2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Going into 2013 Mitsubishi leaves this compact 5-passenger sedan well enough alone and makes a few additions to the Lancer's newest trim, the all-wheel drive (AWD) SE that debuted for 2012. In an obvious attempt to directly compete with Subaru's Impreza, mounts for the Thule roof rack are now standard, alongside a few smaller touches like alloy wheels to complete the look, although its engine is likely enough to sell the SE given the alternative noisy 2-liter in the bargain-priced DE and ES trims and the polarizing tailfin attached to the comparably equipped GT. The Lancer has its issues, with a few duds in the lineup and some areas that could use more refinement, but being a Top Safety Pick the last 4 years in a row should stand for something.
In the baseline DE and ES trims with their loud 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, that "something" probably means they don't accelerate fast enough, as their 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque don't put crash-test dummies in any real danger. Given the 8.8 seconds it takes to reach 60 mph with the 5-speed manual and a decidedly worse but barely average 9.1 seconds with the CVT, the performance of the DE and ES Lancers doesn't match the sport implied by their skin but is at least typical of their class. Fuel economy is on par for the performance at 26 mpg city/34 highway, so they're respectable choices if you don't mind the engine and CVT chattering on while you drive. If you like a stick shift, your ears can likely afford these bargain sedans, but definitely have a listen to that engine before deciding.
Moving up to the SE and GT, their 2.4-liter inline-4 puts out 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, capable of propelling a manual-equipped GT to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. Fuel economy is a bit worse than the bargain trims at 23/30 regardless of transmission, but the SE is available only with a CVT. The SE is likewise the only daily-driver Lancer without front-wheel drive (FWD), sharing a similar AWD setup with the top-shelf Ralliart performance trim, although that one uses a dual-clutch manual with shift paddles and active center differential. The turbocharged 2-liter inline-4 powering the Ralliart is rated for 237 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque for a lightning quick zip-to-60 of just 5.8 seconds, but that comes at the cost of a fuel economy rating of 18/25.
If you're waiting to be wowed by the interior, you can stop holding your breath and take a second look at the maker. The overall layout and lack of a telescoping steering wheel would be enough to discomfort most drivers, but in typical Mitsubishi style hard plastics are the dominant material no matter the trim. The trunk offers a barely usable 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and Mitsubishi's Fuse voice activation isn't quite as powerful as Ford's Sync, but it works well enough for what it does. In all, the Lancer is a great budget performance option, but with much emphasis on the budget.
User reviews for 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer
Write a review2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing
Trims & specs
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 · 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
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · 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 · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
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 pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · 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 · 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
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.94
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · 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: coil over shock · 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
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 · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 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 with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: accessory hook
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 6.12
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
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 fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · 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 21 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 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
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 · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 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 with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.12 · Limited slip differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · 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 21 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 18 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
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: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 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 with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: covered · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · 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
Body side moldings: chrome · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: two tone · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
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: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · 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
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
