Like the Loch Ness monster or a Sasquatch, finding a reliable and value-conscious new car with a starting price under $20,000 has taken on near-mythical qualities. Yet here we have two subcompact cars that prove beyond a doubt that inexpensive vehicles are no hoax. The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa are fuel-sipping small cars that are kind to your wallet. They both have an entry price hovering around $17,000, though even their highest trims barely tiptoe their way across the $20K barrier.
We decided a head-to-heard comparison was in order, to determine which of these economical cars presents the better deal.
Let’s find out by exploring the highlights of the Mirage and Versa.
2024 Mitsubishi Mirage
The 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage starts at $17,840 and comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, one USB port, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Powering (we use this term loosely) the Mirage is a tiny 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine that produces 78 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque.
This officially makes the Mirage the least powerful new car by a considerable margin. Calling its acceleration sloth-like seems mean to our 2- or 3-toed tree-dwelling friends, though in this instance, it’s an accurate description. At the very least, the Mirage is great when it comes to gas mileage, and its small footprint makes it a breeze to park.
Mitsubishi Mirage Highlights
Excellent warranty: The Mitsubishi Mirage comes with excellent warranty coverage that far exceeds what you get with the Versa. A 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is complemented by 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Two years/30,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance is also part of the deal.
Cargo space: This Mirage boasts more than 17 cubic feet of cargo volume, not to mention a low load floor. This is several cubic feet more than what the Versa sedan offers.
Two body styles: Mitsubishi Mirage shoppers also have the choice of opting for the hatchback or sedan variant — the latter is called the Mirage G4. They both have the same drivetrain, though the sedan has less cargo capacity and is priced slightly higher (starting at 18,940).
Fuel economy: Another plus point is the class-leading fuel economy. An EPA-rated 39 mpg combined average means fuel stops will be infrequent.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mirage models near you.
2024 Nissan Versa
The 2024 Versa is available in three trims – S, SV, and SR – and pricing starts at $17,820. Similar to the Mitsubishi Mirage, this takes into consideration roughly $1,100 worth of destination charges. It also makes the Versa the least expensive new car, by all of 20 bucks compared to its Mitsubishi rival. Under the pert hood is a 122-hp 4-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels via a CVT.
True, acceleration is leisurely, though it’s a vast improvement over the Mitsubishi Mirage. The handling and suspension also exhibit great refinement, the Versa does a commendable job of feeling like a larger, more expensive vehicle. We do wish the rear seat was more generous in terms of legroom, however.
Nissan Versa Highlights
Cabin quality: The Versa won’t fool you into thinking you’re piloting a luxury automobile, though its interior feels solid. Upper trims have nice touches like upgraded cloth upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 7-inch touchscreen is standard, though a larger 8-inch screen comes with the SR trim.
Adaptive cruise control: This convenient feature is standard on the SR model and is useful for anyone whose driving routine includes many miles spent on highways. It uses forward-facing sensors to automatically maintain a safe distance to vehicles ahead.
Versa SR: Speaking of the SR, we think it delivers the best blend of features and economy. While keeping the price low is important, the SR starts around $22,000 and comes with desirable features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, remote start, automatic climate control, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
Manual transmission: Consider this the ultimate theft deterrent, considering how few people these days know how to drive a stick-shift vehicle. A 5-speed manual gearbox is available only on the base S trim. It’s light and easy to use and saves roughly $1,600 upfront versus the S model with a CVT, although it’s a bit thirstier at the pump.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Versa models near you.
Similarities
Cheap cars still exist, and they’re not nearly as Spartan as you imagine. The Mitsubishi Mirage and Nissan Versa represent a dwindling field of subcompact vehicles that don’t cost a bundle and have frugal engines.
Conclusion
In terms of price and fuel efficiency, this seems to be a pretty close contest. But when it comes down to driving refinement and overall value, the Nissan Versa is the clear winner. In comparison, the Mitsubishi Mirage simply feels underpowered, outdated, and outclassed.
| 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage | 2024 Nissan Versa | |
| Starting Price | $17,840 | $17,820 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 1.2-liter 3-cylinder | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 78 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 122 hp @ 6,300 rpm |
| Torque | 74 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 114 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel economy MPG | 36 city/43 highway/39 combined | 27 city/35 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | CVT | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 96.5 inches | 103.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 151.4 inches | 177.0 inches |
| Width | 65.6 inches | 68.5 inches |
| Height | 59.4 inches | 57.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 30.2 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.0 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.2 inches | 36.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 44.5 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 34.2 inches | 31.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 51.7 inches | 53.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 51.0 inches | 53.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 17.1 cubic feet | 14.7 cubic feet |
