DecodedCars2016 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT, Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 181.9–182.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,888–3,142 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints30 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 138 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,142 lb (4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34 highway), 13% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Lancer →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Kurashiki, Okayama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 Lancer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD | 181.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.3 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 3,142 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT | 181.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.3 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,888 lb | 61/39 |
| Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD | 182.7 in | 69.3 in | 59.4 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 2,987 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +13% | $2,250 | 298 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +5% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 332 |
| Lancer 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 336 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -6% | $2,700 | 351 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Honda Accord | 30 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Toyota Camry | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 29, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V609000 · 132,552 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Jul 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V563000 · 82,436 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
- Risk
- A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
Not every 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Lancer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 Lancer | 29 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 26 |
| 2014 Lancer | 28 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2013 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2012 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2011 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 28 |
| 2010 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2009 Lancer | 25 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 64 |
| 2008 Lancer | 24 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 50 |
| 2007 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
| 2005 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →