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2016 Mitsubishi Lancer review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mitsubishi Lancer highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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

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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

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

4 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

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.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer features and specs

Curious how Mitsubishi Lancer trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

ES 2WD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control

Optional Features

  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Remote Start
  • Rockford Fosgate Sound
  • 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

Automatic

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ

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