2010 Mitsubishi Lancer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is the arrival of the five-door Sportback hatchback in GTS and turbocharged Ralliart form. The sedan lineup also gains standard stability and traction control, while the Evolution range expands and receives small exterior updates.
About the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
10th-generation Lancer / Evolution X era; 2010 is the third model year for the sedan and Evolution, and the first U.S. model year for the Lancer Sportback hatchback.
Mitsubishi positions the 2010 Lancer as a sporty compact with rally-inspired flavor rather than a plain economy car. Even the basic trims lean on sharp styling and a firm, responsive chassis, while GTS, Ralliart, and Evolution versions climb from everyday sport sedan to serious AWD turbo performance machine. The big differentiator versus many compact rivals is attitude: bold looks, eager handling, and a lineup that stretches from simple commuter duty to true enthusiast hardware.
The regular lineup runs from the basic DE sedan to the sportier 168-hp GTS, while the Sportback adds a more cargo-friendly body in GTS and 237-hp turbo AWD Ralliart versions. At the top, the 291-hp Evolution spans the manual GSR, dual-clutch MR, comfort-focused MR Touring, and limited-edition SE.
What changed, by category
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 35.9 in | 35.9 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||||||
| Diamond Lane Guidance | ||||||||||
| Hill Start Assist | ||||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The biggest change is the introduction of the five-door Lancer Sportback. It combines a cargo-friendly hatchback body with either the GTS model’s 168-hp engine or the Ralliart’s 237-hp turbo engine and AWD.
Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback new for this year?
Yes, 2010 is the first U.S. model year for the Lancer Sportback. It comes in naturally aspirated GTS and turbocharged AWD Ralliart forms.
Did the 2010 Lancer receive new standard safety equipment?
Yes, stability and traction control become standard across the 2010 Lancer sedan lineup. The DE also gains standard anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution.
Which Evolution trims joined the Lancer lineup for 2010?
The 2010 lineup adds Evolution GSR, Evolution MR, Evolution MR Touring, and limited-edition Evolution SE trims. The MR Touring emphasizes comfort, while the SE combines major MR performance hardware with a more understated appearance.
Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer a full redesign?
No, the 2010 Lancer is not a full redesign. It expands the existing generation with the Sportback body, more Evolution trims, standard sedan stability control, and small Evolution exterior revisions.