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 21 through 30 of 53.00

• 

  Not my Audi TT, but great for $20k less - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By cutcoll - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I use my Mitsubishi Lancer SB/GTS for driving to work and chores. I have an 2009 Audi TT 2.0/Quattro I drive when Im not going to work. When Im driving the Lancer, I often wonder where the $20k difference in price is. The Lancer has many of the same features like auto. headlights and wipers, heated leather seats, pwr windows, ABS/ATC/ASC, 4 wheel disc brakes,anti-theft system, 18" aluminum wheels(extra $850 on the TT), cruise control, paddle shifters, steering wheel mounted controls, automatic temperature control... So where is the difference? The Lancer exceeds the mpg rating. Im averaging 30 with mixed driving. Plus the Lancers 6CD sound system puts the Audis to shame.

• 

  Update - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By AJL - October 26 - 8:30 am

  I have stopped using the car for business (see previous reviews) and have started using it for commuting. The car is still holding up very well and has been one of the best cars Ive ever owned mechanically. Still no squeaks or rattles, engine uses no oil between changes. The storage space is excellent for a small wagon and the overall performance of the car My only big complaint is that fuel mileage is awful and has decreased big time since I began all-city driving. Im now lucky to average 18-19 mpg around town, which is absurd for a small, 4 cylinder wagon. Im fairly conservative driving it 90% of the time, although I do like to have fun now and then.

• 

  An Overlooked Bargain! - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By Samuel B. - August 26 - 3:06 am

  I was looking for a new ride after my Honda had an unfortunate meeting with a deer the night before New Years Eve. I found a fully loaded leftover 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback LS sitting on the dealers lot and after negotiating with the dealer ended up buying it for $4,000 under invoice. Overall, I am very happy with the way the car drives and handles, but at highway speeds the wind noise can be almost deafening. I have to turn the volume control on the factory stereo up to about 30 so I can hear it over the wind noise. Other reviewers have complained about gas mileage but the real culprit here a fuel tank that is too small. The mileage isnt really that bad.

• 

  I love this car!! - 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By scott90278 - May 20 - 7:03 am

  I just got my 2010 Lancer Sportback and I am loving this car! The car handles like a tight performance car. You will feel the road because it has 18" wheels, but it is not uncomfortable at all. When I am at lights people give me thumbs up on the looks. You cant get a better car for the price. The dealer I got the car from gave me the car at invoice and it was the best purchase my wife and I have made in a long time. My neighbor loved my car so much he might go out and get one as well. This car is a good balance of value, cargo space and good mileage. Go test drive one today and you will not be sorry.

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  1 year model only - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By don booth - October 15 - 8:50 pm

  Cant figure out why this model was only made in 2004. It is a great vehicle, my favorite of the 34 cars Ive owned. This baby scoots when needed, love the exhaust note, very comfortable, I love the simplicity of the guages and control knobs. Id love to buy another and keep it for a spare in case this one gets hit. My only complaint is the gas mileage: 20 in town, 25 on the highway.

• 

  Just the best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By artrocks - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned new and old cars for the last 30 years and this car make me AND my husband happy; Ive got room and vroom... It looks cooler than any other car on the road. I read about Mitsubishi, checked out the Japanese version of this before I bought this. (never buy the beta version) and this model is clean - I couldnt find anything bad about it. Ive never bought a Mitsubishi and put my faith in the good opinions of its customers. Have had this car for 8 months and its the best.

• 

  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

• 

  A Great Sportswagon - 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
  By craig24 - February 28 - 1:19 pm

  This sports wagon is perfect for me. It has everything I want and none of what I dont. I wanted; a used, fun-to-drive, reasonably priced, reliable, roomy, comfy, fuel efficient, wagon with great visibility, low insurance and a compromise between sporty handling and good ride quality. I didnt want; expensive repairs & maintenance, electric leather seats, a sunroof, climate control (A/C button & dials are best), paying extra for a badge, a boring vehicle, an SUV. The Lancer Ralliart wagon has all of this and more. Its a great car for; commuting, driving spiritedly (its not fast but sporty and rewarding), highway cruising, moving furniture, grocery shopping, carrying sports equipment.