2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is the new SE sedan, which brings all-wheel drive to the non-turbo lineup. This is a light mid-cycle update rather than a redesign, with refreshed cabin materials and wheels, renamed GT models, and the departure of the Ralliart Sportback.
About the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Current U.S.-market Lancer generation (introduced for 2008), mid-cycle update year with a new SE AWD trim and the GTS-to-GT rename.
Mitsubishi positions the 2012 Lancer family as a sportier choice than the typical compact car. The lineup’s core appeal is sharp styling, a rally-inspired feel, and a broad spread of personalities, from basic commuter sedan to hatchback, value-focused AWD sedan, and serious turbo performance model. Compared with more conservative rivals, the Lancer is meant to feel more distinctive and more engaging to drive.
The 2012 lineup spans the basic DE sedan, the more practical ES Sportback hatchback, and the new SE sedan for drivers who want non-turbo all-wheel drive. The GT pairs a 2.4-liter engine with a sportier front end and upgraded cabin features, while the turbocharged Ralliart and Evolution models remain the performance-focused choices.
What changed, by category
2012 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, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd w/Sptrnc | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd w/Sptrnc | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Manual, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 17 mpg | 22 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 32 mpg | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 148 hp | 168 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp | 148 hp | 291 hp | 168 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 46.6 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 35.9 in | 33.3 in | 35.9 in | 33.3 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 | |||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The biggest change is the new SE sedan. It combines a non-turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and driver-selectable all-wheel drive.
Was the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer redesigned?
No, the 2012 Lancer was not fully redesigned. It received a light mid-cycle update centered on the new SE all-wheel-drive sedan, refreshed interior materials, revised wheel designs, and updates to the GT models.
What happened to the Lancer GTS for 2012?
The GTS continued under the GT name for 2012. The GT sedan and GT Sportback also gained a more aggressive Ralliart-style front end, revised cabin trim, and new 18-inch wheel designs.
Did Mitsubishi discontinue any Lancer trim for 2012?
Yes, Mitsubishi dropped the Ralliart Sportback for 2012. The turbocharged Ralliart sedan remained in the lineup and received a new 18-inch wheel design.
Is the 2012 Lancer SE the same as the turbocharged Ralliart?
No, the SE is not turbocharged. It uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, while the Ralliart uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and a twin-clutch transmission.