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Mitsubishi Lancer: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an everyday compact car sold as a sedan and, for part of its run, a five-door Sportback hatchback. It is known for bold, rally-inspired styling, simple controls, and the unusual availability of all-wheel drive on regular commuter trims.
The Lancer’s lasting formula was a practical small car with a sharper, more aggressive look than a typical commuter. Its lineup stretched from simple daily drivers to a hatchback and serious turbocharged, all-wheel-drive performance models. Later updates focused mostly on styling, equipment, and technology rather than repeatedly reinventing the car.
Strengths
- All-wheel drive appeared on several regular trims, giving shoppers better bad-weather traction without requiring a turbocharged performance model.
- Its sharp, rally-inspired design gives it more visual attitude than a typical compact commuter.
- The controls are straightforward rather than complicated or overloaded with technology.
- The family ranged from basic sedans to a five-door hatchback and turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance models.
- By 2017, every trim included a rearview camera and touchscreen audio.
Who it's for
It suits a used-car shopper who wants a straightforward compact commuter that looks less anonymous than many rivals. It is especially appealing to someone who values all-wheel drive for winter driving and can accept a cabin that is less polished than the class leaders.
Mitsubishi Lancer lineup
Pick the ES for the Lancer’s simplest commuter formula. The SE, introduced for 2012, is the regular non-turbo route to all-wheel drive, while the late-run LE emphasizes styling and smartphone-friendly infotainment. The GTS, later renamed GT, sits above the basic cars with a stronger non-turbo engine. Ralliart adds turbo power and all-wheel drive as a bridge to the Evolution, the family’s serious performance model.
Mitsubishi Lancer generations
From 2009 to 2017, the Lancer spans 1 generation. The current 2008–2017 U.S. Generation arrived for 2008.
2008–2017 U.S. Generation
This Lancer generation began for 2008 on Mitsubishi’s global compact platform. The family expanded with the Sportback hatchback and Evolution X performance models, then received a late front-end refresh for 2016 before the Lancer’s final U.S. model year in 2017.
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2017Trim changes
The GT was dropped, and the Limited Edition joined later in the year. A rearview camera and touchscreen became standard across the lineup.
2016Mid-cycle update
The Lancer received refreshed front styling, new seat fabrics, a redesigned center console, and updated automatic transmission tuning. The SEL trim joined the lineup.
2015Trim changes
Heated side mirrors with turn indicators were added across the lineup, while several trims received equipment updates.
2014Trim changes
Most higher trims and Evolution models gained a 6.1-inch touchscreen and HD Radio. Several regular Lancer trims also gained a rearview camera.
2013Trim changes
The SE AWD received roof-rack mounting points and a new 16-inch wheel design. The rest of the lineup changed very little.
2012Trim changes
The new SE sedan brought AWD to the regular non-turbo lineup, and the former GTS trim continued under the GT name. Interior materials and wheel designs also received light updates.
2011Trim changes
The ES Sportback joined as a lower-cost hatchback trim. DE and ES models gained electric power steering, while several sportier trims added hands-free calling and USB connectivity.
2010Trim changes
The five-door Sportback joined the U.S. lineup in GTS and Ralliart form, and a limited-edition Evolution SE was added. Stability control became standard on Lancer sedans.
2009Trim changes
The turbocharged, AWD Ralliart joined the lineup between the regular Lancer and Evolution. The GTS also received a stronger 2.4-liter engine.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi Lancer.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer only a sedan?
No. Most used Lancers are four-door sedans, but Mitsubishi also sold the five-door Lancer Sportback from 2010 through 2014. The Sportback has easier cargo access, a split-folding rear seat, and a more flexible cargo area.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Lancer lineup covered here uses gasoline four-cylinder engines. Regular versions are non-turbocharged, while the Ralliart and Evolution use turbocharged engines for much stronger performance.
Does the Mitsubishi Lancer come with AWD?
Yes. AWD is one of the Lancer’s unusual advantages among compact cars. It appears on several regular trims, including certain ES versions and the SE and SEL, while the older Ralliart and Evolution use more performance-focused AWD systems.
What is the Mitsubishi Lancer known for?
The Lancer is known for bold, rally-influenced styling, simple controls, and uncommon AWD access in a compact car. Regular trims focus on everyday usefulness, while the Ralliart and Evolution add serious turbocharged performance.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer a good everyday commuter?
Yes, regular Lancer trims suit commuting well. They provide seating for five, straightforward controls, and compact dimensions. Late sedans have a 12.3-cubic-foot trunk, while AWD versions add useful traction for wet or snowy roads.
Was the Mitsubishi Lancer redesigned during its final U.S. run?
The U.S. Lancer stayed in the same basic generation from 2008 through 2017. It received a mild styling and equipment update for 2016 rather than a full redesign, and 2017 was its final U.S. model year.
Is the Lancer Evolution just a regular Lancer with a body kit?
No. The Lancer Evolution is the full high-performance offshoot. It has a 291-hp turbo engine, advanced AWD, Brembo brakes, and sport seats. That is a major mechanical step beyond ordinary Lancer trims, not just a styling package.
Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mitsubishi Lancer.
4.2
Mitsubishi Lancer
(237 reviews)
“Excellent car that must be driven first. Don't pay attention to automotive journalist reviews about materials etc. This is a driver's car. The CVT is perfect on the highway.”
“Great car and very reliable. There isn't a warranty around that comes close to Mitsubishi for the price of the car.”
“The drive is smooth but the gears on the manual sometimes don't move when needed”
“My vehicle offers a great driving experience. I went from owning a vehicle that I didn't really feel safe driving in (due to the small size) to one that is slightly bigger and makes me feel more comfortable on my long commute to school daily. The gas mileage is also something that was important to me and has been great so far.”
“I have been buying this make/model for the past several and have virtually no major problems. I believe this is a great car for the money.”