Mitsubishi Lancer Trim Levels Explained

Last updated August 4, 2026

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer lineup starts with the everyday DE, ES, ES Sportback, and style-focused LE. GT, GTS, their Sportback versions, and SE bring a more athletic character, while SEL turns the regular Lancer toward leather-lined comfort. Ralliart is the turbocharged, rally-inspired bridge to the Evolution range. Evolution GSR, MR, MR Touring, and Evolution SE are the dedicated performance cars: GSR emphasizes manual involvement, MR emphasizes quick-shifting hardware, and MR Touring adds comfort.

What each trim is known for

Mitsubishi Lancer Base Model

Base Model

DEESES SportbackLE

The Base Model trim level—DE, ES, ES Sportback, and LE—is the everyday Lancer, ranging from simple entry-level transportation to hatchback practicality and late-run style upgrades.

Best for: Commuters and value-focused shoppers who want straightforward controls, distinctive styling, or useful hatchback cargo space without a performance emphasis.

Highlights

  • DE's simple manual-only setup
  • ES's broad mix of everyday configurations
  • ES Sportback's flexible hatchback cargo area
  • LE's late-run black accents, sunroof, and smartphone integration
6 in stock
Mitsubishi Lancer Mid-Level

Mid-Level

GTGT SportbackGTSGTS SportbackSE

The Mid-Level trim level—GT, GT Sportback, GTS, GTS Sportback, and SE—is the sportier regular Lancer, known for stronger non-turbo power, sharper road manners, and added convenience.

Best for: Drivers who want a livelier everyday Lancer, with SE suiting shoppers who place extra value on all-weather traction.

Highlights

  • Stronger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Heated front seats and hands-free keyless entry
  • Sportback cargo flexibility on hatchback members

Adds the stronger 2.4-liter engine, sport-tuned suspension, heated front seats, and hands-free keyless entry. SE examples bring the level's clearest all-wheel-drive focus.

1 in stock
Mitsubishi Lancer Premium Comfort

Premium Comfort

SEL

The Premium Comfort trim level—the SEL—is the polished regular Lancer, pairing the SE-style all-wheel-drive setup with a more upscale cabin and added everyday convenience.

Best for: Shoppers who want Lancer styling and all-weather traction but prefer comfort and cabin finish over a harder performance edge.

Highlights

  • Leather seating surfaces
  • Heated front seats
  • All-wheel drive with selectable modes
  • Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights

Keeps the SE's stronger all-wheel-drive mechanical package while adding leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming mirror.

0 in stock
Mitsubishi Lancer Sport Styling

Sport Styling

RalliartRalliart Sportback

The Sport Styling trim level—Ralliart and Ralliart Sportback—is the turbocharged performance branch below Evolution, combining rally-inspired traction hardware with sedan or hatchback usefulness.

Best for: Enthusiasts who want serious acceleration and all-weather grip without moving to the more specialized Evolution models.

Highlights

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Quick-shifting twin-clutch transmission with paddle shifters
  • Full-time all-wheel drive with selectable modes
  • Front and rear differentials designed to help maintain traction

Moves beyond the SEL's comfort-led setup with turbo power, a twin-clutch transmission, full-time all-wheel drive, and more specialized traction hardware.

0 in stock
Mitsubishi Lancer High Performance

High Performance

Evolution GSREvolution MREvolution MR TouringEvolution SE

The High Performance trim level—Evolution GSR, Evolution MR, Evolution MR Touring, and Evolution SE—is the dedicated Evo range, with more power and more advanced chassis hardware than Ralliart.

Best for: Performance-focused drivers choosing between the GSR's hands-on manual feel, the MR family's quicker-shifting setup, or the MR Touring's added comfort.

Highlights

  • More powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Advanced all-wheel drive that manages power front to rear and side to side
  • Brembo performance brakes
  • Recaro front sport seats

Adds more power, more advanced all-wheel-drive control, Brembo brakes, and Recaro seats. GSR uses a manual, while MR-based versions use a twin-clutch transmission; MR Touring adds heated leather seats and a sunroof.

0 in stock

Trim comparison

FeatureMid-LevelBase ModelSport StylingPremium ComfortHigh Performance
Includes
GT, GT Sportback, GTS, GTS Sportback, SE1 in stock
DE, ES, ES Sportback, LE6 in stock
Ralliart, Ralliart Sportback0 in stock
SEL0 in stock
Evolution GSR, Evolution MR, Evolution MR Touring, Evolution SE0 in stock
Primary roleSportier regular LancerEveryday entry and core trimsTurbo performance bridgeComfort-focused regular LancerDedicated Evolution performance
Engine character2.4L non-turbo2.0L common; some 2.4L versionsTurbocharged four-cylinder2.4L non-turboMore powerful turbo four-cylinder
Driven wheelsSE centers on AWD; GT and GTS vary by eraFront-wheel drive common; AWD on some ES modelsFull-time all-wheel driveAll-wheel driveAdvanced all-wheel drive
Transmission identityManual or CVT, depending on member and eraManual or CVT, depending on memberTwin-clutch with paddle shiftersCVT automaticGSR manual; MR-based trims twin-clutch
Cabin emphasisHeated seats and keyless convenienceSimple to style-focusedPerformance-focused with premium audioLeather and automatic weather-related featuresRecaro sport seats; Touring adds more comfort
Body styles representedSedan; GT and GTS Sportback hatchbacksSedan; ES Sportback hatchbackSedan; Ralliart Sportback hatchbackSedanSedan

Frequently asked questions

What kind of trim is the Lancer ES?

The ES is the core everyday Lancer trim. Its setup varies by year: later examples include a 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive model with a manual or automatic transmission and a stronger 2.4-liter AWD version. Equipment also became richer near the end of the run.

What’s the difference between the Lancer DE and ES?

The DE is the simpler early entry trim, with a 2.0-liter engine, manual transmission, and basic convenience equipment. The ES is the broader mainstream trim, with more transmission, drivetrain, comfort, and technology combinations depending on the year.

What does the Lancer LE add over the ES?

Late in the Lancer’s run, the LE added style and phone connectivity rather than extra power. It brought Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a sunroof, black exterior accents, red-stitched sport seats, a dark headliner, and aluminum pedals.

What’s the difference between the Lancer ES and SE?

On late-run cars, the SE is the more athletic AWD trim. It has a 2.4-liter engine, selectable AWD modes, firmer sport suspension, heated front seats, hands-free keyless entry, and 18-inch wheels. The ES is the more basic and varied core trim.

What does the Lancer SEL add over the SE?

For 2016 and 2017, the SEL keeps the SE’s 2.4-liter engine and AWD but adds a more comfort-focused cabin. Its main upgrades are leather seating, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

How are the Lancer GT and SE different?

Their roles depend on the year. The GT emphasized sporty road manners and features such as a sunroof, rear spoiler, premium audio, and firmer suspension. The later SE centered on standard AWD, a 2.4-liter engine, heated seats, and secure all-weather traction.

Are the Lancer GTS and GT basically the same trim?

Yes, they fill the same sporty non-turbo role in different eras. Mitsubishi renamed the GTS sedan to GT for 2012. Both are associated with the stronger 2.4-liter engine, firmer suspension, larger wheels, and added cabin equipment.

What’s the difference between the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution?

The Ralliart is the less extreme turbo AWD model. It has 237 hp and a paddle-shifted twin-clutch transmission. The Evolution raises output to 291 hp and adds a more advanced AWD system, Brembo brakes, and more focused performance hardware.

What’s the difference between the Evolution GSR and MR?

The GSR is the more hands-on Evolution, with a five-speed manual and a tall rear wing. The MR uses a quick-shifting six-speed twin-clutch transmission and adds upgraded shocks, springs, headlights, and front brake rotors, plus a subtler rear spoiler.

Which Lancer trim should I look for if I want AWD without a turbo?

Look at the SE or SEL in the final two model years. Both pair a 2.4-liter non-turbo engine with AWD. The SE has a sportier focus, while the SEL adds leather and convenience features. Certain late ES examples also combine the 2.4-liter engine with AWD.

Which Lancer trims have a manual transmission?

Manual-transmission examples appear in several parts of the lineup, depending on year. The early DE is manual-only, some front-wheel-drive ES cars have a manual, and sporty GTS or GT models were also sold with one. The Evolution GSR is the manual high-performance version.

Which Lancer Sportback trim fits my needs?

The ES Sportback suits shoppers who mainly want hatchback practicality. The GTS or GT Sportback adds a stronger 2.4-liter engine and sportier road manners. The Ralliart Sportback is the turbocharged AWD choice for drivers who want both performance and cargo flexibility.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer trim has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

The late-run LE is the trim to look for. Its 6.5-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rearview camera. It also adds a sunroof and distinctive black-and-red appearance details.