2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Mitsubishi sells a small range of budget-friendly SUVs that have been steadily improving in the brand’s road-test scores. In the past, Mitsubishi was known for its partnership with Chrysler and its eclectic lineup. Discontinued models include the budget-friendly Mirage, sports cars like the 3000 GT, Eclipse, and Lancer Evolution, mid-priced sedans, and dedicated off-road SUVs. After struggling during the 2000s and 2010s, Mitsubishi is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and has benefited from access to the other alliance members’ designs and technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander, for example, is based on the Nissan Rogue. Because Mitsubishi’s lineup is a mix of newer and older designs, some older models lag behind in crash test ratings while newer ones get top scores.

The i-MiEV, also known just as the i, is Mitsubishi's electric car. It uses a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery that takes between six and seven hours to charge on a 240-volt, Level 2 charger, or 21 hours on a standard 110-volt charger. Its range is EPA-rated at 62 miles, although we generally got 56 miles. We measured its energy consumption at 111 mpg equivalent. The motor puts out 63 hp. This is cheapest all-electric car available, but the tradeoff is it's slow, clumsy, stiff riding, and spartan inside. The i-MiEV has been discontinued for 2018.