Mitsubishi Motors Discontinues Mirage to Make Room for New Core Model

Every major automaker in the world is making the shift to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and some are being a little dramatic. Not naming names, but some high-performance brands have been making the “last call” for the last year. In a world where the auto industry becomes electric, some models are going to have to go and make room for new concepts. Mitsubishi Motors came to the same conclusion when looking at its current lineup. The Mitsubishi Mirage is being discontinued in the U.S.

“No way!” Right? The most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered hatchback in America is coming to an end? How can that possibly be? According to the second-quarter sales of Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA), the Mirage only sold 1,974 units, with a total of 5316 units sold all year. By looking at the numbers, this seems like a money-thing, but if that were true, Mitsubishi wouldn’t be praising the Outlander PHEV as much, with a 2023 Year-to-Date (YTD) of 3217 units sold. So, what is causing the collapse of the Mitsubishi Mirage?

At one point, the Mirage was a great beginner vehicle for new car buyer, but the lineup is changing. Along with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance 2030 business plans, Mitsubishi released its own “Challenge 2025” business strategy. All-in-all, the automakers aims to introduce nine new electrified models globally over the rest of the decade, with five already planned within the next two years. According to Mitsubishi Motors North America spokesperson Jeremy Barnes, claimed the model has a future, but didn’t say much on the matter.

Starting at $16,245 (plus destination fee), the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage is a great deal, saves on fuel, and has some niche style, but the market has shifted towards GT cars, as in gran tourismo. Vehicles that are fun to drive and drive for long durations; the kind of vehicle you can take with you anywhere, and not just locally. What could replace the Mirage? Well, as it stands, the automaker seems to be slowly removing anything that isn’t an SUV from its North America lineup.

Overseas, Mitsubishi released the new xForce compact crossover for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato put this model in the spotlight when discussing the future lineup. Apparently, the boxy compact utility vehicle will have an impact on more than Southeast Asia. The new xForce will also replace the Outlander Sport subcompact crossover, despite not appearing in America.

“We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] market to a global strategic vehicle, making it a core model,” – Kato

So, the xForce is a jumping off point for the future of the lineup. Giving Mitsubishi Motors a platform for the U.S. market, the automaker is planning to deliver its first fully electric model — a compact crossover — to the U.S. in 2026. Many say it will be the new “Leaf” for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. Depending on its success, the other Renault and Nissan will also release their own version in their respective regions.

Want to follow along with all news and updates for Mitsubishi Motors? Follow along with us on University Mitsubishi social media.

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi Motors