2013 Mitsubishi Lancer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is the loss of the ES Sportback and GT Sportback hatchbacks. Otherwise, it is a quiet carryover year, apart from two small updates to the SE AWC.
About the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
Same US-market Lancer generation introduced for 2008; 2013 is a late-cycle year before the 2014 infotainment update.
Mitsubishi sells the 2013 Lancer as a rally-influenced compact car family rather than a plain economy sedan. Even the regular Lancer and Sportback stress sharp styling and a sport-sedan feel, while the range stretches from simple DE and ES commuters to AWD SE, turbocharged Ralliart, and the track-focused Evolution models. For most shoppers, the draw is a more aggressive, driver-oriented character than many compact rivals, plus the choice of sedan or hatchback practicality.
The 2013 lineup ranges from the basic manual-transmission DE sedan to the winter-focused SE AWC with a 2.4-liter engine, AWD, and heated front seats. The turbocharged Ralliart adds stronger performance, while the 291-hp Evolution comes as the manual GSR or the more polished, twin-clutch MR.
What changed, by category
2013 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, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Automatic, CVT | Auto, CVT Sportronic | Automatic, CVT | Auto, 6-Spd Sportronic | Auto, 6-Spd Sportronic | Manual, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 24–26 mpg | 22–23 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 32–34 mpg | 29–30 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg | 22 mpg | 23 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 148 hp | 168 hp | 168 hp | 237 hp | 291 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 145 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 253 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3–46.6 cu-ft | 12.3–46.6 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 10 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 35.9–36.1 in | 35.9–36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 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 | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| 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 changed on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer compared with the 2012 model?
The ES Sportback and GT Sportback hatchbacks were dropped for 2013. The SE AWC also received roof-carrier mounting accommodation and redesigned 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, while the rest of the range changed very little.
Was the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback still offered?
No. The ES Sportback and GT Sportback were dropped for 2013, leaving the Lancer without its hatchback body style that year.
Was the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer redesigned?
No. The 2013 Lancer remained part of the same generation introduced for 2008 and received only limited trim and body-style lineup changes.
What was new on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer SE AWC?
The 2013 SE AWC gained mounting accommodation for a roof carrier and a redesigned set of 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. Its 2.4-liter engine, AWD, continuously variable transmission, heated seats, and heated mirrors carried over.
Did the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer receive new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2013 Lancer carried over its engine and transmission choices from 2012, including the turbocharged powertrains in the Ralliart and Evolution.