2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Lineup Revealed

Trying a new approach with a slightly older entry, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer will get spruced up with some fresh technology and more premium features, with the brand eliminating last year’s entry model entirely.

The new starting point for the company’s “compact sport sedan” is the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer ES, now with an MSRP of $17,195 that’s just $100 higher than the comparably trimmed Lancer from 2013. But, as is the case with the majority of Mitsubishi’s 2014 vehicles, the car gets an upgraded standard audio system, and that’s in addition to improved seating fabric.

Moving through the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer team, other changes include:

• Lancer SE adds a seat-fabric upgrade and SE models with Mitsubishi’s All-Wheel Control technology also will feature a new display audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD Radio, complementary three-month subscription to SiriusXM Radio, a rearview camera, and redesigned five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.
• Lancer GT also receives the same audio enhancements as the SE, then adds new seats with upgraded upholstery, a gloss-black interior accent panel, and the rearview camera. In addition, customers can now order the GT with a new navigation system with a seven-inch high-definition screen, voice command, 3D mapping and more.
• Lancer Ralliart benefits from the display-audio upgrade, rearview camera, and gloss-black accent panel.

Mitsubishi also will continue to offer three 4-cylinder engine choices for the Lancer family, with a 2.0-liter powerplant as the starting point, offering 148 hp and 145 lb.-ft. of torque; the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SE is fitted with a 2.4-liter engine that develops 168 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque; the Lancer Ralliart adds a turbo to the 2.0-liter unit to serve up 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. On the other hand, displaying its old-school roots, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer tops out with EPA grades of 26 mpg city/34 mpg highway/29 mpg combined, even in its most efficient configuration, and that’s well off the pace set by segment leaders like the Nissan Sentra, which rings up ratings of 30/40/34.

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer: Last Call for the Evolution?

While rumors continue to fly, Mitsubishi has yet to confirm it would create a new high-performance Evolution when the Lancer goes to a next-gen platform for the 2015 model year. That would leave the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution as the last of the line, although it does get the same key media enhancements as the rest of the 2014 Lancer lineup, including the display audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, HD Radio and SiriusXM subscription, as well as the upgraded navigation technology.

And as long as it lasts, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will continue to showcase a turbocharged and intercooled 4-cylinder engine that provides enthusiasts with a willing 291 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, complemented by:

• Super All-Wheel Control
• A front helical limited-slip differential, active center differential, and active yaw-control rear differential
• Ventilated Brembo disc brakes
• A sophisticated suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars, a front-strut tower bar, and inverted front shock absorbers
• Recaro front sport seats
• Numerous aero body mods, including a massive rear wing spoiler
• Aluminum front fenders and hood (with heat-extractor vents)
• The driver’s choice of a five-speed manual or a six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission

The MSRP of the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution starts at $34,995, and yes, the full range of Lancer options is available for the Evolution, too.

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer: Sportback to the Future

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer offers another relatively rare advantage in the segment in the shape of its Sportback variant. One of the few compact five-door hatchbacks on sale in this country—along with the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra GT—the 2014 Sportback starts at $18,595, which is a modest $100 bump versus the 2013 version. At the same time, though, new standard and available content for the car includes the display audio system, rearview camera and enhanced navigation functionality, all coming together to create a more upscale ambiance to go with the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback's 52.7 cubic feet worth of cargo space.

Two trim levels will be offered for the Sportback once again this year: The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES, with the company’s naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, and the GT, boasting the bigger 2.4-liter powerplant and a price tag that opens at $21,495.