“The vehicle is very sporty and has a good image in the car scene racing thanks to its big brother the Evo”
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer gets a late-cycle update rather than a full redesign, led by a refreshed front end and a much stronger standard-equipment list.
About the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
9th generation (2008-2017 U.S. sedan), late-cycle facelift/update year.
Mitsubishi positions the Lancer as a sporty-looking compact sedan that mixes everyday usefulness with something many rivals in this class did not offer: all-wheel drive on mainstream trims. The 2016 messaging leans on design, technology, and a more engaging feel than a plain commuter car. For used-car shoppers, the Lancer’s core identity is straightforward: a small sedan with bold styling, simple controls, and an AWD option that gives it a distinct place against mostly front-drive compact competitors.
The ES is the value-focused entry, with automatic climate control, alloy wheels, fog lights, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity as standard. The SE emphasizes AWD and everyday comfort, while the new SEL adds leather seats, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights. The front-wheel-drive GT is the sportier regular Lancer, with a 2.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, sunroof, heated front seats, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
The sedan gets a revised front end and updated wheel designs. Inside, Mitsubishi adds new seat fabrics and a redesigned center console.
Tech and equipment
The redesigned console adds a built-in USB port. The ES gains standard alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, and Bluetooth/USB controls. The GT makes heated front seats, a sunroof, and premium audio standard, while the SE makes proximity keyless entry and remote start standard.
Powertrain
The engine choices carry over, but automatic models receive revised continuously variable automatic transmission tuning for better response and fuel economy.
Trim lineup
The more upscale AWD SEL joins the lineup with leather seating and added convenience features. The Ralliart is dropped for 2016, and the ES family adds an AWD version.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT w/Sportronic | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23–27 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30–34 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 148–168 hp | 168 hp | 168 hp | 168 hp |
| Torque | 145–167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft | 12.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| 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 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The biggest change is a late-cycle refresh that combines revised front-end styling with substantially more standard equipment. It is an update to the existing generation, not a full redesign.
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer SEL a new trim?
Yes. The SEL is new for 2016 and serves as the more upscale AWD Lancer, with a 2.4-liter engine, leather seating, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming mirror.
Was the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart offered for 2016?
No. The Ralliart was dropped from the Lancer lineup for 2016. The GT remained the driver-focused regular trim, but it used front-wheel drive rather than the Ralliart's performance-oriented formula.
Did the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer get a new engine?
No. The engine choices carry over from 2015, although the ES range expands to include a 2.4-liter AWD version. Automatic models receive revised transmission tuning intended to improve response and fuel economy.
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer meaningfully different from the 2015 model?
Yes, although the differences amount to a moderate update rather than a redesign. The 2016 model has refreshed styling, a revised center console with a built-in USB port, expanded standard equipment, updated automatic-transmission tuning, a new SEL trim, and no Ralliart.
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer.
4.2
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
(65 reviews)
“The Mitsubishi Lancer, a legendary nameplate that captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, deserves a comeback. Renowned for its sporty demeanor, reliability, and affordability, the Lancer has left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.”
“I love the way it drives, the handling, the size, the features etc. It's perfect for my everyday needs, and I spend less on gas than my previous car.”