Does the Mitsubishi Mirage have a manual transmission?

[AnnieLee]

No, if you're looking at a brand-new Mitsubishi Mirage in the United States or Canada, a manual transmission is no longer an option. Mitsubishi discontinued the 5-speed manual for the Mirage and Mirage G4 sedan starting with the 2023 model year. All current models now come exclusively with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The 2022 model year was the last chance to buy a new Mirage with a stick shift. Specifically, the manual was only available on the base ES trim. Industry commentary from sources like Jalopnik noted that this move aligned with broader market trends but did remove a more engaging, budget-friendly driving option. The shift to a CVT-only lineup also contributed to a modest increase in the model's starting price.

For a clear breakdown:

Model Year	Manual Transmission Available?	Key Details
2022 & Older	Yes	Offered exclusively on the base ES trim level.
2023 & Newer	No	All trims (ES, LE, SE) come standard with a CVT.

If your heart is set on a manual Mirage, your only route is the used car market. You'll need to target 2022 or older models. Your best search tools will be major online marketplaces or local dealerships with pre-owned inventory. It's worth noting that availability can vary significantly by region. While North America lost the manual option, some international markets like the Philippines may still offer a 5-speed manual in their current lineup, according to global market specifications.

The primary reason for this change is driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressures. The vast majority of subcompact car buyers in North America opt for automatic transmissions, making the manual a low-volume offering. Furthermore, modern CVTs provide slightly better fuel economy ratings, which helps manufacturers meet stringent corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. From a sales and engineering perspective, simplifying the lineup to one transmission reduces production complexity and cost.

[VanAdelyn]

As a mechanic who sees a lot of these cars, I can tell you the manual Mirage was a simple, fun little runabout. It wasn't fast, but the 5-speed gave you direct control. For the 2023 model year, Mitsubishi made the CVT the only game in town. So if a new manual is a must-have for you, you're out of luck at the dealership. Your best bet is to hunt for a clean, low-mileage 2022 or earlier model. Check the usual used car sites—they pop up occasionally, often at a good price because the manual models are less common.

[AshleyRose]

I just went through this exact search, wanting the most affordable new car possible with three pedals. I was disappointed to learn the manual transmission was dropped after 2022. The salesperson confirmed all 2024 Mirages on the lot were CVT-only. He said it came down to sales numbers; hardly anyone was ordering the manual anymore. My advice is to adjust your search parameters online. Set the year to 2022 and max, and use "manual" or "5-speed" as a keyword filter. Be prepared to travel a bit or have a vehicle shipped if you find the right one, as they're not sitting on every corner.

[SanGiselle]

From a pure specs and market trend perspective, the answer is no for new models. The discontinuation aligns with industry data showing declining manual take rates, especially in the economy segment. The CVT is now standard across all trims (ES, LE, SE) for efficiency and simplification. This decision reflects a calculated move by Mitsubishi to streamline production for a niche model. For the driving enthusiast, this removes a key value proposition—the manual was a significant part of the Mirage's charm as a basic, engaging city car. The focus is now entirely on fuel economy and ease of use for the broader market.

[StGenesis]

Let's talk about what this change really means for you as a buyer. The core fact is straightforward: no manual in new Mirages since 2023. This isn't unique to Mitsubishi; it's a widespread industry shift. The immediate impact is on your choices and budget. You now have two clear paths: buy a new CVT model for its warranty and latest features, or buy a used manual model for its driving character and potentially lower upfront cost. If you choose used, prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on clutch wear and gearbox smoothness. The manual Mirage has a reputation for mechanical simplicity, which can mean lower repair costs, but that only holds true if the previous owner drove it responsibly. Ultimately, your decision hinges on whether driving engagement or modern convenience is your higher priority.