Overview & Reviews

For the most part, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is identical to the Lancer sedan, which means aggressive, shark-nosed styling, agile handling and an ample amount of available features. Yet its hatchback body style lends an added degree of practicality thanks to the increased cargo capacity that comes with its extended roof line.

However, the Sportback also comes saddled with the Lancer's drawbacks that include subpar fuel economy, a general lack of refinement and a cabin that's rather plain and downmarket compared to what's seen in rival hatchbacks. Its many available luxury, convenience and electronics features that were once rare for the class are also increasingly par for the course. So while the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback can be an attractive, practical and enjoyable little runabout, we suggest that you consider other alternatives.

Current Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is offered in ES and GT trim levels. The base ES gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The sportier GT gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Both these trims get standard front-wheel drive and a standard five-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. The CVT features a manual mode with simulated gear ratios operated via paddle shifters.

The Lancer Sportback offers many high-tech features (either as standard or optional), though these are increasingly becoming common in the compact segment. Examples include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, a touchscreen navigation system, hard drive music storage, Bluetooth connectivity and Mitsubishi's Fuse voice-activated controls. Driver comfort is compromised by the lack of a telescoping steering column, but rear seat comfort is at least very good, with a useful amount of legroom. With the seats up, the Sportback offers 13.8 cubic feet of storage. Maximum cargo capacity is either 47 cubic feet with the Ralliart or 52.7 cubes with the GT.

Our seat time in the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback has revealed sporty handling and a strong appreciation for the potent Rockford Fosgate hard-drive-equipped audio system. The base ES is a little on the mundane side, but the GT version is likely sporty enough for most folks thanks to its peppy performance (especially with the manual gearbox) and solid composure through the corners. Unfortunately, the Lancer's lack of refinement, subpar fuel economy and disappointing interior quality make it less desirable than other compact hatchbacks.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Models
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback was added to the Lancer lineup for 2010, but in that first year it was only available as the GTS and Ralliart. The latter featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged-4 (237 hp and 253 lb-ft), an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles, and all-wheel drive. Both were discontinued after 2011, though the current GT is pretty similar to the GTS. The Mitsubishi Fuse system was also unavailable in the first year.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 53.00

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  FINALLY!!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By evsosa82 - March 2 - 5:19 pm

  I wanted the 11 but the selection on colors and models was outrageously slim. They say its due to the earthquakes, which I dont doubt, but I think its mostly because they have SO many 10 models left. MSRP was 24k, bought it for 19K (excluding tax and license)+ tint + 4 yrs free oil change. The car handles really well, the look is what sold me, storage space is ample, leather seats are a minus, the paddle shifters are fun but I think the GTS should be comparable to the SI and SPEC-V. Overall, what I got for the price is more than I could have asked for. It has the sporty but classy look I was looking for.

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  A Great Buy on SportBack LS... - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By spyderx - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got the sportback LS for 2k under invoice, after rebates. For the money, a great "mid-sized" wagon, nothing else in the market can touch its overall value! Strong engine, 160hp and 160lbs of torque, and tight sport tuned suspension - handles great right out the showroom! Also, surprisingly good stock stereo. But after 300 miles, I got this constant clicking noise around passenger side door and strange howling noise from passenger side wheelwell! Probably ill-fitted door lock ring and noisy stock tire.

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  There is MORE to this car than you think - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Adam - July 6 - 12:30 pm

  This is a great alternative to the others in its class. Awesome looks, great handling & it is pretty quiet. The ride is very good on the expressway, but around town on less than average roads, it tends to buck a bit. The hatch offers more space than the sedan. But IMO, the taillights are the biggest let down VS. the sedans. The CVT is for the people who want mileage over performance. You can play with the paddle shifters & NEVER have to worry about over-revving the engine. It still steps out nicely, but you wont win any drag races off the line. My mileage has been for the highway doing 70-80: 29.3 mpg & keeping a solid 55 MPH pace I get usually over 35. Around town I normally get about 25

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  ralliart wagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By 2fastdogs - August 2 - 10:00 am

  very agile and easy to drive. ample room for 5 adults. with the rear seats folded down gives me plenty of room for my two greyhounds. the motor is very responsive even with an automatic.

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  Lancer Sportback! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By polli - May 15 - 3:10 pm

  The sportback has been a great vehicle and tool that I can use day to day and have a little fun while Im at it. The engine is strong, and the lower gears pulls pretty hard and therefore really quick. I just wish the 4th and 5th gear ratios werent so close. Also it would have been nice if this was offered in a 6 gear manual transmission.

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  A fine vehicle - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Ping - November 1 - 2:03 pm

  I just finished driving it hauling a 1500 lbs 5 by 8 moving trailer from Florida to California in 4 1/2 days. The longest day was acroos Texas, 750 miles day. No problem what so ever!! If you can be really gentle on the gas pedal like myself, 24mpg with that kind of load is possible. On the hills it struggles a bit. The sweet spot for the rpm is arond 2200 to 2600. I found that at the 4th gear this would give you 50~63 mph and really efficient. 32~35mpg on the high way is possible if you do this constantly. I had the car for more than 3 years now. Admitted, it is not a luxury car, but its practical and you can almost say its fun to drive.

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  Good engine, poor interior - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Alex - October 28 - 5:16 am

  This car has a smooth, powerful 4-cyl engine tucked inside a body of average quality. It runs quietly, great acceleration and quick handling, with plenty of power for nimble highway and city driving. The frame is moderately stiff, and the ride can feel a little rough at higher speeds. The exterior design is cool, looking almost like a Volvo wagon from the rear. However, the paint job is horrible, easily scuffing and flaking after the slightest scratch on the bumpers or quarter panels. The console and dashboard designs are logical, with controls well spaced and easy to access, but the function of the cheap plastic controls is terrible, as is the design of the windshield defrost vent.

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  Ralliart Supporter - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Tim - August 15 - 9:23 am

  Purchased in August 2004. Vechile has been excellent in -40 degrees to plus 40 degrees. Build quality is excellent. Service from dealer is very good. Only fault was squeeky rear bushings and fan door rotary switch. All replaced under warranty in a flash. Excellent winter and summer handling. Goodyear RSAs are poor versus Brigestones.

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  Get one if you can... - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By ajl - February 14 - 11:30 am

  I traded an 01 Focus ZX3 in on this car, which was a leftover 04 that the dealer was selling for $4,000 under sticker. At sticker, I probably wouldnt have bought this car, but I consider it one of the best bargains Ive ever got. My only complaints are that the gas mileage could be better, the A/C controls feel cheap, as do some other interior pieces. But Im glad I bought this car instead of a Focus wagon. Someone estimated that there are only about 3,000 of these cars in the US, so it is rather rare to spot another Sportback. My only question is long term reliability and durability, Mitsubishis seem to be hit or miss in that department.

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  Fun car... but - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By maxima155 - December 31 - 6:41 pm

  Purchased my Certified Pre-Owned Lancer GTS Sportback Ralliart iin 2013 with 28,000 miles. So far, great car to drive. 4WD is amazing. Drove this winter in Indianapolis with 8+ inches of snow and past countless SUVs and trucks. Turbo is great so far and no issues. A few problems: The car has a sport pack option which includes an aluminum gas tank cover. If you live in a colder region, avoid this option. The gas tank cover does freeze under 25F. The Rockford navigation system is a bit awkward and takes some time to adjust. Voice command inside the car is hopeless. Also the rear window in the sport back has poor visibility.