2016 Lancer

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

Pros: Availability of all-wheel drive; acceleration (2.4-liter); fuel economy

Cons: Aged design; overall refinement doesn’t match most class competitors; high noise levels; not all drivers can find a comfortable seating position

CG Says: Mitsubishi’s compact car gets a mild refresh for 2016 that includes an exterior facelift, a revised interior, new standard features, and an updated continuously variable transmission (CVT). The model lineup has also been revamped; a new SEL trim level joins the roster, while the sporty Ralliart model and its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine are discontinued. The Lancer’s updates for 2016 are welcome improvements, but they’re mostly cosmetic. Lancer’s last complete redesign was back in model-year 2008, and today it’s simply too old to battle effectively in this fiercely competitive class. Almost all its rivals offer newer, more up-to-date designs with superior all-around refinement, performance, and fuel economy. Still, Lancer is one of only two mainstream compact cars to offer all-wheel drive (the other is the Subaru Impreza). We applaud the Lancer ES and SE models for offering AWD and other standard cold-weather niceties at prices that don’t break the bank.

The Facts
Class Compact Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan
Passenger Count 5
Drive Wheels front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
Nation of Manufacture Japan
Base Prices ES: $17,595
ES AWD: $19,995
GT: $22,495
SE AWD: $20,995
SEL AWD: $21,995

Base Engine
2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
148
Std. Transmission
5-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
CVT
EPA City Range (mpg)
24-27
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
34-35

Optional Engine
2.4-liter 4-cylinder
Horsepower
168
Std. Transmission
5-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
CVT
EPA City Range (mpg)
22-24
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30-31

2016 Lancer GT
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
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