2011 Mitsubishi Lancer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is the new ES Sportback, which brings the five-door body to the more affordable 2.0-liter ES trim. This is otherwise a light-update year focused on efficiency, convenience tech, and lineup adjustments rather than a redesign.
About the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
10th-generation Lancer family, fourth model year for the 2008-on sedan and second year for the Sportback; still the pre-refresh version of this generation. The Evolution models are part of the Evo X era on the same basic Lancer platform.
Mitsubishi positioned the 2011 Lancer as a sporty compact car for buyers who wanted something sharper-looking and more driver-focused than a plain commuter. Even the mainstream trims leaned on rally-inspired styling, a stiff structure, and a broad range that stretched from basic front-drive sedan to hatchback, turbo AWD Ralliart, and full-on Evolution. The core appeal was distinctive design, solid road feel, and a lineup wide enough to cover everyday use, cargo flexibility, and serious performance.
The 2011 lineup ranges from straightforward DE and ES economy sedans to practical Sportbacks and performance-focused Ralliart and Evolution models. The GTS uses a 2.4-liter engine and sport-tuned suspension, the turbocharged Ralliart adds AWD, and the 291-hp Evolution pairs serious AWD hardware with either a manual or twin-clutch transmission.
What changed, by category
2011 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, 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 |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic | Manual, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Sportronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | 32 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 148 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp | 148 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 35.9 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in | 35.9 in | 35.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||
| 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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The biggest change is the addition of the ES Sportback. It combines the ES trim's 2.0-liter engine and everyday equipment with a five-door hatchback body and split-folding rear seat.
Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer a redesign?
No. The 2011 Lancer is a light update to the existing generation, not a redesign. Its main changes involve the trim lineup, electric steering on 2.0-liter models, and more standard convenience technology.
What changed on the 2011 Lancer DE and ES?
The 2011 DE and ES add electric power steering, which Mitsubishi used to improve fuel economy. The ES also changes its alloy wheels from standard equipment to optional equipment.
What changed on the 2011 Lancer Evolution?
The 2011 Evolution GSR and MR gain FUSE hands-free phone and music control, a USB input, and a retuned exhaust note. The GSR receives a large rear spoiler, while the MR gets a smaller rear lip spoiler and moves several convenience features from standard to optional.
How does the 2011 Lancer compare with the 2010 model?
The 2011 Lancer is mainly worth considering over the 2010 for the new ES Sportback, electric steering on DE and ES models, and broader standard hands-free and USB technology. The basic design and overall model range remain largely familiar.