Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
26 MPG The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is EPA-rated at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 577 gallons, $1846 a year in fuel, or $0.123 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2004–2014 run it averages 23.6 MPG, improving by 4 MPG over 9 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.096 | $962 | $1442 | $1923 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.115 | $1154 | $1731 | $2308 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.123 | $1231 | $1846 | $2462 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.135 | $1346 | $2019 | $2692 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.154 | $1538 | $2308 | $3077 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.173 | $1731 | $2596 | $3462 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.192 | $1923 | $2885 | $3846 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 344 | 2 |
| 2013 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 344 | 2 |
| 2012 | 26 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2400 | 342 | 2 |
| 2011 | 24.8 MPG | 22.2 | 29.4 | $2690 | 363 | 5 |
| 2010 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 26.3 | $3133 | 412 | 3 |
| 2009 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 26.3 | $3133 | 412 | 3 |
| 2006 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2005 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
| 2004 | 22 MPG | 20 | 26 | $2850 | 404 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ranks 31 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Saturn SW (26.3), Ford Escort Wagon (26.5), Mercury Tracer Wagon (26.5), Toyota Corolla Wagon (26.5), Volkswagen Jetta Wagon (26.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 344 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.2 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback get?
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is rated at 26 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 30 highway. Across all 9 model years in the database it averages 23.6 MPG, ranging from 20 to 27 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback cost in fuel per year?
At 26 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 577 gallons — roughly $1846 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.123 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2014 model is $2400.
Has the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 22 MPG in 2004 to 26 in 2014 — an improvement of 4 MPG, or 18% across 9 model years.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback efficient for its class?
It ranks 31 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 3.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.