Peter Palmer: First Look: 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer GT

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is dead, but the regular Lancer sedan lives on and receives minor styling and equipment upgrades for 2016.

In 2014, Mitsubishi only managed to sell 16,495 Lancers and with the refresh, they hope it will revitalize sales and bring it back from the brink of extinction in the U.S.

What’s New

For 2016, the Lancer receives a redesigned front fascia with new LED daytime running lights and an expanded standard equipment list across the model range.

The base ES trim receives Bluetooth, automatic climate control, fog lights, and aluminum wheels for $17,595 (not including the destination, which Mitsubishi has not announced as of this writing). All-wheel-drive can be added as an option the ES trim for $2,400. The mid-level SE trim carries over into 2016 with standard all-wheel-drive system, heated front seats, and backup camera.

For 2016, Mitsubishi Lancer gains a new top-level SEL trim which includes all-wheel-drive as standard, but adds leather seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming center rear view mirror. Customers who want to have a little fun in their Lancer can upgrade to the Lancer GT which includes larger brakes, sport tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and a sunroof.

The turbocharged Ralliart model has been discontinued for 2016.

All models have a new center console while the ES and SE trims receive upgraded seat fabrics.

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer GT Right Front Three Quarters

Performance

The base, front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Lancer ES will be powered by a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, which produces 148 horsepower. AWD equipped Lancer ES, SE, SEL, and GT models receive a more powerful 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine which makes 168 horsepower.

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all front-wheel-drive Lancer models and a new, re-tuned CVT is available too. The new CVT is designed to reduce noise and offer better driveability than the 2015 unit and is required if you want to equip your Lancer with the optional all-wheel-drive system.

The front-wheel-drive Lancer ES with the manual transmission achieves 24 mpg in city and 34 mpg on the highway. Mitsubishi Lancer ES with the CVT achieves 25 mpg in city and 36 mpg on the highway. Lancer GT front-wheel-drive achieves 24 mpg in city and 31 mpg on the highway. Models equipped with the 2.4 L engine and AWD achieve 23 mpg in city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Mitsubishi 2.4 L 4-cylinder engine

Availability

The redesigned 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer will arrive in the last quarter of this year. The base Lancer ES starts at $17,595. The mid-level SE trim starts at $20,995.

A fully-loaded Mitsubishi Lancer GT with AWD and CVT maxes out at $31,585.