From Mirage (hatch 2019) to Mirage (2021 G4 sedan)

[btoneone]

Quick comparison here between a 2019 Mirage hatchback and a 2021 Mirage G4 sedan.
-I owned a 2019 Mirage SE Hatchback, 5spd manual from new until late 2020, about 20,000 miles of driving
-I very recently purchased a 2021 Mirage G4 SE sedan, 5spd manual, also new. Not many miles on but enough to compare!

Hatchback vs Sedan:
The sedan is longer of course. About 3" more legroom that takes it from "not quite Corolla legroom" on the Hatch to "not quite Camry legroom" on the G4, for lack of a better description. It makes all the difference in the world in my case, carseat.
Sedan vs hatchback seems obvious but let me address that. As a "grocery getter" I love the convenience of a regular trunk. It is a larger amount of floor area, but you can't stack stuff nearly as high. It usually is easier to put stuff in a trunk, if it's loose items, things that don't stack well, etc. The hatchback is more versatile hands-down, but in my experience if you have to keep the rear seats up for passengers, the truck is generally easier to use, as long as it's big enough.

Weight: I'd like to think I can feel the 200lb or so extra from the G4, but it's definitely a marginal difference. If I didn't know it already, probably couldn't perceive the difference in acceleration.

Rear springs: I'm thinking the G4 rear springs must be stiffer than the hatch, but not by much. I may eventually find out if the VW spring swap fits on these sedans like it does on the hatches.

Handling:
Google says the wheelbase of the G4 is 4" longer than the hatchback. I believe this results in the G4 feeling slightly more stable at 80mph. In a crosswind though, the added side area I think kind of makes it a wash. Both feel much safer at 80mph than an antique short wheelbase Jeep or a (stock and no sway bar and worn out suspension) Geo Metro. Wouldn't hesitate to run the interstate for many miles in either hatch or G4.

A/C: Ok this is more theoretical since the Southeast US has cooled from "A/C stays on wide open" to "turn it down a little now and then", but I *think* the G4 has a little advantage here because it doesn't try to cool the trunk like a hatch does. But it also has a more horizontal rear window (more sun in) and 3" more legroom... Maybe a wash, they are close.

2019 vs 2021:
The pushbutton "fancy" A/C on 2021 in my opinion is inferior due to complexity with no real benefit other than more fan speeds to pick from.
The 2021 comes with Forward Collision Mitigation, it hasn't saved me from anything yet, but if it ever does I guess it'll be worth it.
The 2021 radio system is slightly different. Jury is out on better or worse, and still somewhat similar, especially compared to other brands.
The 2021 comes with Falken tires but they aren't rated to last either. They do feel grippier than the Enasaves, but what doesn't? Both are fine usable LRR and also low tread life tires...
Haven't yet discovered any other differences model-year related.

Vs "real cars"
-Once I put a few thousand miles on a 2017 Fiat 500 (wife's car). Nobody ridiculed those too bad about noise or slowness, but hers was non-turbo and 6spd automatic and.... Almost as slow as a Mirage it felt, and lots of engine noise from the 4-cyl 1.4. Fiat is way smaller/less practical. Fiat handled a LOT better but got far worse mileage. Just awful, high twenties on occasion, mostly in the thirties doing stuff where the Mirages stay mid-40s and driving similarly.
-Vs a 1993 Nissan Sentra. Owned one many years ago. The comparison reviewers make on power, noise, and "general feel" of a Mirage being similar to a 90's economy car is spot on. And my experience with this and a few others is, a 90's economy car is the Pinnacle of an efficient, not overdone car that is pleasant enough to drive that those who complain are very, very particular people. I've never had trouble carrying conversation in a Mirage or 90's economy car, even at 80mph. Try that in most any Jeep other than the last 2 generations...
-Vs Jeep Gladiator, Ram 1500. Not much comparison. If you want a truck, get a truck. If you need a truck, get a truck. A mirage a s a lightweight trailer is incredibly handy. A real truck with car hauler trailer or similar is a game changer when you need it. The mileage and purchase price differences need no explanation...

Hope this is helpful if anybody is on the fence about a G4 vs hatchback. Both are awesome cars. G4 is a better "mostly does car stuff" machine in my opinion, due to the legroom and traditional trunk. Hatchback is a must-have if you need to carry bulky stuff inside the car.