2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$15,695 to $27,995

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(3 reviews)
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Preview summaryImage

Minimal changes were made across all trims for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. But a fifth trim – the SE – has been added to the 30th-anniversary lineup as a more powerful, all-wheel-drive alternative to the lower-end trims and marks the first time that AWD has been offered in a non-performance version of the Lancer (think Lancer Evolution).

In addition to the SE, the trims available for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer are the DE, ES, GT and Ralliart. Standard equipment for all trims includes a 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with DSP control, height-adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts in all 3 rear-seat positions, Micron air filtration system, power windows (with automatic up/down driver's-side window), power door locks, side-view mirrors, side air dams, clear-and-black taillights, tilt-adjustable steering column, auto-off halogen headlamps and a theft-deterrent engine immobilizer. Standard safety features for all trims include antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, active stability and traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system and a 7-airbag safety system including a driver's knee airbag.

The DE, which is the base trim, and ES come equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC engine that is rated at 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Both are front-wheel drive and have a 5-speed manual transmission, although the ES can be upgraded to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SE and GT trims are packaged with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder MIVEC engine that generates 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both are available with the CVT, and the GT can be configured with a 5-speed manual transmission as well. The SE is AWD (which Mitsubishi calls All-Wheel Control, or AWC), and the GT is front-wheel drive. The Ralliart also has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but comes with a turbocharger that raises the horsepower to 237 and generates 253 lb-ft of torque. It is also AWC and comes with a 6-speed twin-clutch Sportronic automatic transmission that offers manual shifting. Fuel mileage varies by trim. The DE is rated at 25 mpg city/34 highway. The ES with a manual transmission is rated the same, but gets 26/34 with a CVT. The SE gets 22/29, and the Ralliart gets 18/25. The GT is rated at 22/31 with a standard transmission and 23/30 with a CVT.

Available options vary depending on trim. The DE, ES and SE come standard with 16-inch wheels (steel for the DE and ES, aluminum for the SE), and the GT and Ralliart come standard with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels along with fog lights, 4-wheeel disc brakes and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking-brake handle. Paddle shifters are standard on the Ralliart, but also an available option for the CVT-equipped GT. Leather seats, front seat heaters and a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system come standard in both the GT and Ralliart trims, while xenon HID headlamps are optional for both. A 40GB hard disc navigation system with music server are optional for all trims except the DE. Air conditioning, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat are also standard for all trims except the DE (which has a 4-way adjustable seat). Bluetooth hands-free phone interface and SiriusXM radio are also options available for the higher-end trims.

The Mitsubishi Lancer's exterior color options for 2012 are Rally Red, Apex Silver, Mercury Gray, Octane Blue, Wicked White and Tarmac Black. Interior color options are black fabric for the DE, black cloth for the ES and SE, and black sports fabric and black leather for the GT and Ralliart.

Complaints against the 5-passenger Lancer are few, but mostly surround the engine, especially the 2.0-liter engine, which owners say is underpowered, even for a compact, and produces anemic acceleration, especially when driving on the highway. The loudness of the CVT, especially in the ES trim, also has raised the ire of some owners. Fuel efficiency in the more expensive trims is not as good as that of some competitors, including the Mazda3, Kia Forte and Suburu Impreza. Safety, meanwhile, remains a positive for the Lancer, as it received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick for the fourth consecutive year with the 2012 model year.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

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User rating:
by Bryan S
Jun 06, 2022
I love the fact is has bluetooth and can pair multiple phones to be saved, the sound system like the bass is nice but it seems quiet like I turn it up to 20 and barely hear it qnd only goes up to 45 but you can feel the bass, the car handles extremely well I got it for the All wheel drive which can be used in the winter months if needed, the seat warmers is a nice touch as well, its low to the ground but not stupid low, the power this thing has is awesome it can get up and go if needed, it is kinda loud in the cab because of it but not unbearable I would definetely recommend this car to anyone looking for a good gas saver and stylish.Jun 06, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 22, 2020
The lancer is a good car for the money. Good on gas and easy to work on.Apr 22, 2020
by Jay M
Jan 20, 2013
My Ralliart is the perfect combination of style performance and comfort! It's great for all driving conditions from long road trips to snow conditions to everyday driving. My wife and I always get compliments on its sharp sporty muted appearance! This my second ralliart and I am still having so much fun driving it!Jan 20, 2013

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,695 to $27,995
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 140 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.94

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 140 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: Aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.94

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Bumper color: black · Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: chrome · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Rockford Fosgate premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 140 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: Aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 6.12

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 40GB · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 140 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: Aluminum · Shift knob trim: aluminum

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.12 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: chrome · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.1

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 21 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 40GB · In-Dash Single CD/DVD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Rockford Fosgate premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 140 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.9 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Parking sensors: rear · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.06 · Limited slip differential: rear

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Mudguards: rear · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.2

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (5)