Say hello to the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer and wish it farewell. Overshadowed for years by perennial favorites and fast-charging newcomers, the 2017 model is the compact car’s last year.
With plans to stop Lancer production in August, Mitsubishi will continue to emphasize its popular sport utility vehicle and crossover lineup.
Key Takeaways
- Test vehicle: the top-line SEL, one of three Lancer trims.
- Last year: the 2017 model is the compact car’s last, with only 14,304 units sold in 2016.
- $1,500 Sun and Sound Package: a power glass sunroof and a Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, including a sub-woofer in the trunk.
- 23 city / 30 highway mpg for the 2.4-liter all-wheel-drive Lancer, per the EPA.
- Driving: Driving the Lancer is frustrating.
- Ride: While handling is satisfactory, acceleration is sluggish and the overall ride is rough and loud.
For its final year, the Lancer has improved technology: a rearview camera and a 6.1-inch center screen standard. But the updates won’t reach many buyers. With competitors like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte, the Lancer lost its luster with only 14,304 units sold in 2016.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Manufactured since 1973, the Mitsubishi Lancer has arguably had more names than any car, the Dodge/Plymouth Colt to the Galant Fortis and the Eagle Summit to the Soueast Lioncel. The Lancer name is derived from the name of a cavalry soldier armed with a Lance. It’s an odd name for a car, and it doesn’t help the disappearing car’s image.
Available in three trims, I drove the top-line SEL. It’s equipped with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower.
The SEL includes the lengthy collection of standard features from the ES and SE models, but a strong collection of upgrades. The list includes: Automatic headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded interior trim, leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
The optional Sun and Sound Package ($1,500.00) was also included and featured a power glass sunroof, an impressive Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers, including a monstrous sub-woofer in the trunk.
Driving Impressions
Driving the Lancer is frustrating. It’s comfortable and provides good overall space for front and back seat occupant. And give Mitsubishi credit. It offers the Lancer with an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system called All Wheel Control. It’s a rare feature compact sedans.
But that’s about it for the Lancer’s positive attributes. While handling is satisfactory, acceleration is sluggish and the overall ride is rough and loud.
Interior and Cargo
The interior is a mix of plainness and cheap-looking plastic. A small trunk (12.3 cubic feet) gets smaller (11.8 cubic feet) with the massive sub-woof installed. The 60/40-split rear seatbacks help alleviate some cargo space limitations.
2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Verdict
Mitsubishi took the basics and added a few unexpected niceties. But the combination doesn’t help the Lancer get closer to its top-selling competitors.
Likes
Available all-wheel drive, rare in compact sedans. Lots of standard features. Nimble handling.
Dislikes
Mediocre gas mileage. Poor trunk space. Poor interior material quality. Noisy engine, rough ride.
Facts & Figures: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Trim | SEL |
| Engine | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 168 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 167 lb-ft @ 4,100 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT (AV-S6) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (All Wheel Control) |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| Cargo | 12.3 cubic feet (11.8 with the subwoofer) |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
Interesting. Looks like Mitsubishi used (or was influenced by) a design concepts from Korean Kia/Huyundai cars. Nonetheless, this car looks fresh.