Against 476 other 4-cyl cars rated 2015–2017, the Lancer beats their 27.4 mpg average by 2.6 mpg, about $121 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2002, the 2L 4-cyl (2004–2017), does 27.2 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (2002–2003), 26: $65 a year apart.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24.4 / 31.9 | 2004–2017 | $1,412 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24 / 30 | 2002–2003 | $1,477 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 32.5 mpg, the Nissan Versa 34 mpg and the Audi A4 29.7 mpg, next to 30 mpg for the 2017 Lancer.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2017) | $0.107 |
| Fuel per year | $1,280 |
| Fuel over five years | $6,400 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2015–2017 | −$121 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,309 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer gives up 7 mpg in town: 34 on the highway against 27 in the city, $293 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2017) | 27 mpg | $1,422 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 34 mpg | $1,129 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +7 mpg (26%) | Typical for its type |
How the Lancer changed over the years
The Lancer peaked in 2017 at 30 mpg (27 city, 34 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2008 at 24 — 6 mpg apart, or $320 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2016 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2015 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2014 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2013 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2012 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2011 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2010 | 23 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2009 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2008 | 22 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2007 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2006 | 23 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2005 | 24 / 31 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2003 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2002 | 24 / 30 | 1 | $1,477 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 16 EPA ratings of the Mitsubishi Lancer — 2 engines across 2002–2017. 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 $2,309. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
30 mpg combined, 27 city and 34 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2002 the Lancer has averaged 27.1 mpg.
Is the 2017 Lancer more efficient than the 2016?
About the same: 30 against 30 mpg combined.
Which Lancer year has the best gas mileage?
The 2017, at 30 mpg combined (27 city, 34 highway), which is also the latest model year we hold.
Does the Lancer get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
No: 30 mpg for the 2017 Lancer against 32.5 for the 2018 Ford Focus, about $98 a year more to run.
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