DecodedCars2015 Mitsubishi Lancer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD, 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD, 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT, Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 179.1–180.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,888–3,516 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints26 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 114 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 181 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,987 lb (Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 10% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Lancer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Lancer →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Mizushima, Japan · Kurashiki, Okayama
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Lancer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sportback 4dr Hatch Se/GT FWD | 180.7 in | 69.3 in | 59.4 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 2,987 lb | 59/41 |
| 4dr Sedan AWD Se-AWD/GT-AWD | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.3 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 3,142 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD De/Se/GT | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.3 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 59.8 in | 2,888 lb | 61/39 |
| Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr | 179.1 in | 71.3 in | 58.3 in | 104.3 in | 60.6 / 60.2 in | 3,516 lb | 57/43 |
| Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD | 179.9 in | 69.3 in | 58.7 in | 103.9 in | 60.2 / 60.2 in | 3,461 lb | 60/40 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 310 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -1% | $2,600 | 347 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 349 |
| Lancer AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Lancer AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 20 | -24% | $4,100 | 438 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -28% | $4,350 | 464 |
| Lancer Evolution | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | -28% | $4,350 | 470 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 29, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V609000 · 132,552 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
- Risk
- If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Aug 31, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V546000 · 1,497 vehicles
- Problem
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles have a right parking brake cable that may contact the fuel tank, wearing away the tank's protective coating.
- Risk
- Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake cable, the fuel tank will also be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-009.
Not every 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 8 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Lancer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2016 Lancer | 30 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 30 |
| 2014 Lancer | 28 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 21 |
| 2013 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 2012 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 19 |
| 2011 Lancer | 28 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 28 |
| 2010 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 41 |
| 2009 Lancer | 25 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 7 | 64 |
| 2008 Lancer | 24 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 50 |
| 2007 Lancer | 26 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 4 | 35 |
| 2005 Lancer | 26 | 180.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 17 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →