2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: Road Test
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ▼
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- MSRP: $14,540 - $38,290
- Invoice: $13,852 - $36,089
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Our road test for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer help you decide if a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5 |
The 2.0-liter Lancers only have adequate pickup with manual transmission, and they're borderline sluggish with the CVT. GTS models with the 2.4-liter engine are stronger in all situations. All feel weakest when pulling away from a stop. Ralliart is robust once rolling. Upshifts and downshifts are quick and timely, whether in automatic mode or shifted manually via the center console lever or steering-wheel paddles. When "Sport" mode is switched on and the transmission is left in automatic mode, it holds onto each gear for about 1,000 more rpm. This may be helpful in spirited driving, but it's too rough for around-town commuting and it is a likely fuel-economy killer.
Evolution has better than adequate power before the turbo kicks in. Once it does, the Evo rockets forward. On the GSR version, the shifter has positive action. The clutch is expectedly stiff, which can frustrate in around-town driving. MR's automatic transmission shifts quickly in all-out performance driving, but is prone to clunkiness in routine commuting.
FUEL ECONOMY
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 2.0-liter Lancers with manual transmission averaged 25.7-27.2 mpg. Test GTS with CVT averaged 24.7 mpg. A Ralliart averaged 18.8 mpg. An Evolution GSR averaged 20.0 mpg, an MR averaged 17.9 mpg. Non-turbocharged versions use regular-grade gas. Note that Evolutions and Ralliarts have a 14.5-gallon tank vs 15.3 and require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
DE and ES models are absorbent and capable thanks to smart suspension tuning, a solid-feeling structure, and sensible 16-inch tires. The GTS rides stiffly due to its sport suspension and 18-inch tires. Ralliart is firm but never punishing. Evolutions are firmer still, with MR exhibiting some harshness at times, but we consider it a fair tradeoff for their level of handling prowess.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 5.9 |
The DE and ES exhibit decent grip in turns, but the steering is not especially direct or communicative. Though the brakes feel strong, nosedive is evident in quick stops. The tauter GTS is more agile and fun. Evolutions shine, with quick steering, tenacious grip, and anchor-like brakes, though they suffer from a wide turning radius. Ralliart is less sharp on-center than Evo, but offers more accurate feel than the rest of the lineup. Overall, Ralliart feels less high-strung around-town than the Evolution.
QUIETNESS
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4.8 |
Wind noise is well-checked, but coarse-surface tire thrum is fairly high in all models. Lancer's crude engine note is a sore point. It's especially intrusive in rapid acceleration or at higher speeds, though in the Evolution, it's masked somewhat by a sporty whistle from the turbocharger.
CONTROLS
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
In the main instrument pod, a large, clear speedometer and tachometer flank a smaller, less-legible electronic information display. The climate controls are large and simple but are a bit low for easy access.
Some testers find the audio controls to be an uncomfortable reach and its dashboard screen hard to read in sunny conditions. Lancer's touch-screen navigation system unfortunately also absorbs most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.
DETAILS
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.1 |
The cabin decor is solid enough, but cost-cutting is evident in many places. Materials are nothing special, particularly on the pricey Evolution. Lancer's doors close with a tinny clang, and were improperly aligned on one test car, requiring multiple slams to shut.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Headroom and legroom are sufficient for six-footers. The GTS and Ralliart have sport seats that hug tightly in fast corners; seats in the DE and ES are unexceptional for shape and support. Evolutions have even more bolstering, appropriate for racetrack driving, but they might be too confining for everyday use. A height-adjustable driver's seat is standard on all Lancers except the Evolutions, where shorter drivers sit low. But regardless of model, high windowsills impart a slightly closed-in feeling. Outward visibility aft and to the right-rear isn't great, and it's made worse by the available rear spoiler.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
The seat is supportive, but space is cozy for two medium-size adults, let alone three. Headroom is good, as is legroom. Entry and exit are also a bit tight, though OK for the class.
CARGO ROOM
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.9 |
Lancer's trunk has a useful shape. Evolution's trunk is slightly smaller due to that model's all-wheel-drive hardware. Trunks lack height for taller cargo, as does the trunk opening. Useful cabin storage includes large front-door map pockets with bottle holders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6.6 |
Lancer Evolution models are strong performers that aren't too punishing on the street, but high prices detract from their appeal. Other Lancers ride and handle well enough, but their engines lag in power and refinement. Further, cost-cutting is evident in many places, particularly in the cabin. Mitsubishi's record of weak resale values doesn't help Lancer's cause either. The addition of the Ralliart is meant to bridge the gap between the Evo and lesser models performance-wise, but it doesn't do much to address other criticisms of the Lancer line.
Total Score
| ES, manual | GTS, CVT | Ralliart | Evolution GSR | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | 48 | 51 | 51 | 60.1 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Compact Cars
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