2016 Mitsubishi Lancer review
Mitsubishi Lancer highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Strong optional engine
- Sharp design
- Good handling
Cons
- Noisy engines
- Downmarket materials
- Small trunk
Mileage (EPA estimate)
22 city, 31 highway, 25 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Updated looks and powertrains
For 2016, Mitsubishi updated its compact sedan, the Lancer, giving it a new, more mature nose with LED lighting and other upgrades. It also simplified the Lancer’s engine lineup, which started with eliminating its performance variants, the Ralliart and Evolution. This shakeup leaves just two engine options, beginning with the base 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 hp and capping off with the 168-hp 2.4L engine. These engines strike a nice balance on your daily commute, and the 2.4L still provides enough performance to please your inner motorhead.
All Mitsubishi Lancer years
What is new for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The Lancer is available in a new trim called the SEL.
- The Evolution FE, Evolution GSR, Evolution MR, and Ralliart trims have been discontinued for 2016.
- Lancer trims have been upgraded with Leather Seats and Sunroof(s) as standard equipment this year.
- The ES trim now comes with Alloy Wheels, Rear View Camera, 4WD/AWD, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment.
- The GT trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters and Rockford Fosgate Sound as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Smart Key and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
1. Potent optional engine
The 2016 Lancer may have lost its two range-topping performance trims, but the optional engine still has plenty of pop to please you. This 2.4L four-cylinder engine, optional in the ES trim and standard in all other trims, delivers 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a ton of power, but it's plenty to give it zippy-feeling acceleration. You can also pair this engine with a five-speed manual transmission or a CVT.
2. Available all-wheel drive
Compact sedans aren’t known for offering all-wheel drive, but the 2016 Laner isn’t your typical compact sedan. It comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available in every trim but the GT. All-wheel drive is optional in the ES trim but is standard on the SE and SEL trims. All-wheel drive will help you get optimal grip in slippery conditions or under hard acceleration.
3. Balanced handling
The 2016 Lancer combines a decently comfortable ride and sharp handling in all trim levels, making your daily commute fun and comfortable. But if you’re craving more pinpoint handling, opt for the GT model and its sport-tuned suspension. You’ll give up a little in ride comfort, but it delivers great corner-carving capabilities.
4. Comfy front seats
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer eases your daily commute and long road trips with its comfortable and supportive front seats. These front thrones have well-engineered padding and grip you nicely. On top of this, they also offer 42.3 inches of legroom and 39.6 inches of headroom, allowing them to accommodate people of all sizes. Tall or short you are, you’ll ride in comfort in the 2016 Lancer. The rear seats are accommodating, too, offering 36.1 inches of legroom, which is plenty for kids and most adults.
5. Plenty of features
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is well-equipped in every trim level. The base ES trim has desirable features like LED daytime running lights, fog lights, voice-activated audio and cellphone controls, and heated power mirrors. Upgrade to the ES trim’s Sun & Sound package for the tech whiz inside you and get a sunroof, rear-view camera, a 6.1-inch or seven-inch display screen, HD radio, satellite radio, and a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers.
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Ratings & reliability
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Mitsubishi LancerMitsubishi Lancer features and specs
GT 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Navigation System
- Parking Sensors
- Remote Start
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
168
Torque (ft-lbs)
167
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
15.5
Wheelbase
103.7"
Overall length
182.1"
Width
69.4"
Height
58.7"
Leg room
F 42.3"/R 36.1"
Head room
F 38.5"/R 36.9"
Front tires
P215/45VR18
Rear tires
P215/45VR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE : 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- SEL : 23 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- GT : 24 MPG City and 31 MPG Highway
- ES : 27 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway
The Mitsubishi Lancer received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Mitsubishi Lancer as 17 out of 46 among Compact Car
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer:
- SEL
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof(s)
- Smart Key
- Satellite Radio Ready
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