2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$17,595 to $22,495

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(4 reviews)
2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Preview summaryImage

It seems that lately the Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has become somewhat of an afterthought in the marketplace, and its 2016 Lancer 5-passenger compact sedan may partly indicate why. Though competent and fuel efficient, this commuter just isn’t as refined, nimble, or eye-catching as rivals like the Mazda Mazda 3, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, or Kia Forte. All that being as it may, however, the 2016 Lancer is still an inexpensive family 4-door that offers its share of efficient power and performance, with enough creature comforts to keep the trip to the office or mall more than just bearable.

For 2016, the Lancer lineup has added a new trim and deleted an old one. The SEL joins the family as an upper-midlevel edition, slotted between the lower-midlevel SE and the sport-oriented GT, while the Lancer ES returns as the base trim. The sales-challenged Lancer Railliart, however, bites the dust for the upcoming model year, and the turbo-powered and performance-driven Lancer Evolution is reviewed separately.

Further upgrades for the 2016 lineup include a new front fascia, a redesigned center console, upgraded seat fabrics, and 2 new color choices, Diamond White Pearl and Alloy Silver. The base ES trim now offers all-wheel drive (AWD) and the SE and up can now be equipped with Mitsubishi’s Fuse Hands-Free Link System, integrated with Bluetooth technology for enhanced voice-activated multimedia functions such as music streaming.

Both the SE and the new SEL trims again come with standard AWD, while the ES returns with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and the above-noted AWD option. The GT is offered solely with FWD.

Appearance-wise, look for the 2016 Lancer ES to roll on 16-inch steel wheels, with the SE and SEL boasting 16-inch alloy wheels and the GT sporting 18-inch alloy wheels. The GT also features a standard rear spoiler, power sunroof, and sport-tuned suspension.

Inside, the 2016 Lancer ES comes with newly enhanced cloth upholstery, full power accessories, cruise control, and a tilt-only steering wheel. Also featured are such niceties as climate control, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a 140-watt audio system with 4 speakers and a USB port. The SE adds standard heated front seats, a rear-view camera, satellite radio, and 6 speakers, while the debuting SEL boasts leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and upgraded interior accents. The performance-oriented GT features upgraded climate control and Rockford Fosgate premium audio with 750 watts and 9 Surround Sound speakers.

Options across the Lancer lineup include remote engine start, LED interior lighting, and upgraded interior accent materials. Higher trims also offer GPS navigation.

Trunk space in the 2016 Lancer is a mediocre 12.3 cubic feet, but reviewers are quick to point out that this compact sedan comes with some surprisingly generous rear-seat leg- and headroom.

Powering the 2016 Lancer ES is a 148-hp 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine that mates with a standard 5-speed manual transmission to put out 145 lb-ft of torque. This base trim can also be fitted with an available continuously variable transmission (CVT) that Mitsubishi claims offers smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency than the current year’s version. With standard FWD and the 5-speed stick shift, this base powertrain is estimated at 24 mpg city/34 highway/28 combined, while the FWD variant with the upgraded CVT is estimated at 27/35/30. EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers for the I4 with AWD and the CVT are not yet available.

All trims other than the ES sport a standard 2.4-liter I4 that’s good for 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Look for the CVT to come standard aboard the SE and SEL, while the GT features the 5-speed stick shift with the CVT optional (and offered with an auto-manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters). Mileage figures in the CVT-equipped FWD GT are estimated at 24/31/27, 22/31/25 with the manual transmission. The SE and SEL equipped only with the CVT and AWD are estimated at 22/29/25. The base ES trim also gets the improved I4 when delivered with optional AWD, but this combination has to include the CVT.

Standard safety features aboard all 2016 Lancer variations include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), with the FWD ES equipped with a front disc and rear drum setup, while all other trims boast front and rear disc brakes. Further standard safety equipment for all 2016 trims includes traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags, new LED daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, and a remote antitheft alarm. All trims also remain eligible for available rear parking sensors.

The 2015 Lancer received 4 out of 5 stars for crashworthiness from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the current Lancer its best score of Good in all tests except the small-overlap frontal offset, where this family 4-door was rated a second-best Acceptable.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

Write a review
User rating:
by Abigal B
Apr 20, 2024
Key fob does not work correctly. Squeaking noise. Taking it back to get looked at Apr 20, 2024
by kaison c
Jun 01, 2022
Nice car at a great price and deal! For sure recommend Jun 01, 2022
by Anonymous
Dec 23, 2021
J’adore la voiture. Parfait pour un jeune homme, qui souhaite avoir du plaisir en conduisant tout en ayant le confort du AWC. Très content de mon achatDec 23, 2021

2016 Mitsubishi Lancer Pricing

Original MSRP
$17,595 to $22,495
Price range
$8,985 to $9,670
Average price on CG
$8,998
YoY price change
$9,480 to $8,998

Trims & specs

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 · 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 brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · 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: accessory hook

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 6.03

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · 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

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · 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

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.8 · 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

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

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 · 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 brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.03

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · 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

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse

Instrumentation

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

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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 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

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

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 · 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 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.03

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · 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

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.

Instrumentation

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

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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 20 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 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

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 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · 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: on demand · Axle ratio: 6.03

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · 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

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: Fuse · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.

Instrumentation

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

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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 20 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 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: rain sensing

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 · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 710 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · 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

Axle ratio: 3.94

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · 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 · Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · 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: split · Upholstery: leather

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

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: rain sensing

See all trims (5)