10 Things You Need To Know About the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer is an often-overlooked entry-level sedan. There are a few reasons as to why the Lancer hasn't drawn the same fanfare as some of its rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus, not the least of which being a rather long development cycle that has seen few dramatic changes made to the vehicle over the course of the past few years. Still, for buyers seeking to stretch their dollar as far as it can go, the Mitsubishi Lancer offers an enticingly low cost of entry, along with the exceedingly rare option of all-wheel drive (amongst compact cars) and more than one high performance gem waiting to be discovered deep within its line-up. 

Let's take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer.

1. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Features Aggressive Styling

One thing's for sure: the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer is no shrinking violet. In fact, its pointed snout, sharp angles, and high belt-line make it one of the most aggressive-looking compact sedans on the market, a factor that plays up the car's sporty image in the minds of potential buyers. This is particularly true when the Lancer Evolution is ordered with its available 18-inch wheels, which do an admirable job of filling out the car's fender wells, or when wearing the rear spoiler and additional aero gear associated with its upper trim levels.

2. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Offers Good Passenger Room, But Boomy Ride

A further bonus of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer is the size of its cabin. Taller adults will have no problem spending time in the Mitsubishi Lancer's second row of accommodations, and the vehicle's trunk - all 12.3 cubic feet of it - is similarly well-proportioned, especially if you avoid the space-sapping subwoofer that comes with the car's upgraded stereo system. Still, you may want to crank the tunes to drown out road noise, as the Lancer's passenger compartment isn't as quiet as some of its competitors at speed, nor does it offer the same quality of materials found in more modern compact options.

3. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Is Motivated By A Trio Of 4-Cylinder Options

No less than three four-cylinder engines can be had with the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer. The first is the entry-level 2.0-liter unit, which provides 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Next up is a larger 2.4-liter mill that has been tuned to provide a more stout 168 horses and 167 lb-ft of twist for mid-tier models, but those seeking the most performance possible from the standard Mitsubishi Lancer will want to check out the sedan's turbocharged 2.0-liter motor, which boosts output to a blistering 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque.

4. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Also Provides Three Matching Transmissions

Hand-in-hand with the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer's trio of power plants comes three specific transmission options. Base 2.0-liter cars start out with a five-speed manual gearbox, with the option to step up to a continuously-variable automatic. 2.4-liter engines also get to choose between manual and CVT setups, but the 2.0-liter turbocharged Mitsubishi Lancer gains a unique six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Fuel economy for the Lancer ranges from 26-mpg in city driving and 34-mpg on the highway for the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter, all the way down to 18-mpg around town and 25-mpg in stop and go driving for the turbo sedan.

5. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Stands Out With Available All-Wheel Drive

Part of the reason why the turbocharged version of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer sees such a drastic drop-off in fuel mileage has to do with its standard all-wheel drive system. In fact, the Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the few compact cars - apart from the Subaru Impreza, where it's standard - to feature all-wheel drive as an option. It's also possible to order the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive for those who don't want to go all-out with acceleration. Mitsubishi's grip-enhancing system has been specifically tuned to enhance performance not just in wet and slippery conditions, but also on dry pavement.

6. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Can Be Had In Four Trim Levels

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer starts off in ES trim, which comes with keyless entry, power windows and door locks, 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a CD player, and a trip computer. Next up is the Mitsubishi Lancer SE, a model that features standard all-wheel drive, heated seats, fog lights, a rearview camera, a touchscreen infotainment system, 16-inch alloy wheels, and HD radio, while the Lancer GT loses all-wheel drive but includes 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic body kit, nicer cloth wrapping the seats, a stiffer suspension system, and automatic climate control. The Lancer Ralliart rounds things out by returning all-wheel drive to the equation and further adding HID headlights, an even sportier suspension system, a limited-slip differential, and automatic windshield wipers.

7. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Makes Several Options Packages Available

It's possible to install a fair amount of extra equipment on the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES without having to step up to the SE model. The Value Package includes Bluetooth connectivity via the Fuse voice command system, upgraded interior trim, a USB port, rear disc brakes, and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the Deluxe Package further adds satellite radio, a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless ignition and entry.

The Mitsubishi Lancer SE makes the Premium package available (sunroof, louder, trunk-space-stealing stereo system, keyless entry and ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel) while the GT can be had with the Sun and Sound package (HID headlights, sunroof, upgraded stereo) and the Touring package (Sun and Sound contents plus heated leather seats, navigation system, and a rear lip spoiler).

8. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Is Highlighted By The High Performance Evolution Model

For enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in compact sedan performance, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer offers an additional level beyond the already-quick Ralliart model: the Evolution. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution homologates the brand's rich rally history into a street car that features a fierce 291 horsepower from a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Offering an advanced all-wheel drive system that is equally at home on dirt roads or tarmac, the Lancer Evolution can sprint to 60-mph in a remarkably rapid 4.9 seconds.

9. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Is Lacking In Active Safety

Aside from its somewhat bland interior, one of the other areas where the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer shows its age is with regards to active safety. The Mitsubishi Lancer is far from 'unsafe' - in fact, it was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for its performance in crash testing - and it includes dual forward airbags, side impact airbags up front, side curtain airbags, and a driver's knee airbag to go along with its electronic traction control and stability control. However, you won't find advanced features like blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, or lane keeping assistance with the Mitsubishi.

10. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Speaks To Buyers On A Budget

An older, established platform does offer one substantial benefit to new car buyers: an attractive entry-level price. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer ES starts at $17,395, while moving on to the more generously-equipped, all-wheel drive Lancer SE costs $20,995. This keeps the Mitsubishi Lancer competitive with more expensive compact sedan fare. Still, there are outliers: the Lancer Ralliart's near-$30k price tag puts it well above the similarly-performing Subaru WRX sedan, which also boasts a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, while the Lancer Evolution's performance and technology quotient pegs the needle at $34,495.