Against 373 other 4-cyl cars rated 2012–2014, the Lancer SportBack sits right on their 27.1 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2004, the 2L 4-cyl (2011–2014), does 27 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2004–2010), 22.4: $292 a year apart.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24 / 31.8 | 2011–2014 | $1,422 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 20.4 / 26.4 | 2004–2010 | $1,714 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Kia Soul gets 26.7 mpg, the Honda Fit 33.5 mpg and the Nissan Juke 29.3 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 2014 Lancer SportBack.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2014) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2012–2014 | +$5 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,572 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack gives up 8 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 24 in the city, $400 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2014) | 24 mpg | $1,600 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +8 mpg (33%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Lancer SportBack changed over the years
The Lancer SportBack peaked in 2014 at 27 mpg (24 city, 32 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2006 at 22 — 5 mpg apart, or $323 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The biggest single-year change came in 2011: 23 to 27 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2013 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2012 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2011 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2010 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2009 | 21 / 27 | 1 | $1,670 | |
| 2006 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2005 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 | |
| 2004 | 20 / 26 | 1 | $1,745 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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- Insurance and fuel folded into 5-year cost to own
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack — 2 engines across 2004–2014. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,572. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack get?
27 mpg combined, 24 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2004 the Lancer SportBack has averaged 24.4 mpg.
Is the 2014 Lancer SportBack more efficient than the 2013?
About the same: 27 against 27 mpg combined.
Which Lancer SportBack year has the best gas mileage?
The 2014, at 27 mpg combined (24 city, 32 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Lancer SportBack get better gas mileage than the Kia Soul?
About the same: 27 mpg for the 2014 Lancer SportBack against 26.7 for the 2015 Kia Soul.
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