Mitsubishi Mirage's Production to Cease by 2025

author: FutureCar Staff    

The current generation of the Mitsubishi Mirage is primarily manufactured in Thailand to meet emissions regulations and cater to the brand's significant market in the country. This allows Mitsubishi to take advantage of relatively inexpensive labor and offer the Mirage as a competitively priced global product.

While the Mirage may not be considered a great car, it has developed a reputation that may be undeserved but is appreciated by some.

Recent claims suggest that the Mirage is the only vehicle selling below $20,000, indicating its longstanding role as an affordable transportation option.

Mitsubishi had plans to abandon the sedan market altogether, aligning with its focus on value and presence in developing markets. However, the brand's decision to discontinue the Mirage in favor of crossovers and electric vehicles is predictable given the market shift towards larger vehicles and electrification.

Despite fuel prices and an economy that would seemingly support value-focused cars, the Mirage is being discontinued in the United States by 2025. The days of purchasing a $13,000 economy car are over, as manufacturers have consistently increased the prices of micro compacts to prioritize higher-profit-margin vehicles.

While the Mirage still offers an affordable ownership experience with its impressive warranty and excellent fuel economy, its starting price has increased to $16,245 and is expected to rise further with the introduction of advanced safety technology.

Although the Mirage may be the cheapest car on the market, it is aging poorly and lacks driving excitement. It is primarily suited for errands in densely packed cities, but struggles on expressways and steep hills.

While the Mirage's value proposition diminishes as you move up from the base trim, Mitsubishi has incrementally raised the price of the vehicle. This has contributed to declining sales, with the Mirage barely on track to sell 10,000 units this year.

The decline of economy cars is evident in the market, with the Nissan Versa experiencing a significant decrease in sales volume. The segment is disappearing, and only the Kia Rio remains until the market realizes the potential for pint-sized hybrid crossovers at higher price points.

The future of the Mirage beyond 2025 is uncertain, but sources suggest that it may not continue beyond that year. Potential buyers have some time to consider whether the Mirage is the right choice for them before it potentially leaves the North American market.

Mitsubishi Motors spokesperson Jeremy Barnes declined to comment on the exact timeline for the Mirage's departure from North America, stating that it still fulfills the role of an entry-level vehicle in their portfolio.

FutureCar Staff