Flash Drive

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

August 16, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 SEL AWC

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is an agile, handsome compact sedan that can be equipped with AWD.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is an agile, handsome compact sedan that can be equipped with AWD.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 168 horsepower 167 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 23-mpg city, 31-mpg highway, 26-mpg combined

Base Price: $21,995

As Tested: $22,805

Performance:

Athletic all-wheel-drive at a budget price

Excellent handling

Nimble

Reasonable highway ride quality

Minimal fuel economy differences between AWD and 2WD

We got 35.7 mpg in 2WD and 35.0 in AWD

Console switch for 2WD, 4WD, and Lock

The Lancer SEL AWC is one of the most affordable AWD sedans on the market.
The Lancer SEL AWC is one of the most affordable AWD sedans on the market.

Locking differential

Rain sensing windshield wipers

ECO driving mode

Traction control

Comfort:

Comfy, supportive front seats

Two temp heated front seats

Stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Big dead pedal

Medium thick leather steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Good headroom

OK rear seat room with fronts up a little

Front seat legroom and comfort are excellent.
Front seat legroom and comfort are excellent.

Good shoe room under seats

Hard plastic door panels

Recessed for elbows, but not padded

Soft center armrest with two cup holders

Cheap sunvisors

Utility:

Ample trunk space

Flat floor

Six-inch lift over height

Cheap trunk carpet

Split, folding rear seat

Big slope and height difference between trunk and seatback

Seat release buttons hard to reach

OK pass-through from trunk

One seatback pouch

Small rear door bins, no bottle notches

Small console bin

Medium non-locking glovebox

Medium front door bins

Four grab handles

Rear view camera

WOW Factors:

Excellent fuel economy even in AWD

Nimble, fun to drive all-weather performance

Handsome styling, especially in all black

Rain sensing wipers

Whines:

Fair amount of road noise transmitted to interior

Rear seat room is quite good, but features are minimal. The center armrest is soft.
Rear seat room is quite good, but features are minimal. The center armrest is soft.

Cheap, flocked headliner

Very awkward inboard release buttons for folding rear seat

Kind of tinny sounding doors

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer AWC (all wheel control) is a nimble, bargain-priced all-wheel-drive compact sedan. The interior is roomy and fuel economy is excellent. It’s fun to drive, but the cost-cutting measures are easy to see.