-bones by giving it automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, and remote keyless entry.

Buyers may actually be pleasantly surprised when they look at the standard safety features for the ES. It comes with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. There is also a tire pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, and active stability control. Naturally, there is also a rearview camera that shows what is behind the Mirage on the 7-inch touchscreen.

Another nice thing about the Mirage ES is the standard warranty. This sedan may seem a little cheap, but Mitsubishi is confident enough in it to give it a five-year or 60,000-mile basic warranty. They also give drivers 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain, plus seven years of corrosion protection. Roadside assistance comes standard as well.

If the buyer's main concern is getting the cheapest possible new car, the Mirage ES hatchback costs around $14,700. The sedan version of this vehicle costs about $1,000 more. If buyers decide they want the CVT instead of the manual, they will need to pay $1,350 extra.

The next trim level up, known as the LE or Limited Edition, has the same engine. This model is only available with the CVT. It gets specialized LE badging, along with 15-inch alloy wheels for a little extra sophistication. Otherwise, the LE and ES are identical from the outside. Paint color options remain the same throughout the entire lineup.

Inside the cabin, the LE trim level has a black leather and aluminum shift knob. The hatchback LE costs nearly $2,000 more than the hatchback ES. There is also an approximately $2,000 difference between the LE sedan and the ES sedan. Most of this jump in price can be attributed to the standard CVT, considering how few features are actually added by going up to the LE.

Both the ES and LE can add rear parking sensors for around $650. They can also add a premium sound system for about $600. These two features remain available for the Black Edition and SE.

Compare the LE vs Black Edition. What is the difference?

The brand-new Black Edition model of the Mirage may catch some eyes. Once again, the engine stays the same and the CVT comes standard. This is the first model of the list that comes equipped with fog lights. It loses the chrome grille accents in favor of red ones instead.

That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exterior changes. The Black Edition has its own specialized badging, plus black side mirrors and a black trunk spoiler. Underneath this trim, there are 15-inch black alloy wheels. There are also black lug nuts and wheel locks to help cement the sportier look of the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage Black Edition.

There is still fabric upholstery inside this trim level, except it now has red stitching. Inside the door is a red cloth insert. Rounding out this aggressive theme are red accent stitches for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob. The console and vent trim is "piano black."

Buyers will find that there are very few features added by the Mirage Black Edition. The only real exception is the rain-sensing windshield wipers. Buyers who want the Mirage hatchback will be paying $500 more for the Black Edition than they would for the LE. The same is true when comparing the sedan models.

Compare the Black Edition vs SE Trims. What is the difference?

The SE is the most sophisticated version of the 2022 Mirage. On the outside, it shows off LED low and high beams, plus LED daytime running lights. The high beams are also automatic when it comes to this top Mirage. Chrome replaces the red grille accents found on the Black Edition. This is the only trim level that incorporates turn signals on its side mirrors.

This model has unique SE badging. It goes back to the same 15-inch alloy wheels that are found underneath the LE trim level. Inside the SE is a meter cluster with a chrome accent. This is the only model that has a driver's seat armrest, which is something worth noting if that is a priority. More impressive are the standard heated front seats. The steering wheel and shift knob remain wrapped in leather, but they lose the red accents.

A few other tweaks to the cabin help with the upscale feeling of the SE. There is a gloss black shift panel, plus chrome front interior door handles. A push-button start is added by this trim, along with the Mitsubishi FAST-key. This is essentially a combination of proximity keyless entry and a remote start. That last feature makes it easier to get the car to a good temperature before even getting in. On the safety front, there is a lane departure warning equipped on the Mirage SE.

Stepping up to the SE from the Black Edition costs an extra $500. This is true for both the sedan and the hatchback.

 

Final Thoughts

The right trim level really depends on what the buyer's main priorities are. If an affordable new car with an impressive warranty is the only concern, the entry-level ES is perfectly acceptable. It is missing a lot of convenience features, but it has a respectable amount of safety and tech to offer. This trim level also has the same engine underneath the hood as the rest of the options.

Both middle trim levels are skippable. The LE adds very little, and the Black Edition makes primarily cosmetic changes. Some people may want to pay extra for the more aggressive look at the Mirage Black Edition, but most people will skip it.

If buyers can swing it, the SE is actually a well-rounded little vehicle. Here drivers get LED headlights, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and much more. It is still quite affordable when compared to other vehicles on the market.

While the body style is also a matter of preference, people should strongly consider choosing the hatchback. Not only is it more affordable, but it is also much more practical thanks to its extra cargo space. There is also an extra three inches of legroom when comparing the hatchback to the sedan version of the 2022 Mirage. If that is not enough, remember that the Mirage hatchback with the CVT is the most fuel-efficient option.

Buyers will be happiest with the 2022 Mirage SE, particularly if they choose the sedan over the hatchback.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Trime Levels