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2017 Mitsubishi Lancer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Mitsubishi Lancer highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Quick with 2.4L
  • Sharp design
  • Sharp handling

Cons

  • Loud engines
  • Subpar materials
  • Small trunk

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 30 highway, 26 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

Balanced sedan with good features

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer offers you plenty of balance with two powertrain options, starting with a base 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 hp. If that’s not enough for you, the optional 168-hp 2.4L engine delivers added pep to help satisfy your performance cravings. Plus, with optional all-wheel drive, you can rest assured the Lancer offers good grip in slippery situations. The Lancer will also satisfy your need for features, as its base model is well-equipped and has plenty of options to dress up this compact sedan.

All Mitsubishi Lancer years

What is new for the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?

  • The Lancer is available in a new trim called the LE.
  • The GT trim has been discontinued for 2017.
  • Lancer trims have been upgraded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment this year.
  • Pioneer Sound System features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The SE trim now comes with Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.

Mitsubishi Lancer photos

5 reasons to buy the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer

1. Potent optional engine 

The 2017 Lancer features a pair of engines, but it may be best for the performance lover inside you to stick with the optional 2.4L four-cylinder engine. This 2.4L powerplant is optional in the ES trim and standard in all other trims, and it pumps out 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. It’s no powerhouse, but it gives the Lancer zippy-feeling acceleration. You can pair this engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.  

2. All-wheel drive in most trims 

Compact sedans typically don’t have available all-wheel drive, but the 2017 Lancer bucks this trend in nearly every trim level. The entry-level ES comes standard with front-wheel drive but has all-wheel drive as an option. SE and SEL trims, on the other hand, give you standard all-wheel drive. The only trim that doesn’t have available all-wheel drive is the GT, which is only available with front-wheel drive. With a wide range of trims featuring optional or standard all-wheel drive, you’ll enjoy optimal grip in slippery conditions.  

3. Balanced handling and ride 

The 2017 Lancer combines ride comfort and precise handling in all trim levels so your daily commute can be fun and comfortable. However, if your inner performance lover wants even more pinpoint handling, you’ll appreciate the GT trim, which boasts a sport-tuned suspension. You may lose some comfort in the GT trim, but its corner-carving capabilities will more than make up for that.  

4. Roomy front seats 

Not every compact sedan has tons of interior space, but the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer certainly does, making it ready to haul just you or a whole load of passengers comfortably. Up front, it boasts comfortable and supportive front seats. These seats are well-padded and grip you nicely, making them ideal for long trips. They also have 42.3 inches of legroom and 39.6 inches of headroom, so people of all heights can fit comfortably. The rear seats are also quite accommodating, with 36.1 inches of legroom. That’s plenty of space for kids and most adults. 

5. Loads of features 

The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer has a long list of standard and optional features that allow you to customize it as you see fit. The base ES trim has desirable features like LED daytime running lights, fog lights, voice-activated audio and cellphone controls, a 6.1-inch display screen with a rearview camera, and heated power mirrors. If that’s not enough for you, you can opt for a higher trim with more features. Some of these more upscale amenities include 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, a premium six-speaker audio system, keyless entry, leather upholstery, and more. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Mitsubishi Lancer an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Mitsubishi Lancer 18th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mitsubishi Lancer is $402, compared to an average of $453 for Compact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Mitsubishi Lancer owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Compact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 14% for the Mitsubishi Lancer, compared to an average of 12% for Compact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Mitsubishi Lancer features and specs

ES 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Pioneer Sound System
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sunroof(s)

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

148

Torque (ft-lbs)

145

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.5

Wheelbase

103.7"

Overall length

182.1"

Width

69.4"

Height

58.3"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 36.1"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 36.9"

Front tires

P205/60HR16

Rear tires

P205/60HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Manual 5

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ


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