2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Starting MSRP $15,695–$27,995
Expert Reviews
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National November 7, 2011Vehicle Overview
The Lancer Ralliart bears some resemblance to the high-power Lancer Evolution and features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Mitsubishi's twin-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. The Lancer Evolution and the Lancer Sportback, a five-door hatchback, are covered in separate reports in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2012
A new SE model aimed at buyers in the Snowbelt features all-wheel drive, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats and side mirrors, and a chrome lower grille. Meanwhile, the GTS trim gets a new name, GT, and adds a Ralliart-type front end, new 18-inch wheels, new instrument-panel trim and upgraded soft-touch door trim. The Ralliart also gets new 18-inch wheels and soft-touch door trim, as well as gloss-black instrument-panel trim and black sport fabric.
Exterior
A forward-leaning grille serves as the focal point for the front of the car. The Ralliart version is more aggressive, with a gaping grille and a subtle hood scoop. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch wheels
- 18-inch wheels optional
- Optional rear wing-style spoiler
- Optional rocker-panel extensions
Interior
The Lancer sedan seats up to five and is available with an optional 60/40-split folding rear seat. A CD stereo is standard, and an optional Navigation and Technology Package includes a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Air conditioning is optional. Interior features include:
- Odor-absorbing headliner
- Optional USB port
- Optional chrome accents
- Optional heated leather seats
- Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers
Under the Hood
The Lancer is available with a variety of engine and transmission choices. The SE and Ralliart have all-wheel drive, and other Lancer sedans come with front-wheel drive. Mechanical features include:
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 148 horsepower and works with either a standard five-speed manual or optional continuously variable automatic transmission
- Available 168-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with either a five-speed manual or CVT
- Ralliart models get a 237-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 253 pounds-feet of torque and is matched to a six-speed, twin-clutch automated manual transmission
Safety
Safety features include:
- Standard side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Standard side curtain airbags for both rows
- Standard knee airbag for the driver
- Standard antilock brakes
- Standard electronic stability system
- Available backup camera
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