In the world of subcompact cars, affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality reign supreme. Two standout contenders in this segment are the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage and the 2024 Nissan Versa. Both vehicles offer budget-friendly transportation options for city dwellers, first-time car buyers, and those seeking an economical daily driver. Let's compare the features of these cars to help you decide which one might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Overview of the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage has been a staple in the subcompact car segment for years, known for its exceptional fuel economy and affordable price tag. The 2024 model continues this tradition while incorporating some modern updates to keep it competitive in the market. Available as a standard hatchback or the G4 sedan, each with several trims to choose from, the Mirage offers endless versatility and customization options. The Mirage's compact dimensions and class-leading fuel efficiency cater to budget-conscious buyers, including young professionals, college students, and urban commuters who prioritize low running costs and easy maneuverability in tight city spaces.
Overview of the 2024 Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa has long been a popular choice in the subcompact segment, offering a blend of affordability and practicality. It's positioned as an entry-level vehicle that doesn't feel like a compromise, appealing to first-time car buyers, small families, and those looking for a reliable and feature-rich subcompact without breaking the bank. The 2024 Versa targets a similar demographic to the Mirage but aims to offer a more premium feel, focusing on comfort and technology features.
Pricing and Value Proposition
When it comes to pricing, both the Mirage and Versa start at nearly identical price points. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage has a starting MSRP of $16,695, while the 2024 Nissan Versa begins at $16,680. This close pricing makes the value proposition of each vehicle an important factor to consider.
At the base trim level, both cars offer essential features such as air conditioning, power windows, and basic infotainment systems. Depending on the trim, the Mirage also offers convenient touches such as rain-sensing windshield wipers and LED headlights. However, the Versa tends to offer more advanced features as standard, including a larger touch screen and more driver-assistance technologies.
One area where the Mirage clearly stands out is its warranty coverage. Mitsubishi offers a five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while Nissan only provides a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. If you run into any issues with your new Mirage, it's as simple as contacting our service center at Boardman Mitsubishi in Youngstown, Ohio, or another authorized Mitsubishi dealer near you to schedule an appointment and take advantage of the warranty coverage.
Performance and Powertrain
The performance characteristics of these two vehicles reflect their different approaches to the subcompact segment. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is powered by a 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. This modest output is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimal efficiency. In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Versa boasts a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and offers both CVT and five-speed manual transmission options.
While the Mirage may not win any drag races, its lightweight, small engine contributes to its excellent fuel economy. When it comes to handling, the Mirage's smaller size gives it an advantage in tight spaces. It boasts a turning diameter of just 30.2 feet, compared to the Versa's 34.8 feet. This makes the Mirage exceptionally maneuverable in urban environments and parking lots.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many subcompact car buyers, and this is where the Mitsubishi Mirage truly shines. The 2024 Mirage boasts impressive EPA ratings of 36 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway, and 39 mpg combined. These figures make it one of the most fuel-efficient nonhybrid vehicles on the market.
The 2024 Nissan Versa, while still efficient, falls short of the Mirage's stellar numbers. The manual transmission Versa achieves 27 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined, and the models with the CVT offer 32 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 35 mpg combined.
Interior Space and Comfort
Despite their compact exterior dimensions, both the Mirage and Versa strive to maximize interior space. The Mirage offers a generous 34.2 inches of rear legroom in the hatchback, which increases to 37.3 inches in the G4 sedan, surpassing the Versa's 31 inches of rear legroom. The Mirage also provides an impressive 17.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the option of expanding that to 47 cubic feet when the back seats are folded down, while the Versa has 14.7 cubic feet of trunk cargo space with no foldable back seats at the base trim level.
Technology and Infotainment
Both vehicles offer modern infotainment systems. The Mirage comes with a 7-inch touch-screen display, while the Versa offers a larger 7-inch or 8-inch screen depending on the trim. Both cars support smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to easily access their favorite apps and navigation services.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a top priority for both Mitsubishi and Nissan. The 2024 Mirage and Versa come equipped with a range of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Both models also offer forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking as standard.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Reliability is a key factor for budget-conscious buyers to consider. Both the Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are generally considered dependable options in the subcompact vehicle segment, though the Kelley Blue Book consumer ratings give the Mirage this edge, awarding it 4.5 stars for reliability and the Versa 4.2 stars.
When it comes to maintenance costs, the Mirage's simpler engine design and fewer components may result in lower repair bills over time. While the Versa's more powerful engine might provide better longevity for high-mileage drivers, Mitsubishi's generous warranty can provide significant peace of mind and potential long-term savings for Mirage owners.
Making Your Decision
In the battle of the 2024 Nissan Versa vs. Mitsubishi Mirage, the Mirage emerges as the clear winner for those who prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and low-cost ownership. With its exceptional fuel economy — among the best for nonhybrid vehicles — drivers can save significantly on fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
Visit us at Boardman Mitsubishi to take the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage for a test-drive. Our knowledgeable staff can answer any questions and help you explore the various trim levels and options available. Contact us today to schedule your test-drive and find your perfect subcompact car.