2016 Mitsubishi Lancer

As before, the Lancer is offered in four trim levels. The turbocharged Ralliart is gone, but the upmarket the SEL has been added:

• Starting at just $17,595, the ES offers you features like automatic climate control, heated mirrors, foglamps, and alloys wheels.
• Priced at $20,995, the popular SE gets a larger engine and standard all-wheel drive, plus extras such as heated front seats, keyless ignition, a rearview camera, and an upgraded sound system.
• The new SEL ($21,995) adds an upgraded interior with leather upholstery and some additional convenience features.
• The sporty GT get is own suspension and premium features like a sunroof and a Rockford Fosgate sound system, all starting a $22,495.

All models are eligible for a navigation system ($1,800), LED foglamps ($320), and rear parking sensors ($295).

The Lancer ES starts out with a 2-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower, matched to a five-speed manual transmission or optional ($1,000) continuously variable automatic (CVT). For another $1,400, you can upgrade to a 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 168 horsepower, which includes the CVT and all-wheel drive. The SE and SEL come standard with this setup.

The front-drive-only GT also gets the 2.4-liter, along with your choice of the manual or CVT.

Performance highlights include:

• Steering/Handling: The Lancer has always been on the sporty side of this class. Its quick, confident handling remains one of its best attributes.
• All-Wheel Drive: It's optional or standard on all models except the GT, a rarity for this class.
• Acceleration: The 2.4-liter engine used in most models is more than sufficient to move the Lancer with authority.

• At 25-30 mpg in combined city and highway driving, the Lancer trails most competitors by at least a few mpg.
• Other compacts have come a long way in terms of ride quality, and the Lancer's now ranks as below average.

• The rear accommodations are surprisingly spacious. Two adults can ride in all-day comfort; three will fit fine on short trips.
• A split-folding rear seat is standard across the board.

• While the interior looks better than it used to, the design and materials remain disappointing considering the level of refinement found in other compacts these days.
• Wind noise can become downright annoying at highway speeds.

The Lancer is the cheapest route to an all-wheel drive vehicle with leather seating that we know of.

Despite regular updates, the Lancer feels like the product of a different era.

Cost-conscious buyers who must have all-wheel drive will be able to overlook the Lancer's age-related shortcomings.