Mitsubishi's Lancer sedan received a complete redesign just a few years ago, but for the latest model year the trim levels and engines have been mixed around yet again.
Mitsubishi's expansive Lancer lineup gains a handful of new materials and amenities upgrades for the latest model year, as well as a trim level addition. That new trim level, Lancer SE, is the most significant change as it offers a new low-priced Lancer model that includes all-wheel drive.
The newest model - Lancer SE
Specially designed for the Snowbelt states, the Lancer SE includes heated front seats and side view mirrors; 16-inch alloy wheels; upgrade dark silver instrument panel trim and unique black and beige trim seating fabric and a chrome lower grille. Powering the SE is the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The 2.4-liter engine is good for 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque.
The bargain model - Lancer DE
Stepping back a level to the original base model, the Lancer DE, will supplant the larger and more powerful 2.4-liter engine with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter that returns 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
The entry-level Lancer DE model comes standard with a four-speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital signal processor; power door locks and windows with driver-side auto down/up; anti-theft engine immobilizer; remote keyless entry and auto-off halogen headlamps with DRLs. For the latest model year the DE also gained a new style for its 16-inch wheel covers.
The top-seller - Lancer ES
Forming the mainstay of sales for the Lancer lineup is the best-selling Lancer ES, which features all of the same content included on the DE, and then some. New for latest ES model is a redesigned 16-inch wheel cover, improved interior fabric and instrument panel trim. For a bit of added style, opt for the Deluxe Package to add a chrome lower grille section and improved door trim.
Both the Lancer DE and ES offer an EPA-estimated 34 miles per gallon highway, 25 mpg in the city.
The GTS becomes the Lancer GT
The sport-minded Lancer GT (formerly the GTS model) gains numerous new luxury and appearance upgrades to go along with its new name, including the addition of a new front fascia from the more expensive Lancer Ralliart, redesigned interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim and a fresh new 18-inch alloy wheel design. Other changes include the addition of a backup camera in the Touring Package, with a monitor built into the auto-dimming rearview mirror (optional navigation system also includes backup camera).
The Lancer GT's engine is the same 168 horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine found in the new Lancer SE model, but in addition to the five-speed manual as standard, there is a high-tech continuously variable transmission (CVT) with INVEC-III and Sportronic shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters on offer. Standard features on the GT include sport front bucket seats, automatic climate control and a rear spoiler.
Lancer goes turbo - Lancer Ralliart
If the SE or GT trim levels don't quite cut it on the performance front, but the Lancer Evoluation seems a bit extreme, the Lancer Ralliart might be the right fit for you. The Ralliart sees the 2.4-liter engine replaced with the smaller 2.0-liter unit, but with the addition of a turbocharger for a boost (literally) to 237 horsepower, 253 lb-ft of torque.
The Lancer Ralliart also features standard full-time All-Wheel Control (AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and front helical limited-slip differential, rear limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Unlike any other Lancer model listed above, the Ralliat makes use of a six-speed automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) – resulting in what is essentially a slightly detuned version of the range-topping Lancer Evolution's drivetrain.
Like the Lancer GT, for the latest model year the Lancer Ralliart receives an upgraded interior fabric and gloss-black instrument panel trim, along with a backup camera with rearview mirror monitor for the Touring Package (optional navigation system also includes backup camera).
Safety across the lineup
Mitsubishi safety technologies are found on every Lancer model sold including advanced dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensor; side-impact head protection curtain air bags (front and rear); front seat-mounted side air bags; driver's side knee air bag; anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL); and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Key Competitors
The Lancer's rivals include the sporty Mazda Mazda3, the quirky Subaru SX4 sedan and the sleek Kia Forte.