Full 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Review
What's New for 2014
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SE, GT and Ralliart trim levels get a standard touchscreen audio interface with a rearview camera. A revamped navigation system with a larger touchscreen is available in the GT and Ralliart. New wheels, upholstery and interior panels have also been added to certain trim levels, and the base DE trim has been dropped.
Introduction
In past years, the Mitsubishi Lancer's crisp styling, steady handling and spacious interior made it a compelling alternative to more mainstream offerings in the economy car class. However, Mitsubishi has left its compact sedan entry largely unchanged for several years now, while most rival automakers have redesigned their small sedans. These newer competitors surpass the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer in most areas.
There's nothing gravely wrong with the 2014 Lancer, which offers an acceptably smooth ride and ample amenities in the cabin. However, if you start looking at the details, the picture isn't quite so rosy. To start, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) that takes the place of a conventional automatic transmission saps the strength of the Lancer's four-cylinder engines, particularly the base 2.0-liter. Performance is still passable, but the level of noise in the cabin during hard acceleration is excessive.
Although the Lancer's EPA fuel economy ratings are still middle of the road for this class, there are better options out there if mpg is a priority. Inside, Mitsubishi's compact sedan simply isn't as comfortable as rivals: The steering wheel doesn't telescope, and extensive use of hard plastic makes it hard to find a good spot to rest an elbow on longer trips. Trunk capacity is also low for this class.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer is a small sedan available in ES, SE, GT and Ralliart trim levels. The high-performance Lancer Evolution and a five-door hatchback version of the Lancer called the Lancer Sportback are reviewed separately.
The base ES comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, a tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a 60/40-split rear seat, front and rear center armrests, a height-adjustable driver seat, steering-wheel audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. Available on CVT-equipped ES sedans only is the Alloy Wheel package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels along with rear disc brakes (instead of drums). The Deluxe package (which requires the Alloy Wheel package to be added first) adds a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, a six-speaker stereo, the Fuse voice-activated electronics interface, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, USB/iPod integration, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and padded door panel inserts.
The SE trim level has a more powerful 2.4-liter engine, all-wheel drive, four-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and side mirrors, chrome exterior accents and a 6.1-inch touchscreen audio interface with a rearview camera and HD and satellite radio. The Fuse interface, Bluetooth and USB port are sold as accessory add-ons for the Lancer SE. A sunroof is available as part of the Premium package, which also includes a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, the upgraded door trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. A keyless ignition is not available on the SE.
The GT also gets the 2.4-liter engine, but is front-wheel drive only. It builds on the ES trim's equipment list with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, foglights, a sporty front fascia, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, upgraded front seats (with extra side bolstering), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, shift paddles (with the CVT), the 6.1-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Fuse, Bluetooth, a USB input and a six-speaker sound system with HD/satellite radio.
