Acceleration

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	7	5.6

Four-cylinder Galants have more-than-adequate power for most situations--an ES did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph in our tests. The Ralliart's V6 is very responsive in any situation. On all, the automatic transmission provides smooth shifts. Even with traction control, some test Ralliarts scrambled for traction in quick getaways.

Fuel Economy

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
6	5	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, an ES averaged 24.2 mpg in a city/highway mix. A test Ralliart averaged 17.6 mpg in similar driving conditions. V6 Galants require premium-grade fuel; 4-cylinder models use regular.

Ride Quality

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	6

Comfortable in DE and ES trim, but most midsize rivals are more composed at highway speeds. Ralliart has a firmer suspension for improved control with little comfort compromise.

Steering/Handling/Braking

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	6	6

The Ralliart has nicely weighted steering and little cornering lean. Other models are reasonably nimble, but don't control body motions as well on their softer suspensions. The brakes are adequate in routine use, but simulated panic stops revealed spongy pedal action and only average stopping distances. One test Ralliart suffered from squeaky brakes during hard stops.

Quietness

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
7	6	6

Road and tire noise is pronounced the Ralliart, less so in other models. No Galant matches the refinement the midsize-class leaders. The V6 has a sporty exhaust note that some may find tiresome.

Controls

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
6	5	6.3

On models without the navigation system, most switchgear is handy and logical. The gauges are easy to read. The navigation screen absorbs, and complicates, most audio controls. It's poorly integrated by sticking out of the center of the dashtop.

Details

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	4	5.6

Cabin materials are okay for this price range, but are hardly impressive. Some Galants tested suffered from ill-fitting interior panels. One test Ralliart had a persistent and loud dashboard squeak.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
6	6	6.7

Easily accommodates six-footers. Good seat comfort, though the addition of a telescope steering wheel would help some drivers fine-tune their positioning. Cars tested had metallic console trim that caused annoying daytime windshield reflections. Aft visibility is subpar.

Room/Comfort (rear)

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	5.2

Headroom is tight for six-footers, but three adults fit without undue crowding. Foot and knee space is good. The seat is nicely contoured, but some testers say it's too soft for best comfort. Wide door openings ease entry/exit.

Cargo Room

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
3	3	4.1

Short decklid and high liftover limit utility of the roomy, usefully shaped trunk. Galant is hurt by offering only a center pass-through to the cabin, rather than folding rear seatbacks. Cabin storage is nothing special.

Value within Class

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Galant matches the midsize-class leaders for roominess, and holds its own in acceleration and handling, particularly the sporty Ralliart. These sedans lag in mechanical refinement, solidity, interior materials, and assembly quality. Yes, Galant typically sells for less than its rivals, but that's offset by Mitsubishi's lower resale values.

Total Score

ES	Ralliart w/navigation	Class Average
58	57	63.3

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		63
High Score		74