Which 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Is Right for You?

The Mitsubishi Lancer is…well, it’s affordable. U.S. News and World Report called the latest model “A car that does nothing well.” Reviews consistently point to noisy engines and subpar materials on the interior.

That said, you can’t really beat it for affordability, but 2017 will be the last year that it is available in the United States. If you’re looking at a Lancer, here’s a breakdown of the four trims available to you.

ES 2.0

The ES 2.0 is the most affordable Mitsubishi Lancer at $17,795, but it does come with a solid number of standard features. It’s equipped with a FWD, 148-horsepower, 2.0-liter MIVEC engine that can get up to 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. It’s important to mention that the ES 2.0 is a manual, unless drivers pay $1,000 to upgrade to a CVT.

The ES 2.0 is Bluetooth-capable, with controls on the steering wheel for audio so drivers can focus on the road. To make parking easier, it also comes with a standard rearview camera, which displays on a 6.1-inch touch panel display. Finally, it comes with automatic climate control, fog lights, LED running lights, and a keyless entry with panic alarm.

ES 2.4 AWC

The ES 2.4 AWC starts at $20,295 and has several significant upgrades. For starters, it’s all-wheel-drive. It also adds a 168-hp, 2.4-liter MIVEC engine, which delivers a noticeable boost from the ES 2.0. The stronger engine does decrease the fuel economy to an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission is also much more friendly for beginner drivers, which is a step up from the manual found in the ES 2.0.

However, that’s the end of the changes between the ES 2.0 and ES 2.4 AWC. While the upgrades to the powertrain and drivetrain are nice, it’d be nice to see a few more features.

SE 2.4 AWC

The SE 2.4 AWC starts at $21,095, which is a reasonable increase for what comes standard with this trim. While the exterior doesn’t change much, the interior provides some quality comfort and convenience upgrades. You get heated seats, a six-speaker audio system (two more than previous trims), and standard SiriusXM satellite radio with three months free. Rather than the keyless entry of previous trims, the SE 2.4 AWC includes FAST-Key passive entry. This comes with a transmitter that can unlock, lock, and start the vehicle when it’s within range of the key.

SEL 2.4 AWC

The SE 2.4 AWC is pretty solid, so how can the SEL 2.4 AWC improve? The SEL 2.4 AWC starts at $22,095, and it’s worth the money, all things considered. The exterior incorporates a great deal of new features, including auto on/off halogen headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The interior also upgrades, dropping cloth seating in exchange for leather. To match, the shift knob and steering wheel are also leather-wrapped with silver accents. Finally, the SEL 2.4 AWC also has an auto-dimming rearview mirror, which automatically adjusts for drivers that have bright lights.

(All facts and figures from Mitsubishi.)