2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 - Affordable Compact Sedan Gets a Refresh

2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 - In an era of skyrocketing car prices, the Mirage G4 continues to stand out for one simple reason: affordability.

But what’s new in the 2026 model? Is it still worth considering, or has it fallen behind the competition?

OVERVIEW & PRICING

The 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 remains true to its roots as a subcompact sedan designed for efficiency and value. Starting at around $18,500, it’s one of the last brand-new cars in the U.S. you can buy for under $20K. That alone gives it a niche, especially for first-time buyers, commuters, or anyone simply looking to save money.

This year, the Mirage G4 receives a subtle facelift, with a slightly revised grille, sharper headlamp design, and new wheel options that give it a more modern, grown-up appearance — though still unmistakably Mirage.

It comes in three trims:

ES (base)
LE (mid-level)
SE (top trim with more comfort features)

POWERTRAIN & FUEL ECONOMY

Under the hood, the Mirage G4 still runs with its tried-and-true 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, producing 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a CVT automatic transmission, and although it won’t win any drag races, it excels where it matters: fuel economy.

The EPA rating is an impressive 35 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway — numbers that beat out many hybrid models, and far ahead of most gas-powered competitors.

This makes it a perfect daily driver for urban environments or long-distance commuters who prioritize efficiency over performance.

INTERIOR & TECH

Inside, the 2026 Mirage G4 offers a functional, minimalist cabin. While there are still some hard plastics, Mitsubishi has improved material quality slightly for a more refined feel, especially in the SE trim.

The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a huge plus at this price point. The system is intuitive and responsive — a nice touch in a budget sedan.

Other interior highlights include:

Automatic climate control (SE)
Keyless entry and push-button start (LE and up)
Cruise control
Upgraded seat fabric and soft-touch trim accents

Rear seat legroom is decent for a subcompact, and the 12.4 cubic feet of trunk space is competitive within this class.

SAFETY FEATURES

Safety is always a concern in budget vehicles, but Mitsubishi has stepped up here. The 2026 Mirage G4 includes:

Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Rearview Camera

Blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are also available on the SE trim. While it doesn’t offer the advanced driver assistance features of higher-end models, it checks the essential boxes.

COMPETITION & VERDICT

Now let’s talk competition. In 2026, the Mirage G4 stands almost alone in its price segment. Vehicles like the Hyundai Accent and Chevy Spark have been discontinued, and even the Kia Rio has seen limited availability.

Its main rivals now come from the used car market or slightly more expensive models like the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Yaris, if you can still find them.

Here’s the bottom line:

If you’re looking for a reliable, no-frills, fuel-efficient car under $20,000, brand new, the 2026 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 is one of the very few remaining options. It's not a luxury experience, and it's not fast, but it does exactly what it promises: affordable, simple transportation with solid tech and excellent gas mileage.

So, what do you think of the 2026 Mirage G4? Is it still a good buy in today’s market, or would you rather go used for a bit more car? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.