2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Practical hatchback body style, competent handling, strong performance, full array of available high-tech equipment, edgy styling.
Cons
- Lackluster fuel economy, subpar interior materials, awkward touchscreen interface.
What’s new
The Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback makes its debut for 2010 as essentially a hatchback version of the Lancer offered in only the two upper trims -- the sporty GTS and the rapid Ralliart.
Edmunds says
A versatile hatchback by another name, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback increases the desirability of Mitsubishi's entertaining small car by offering sports enthusiasts and shopaholics a generous cargo hold.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$197/mo for Lancer Sportback GTS
Lancer Sportback GTS
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Until now, some of the current-generation Mitsubishi Lancer's competitors offered four-door hatchback body styles while the Lancer didn't. With the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, the "triple diamond" carmaker changes all that. Yes, Sportback is just marketing speak for hatchback, a word that Americans stuck in the '80s tend to unfairly equate with functional but dull economy cars. But the reality is that the new Sportback is anything but boring, as it is offered only in the Lancer's uppermost trim levels -- the entertaining GTS and the even more capable Ralliart.
The Lancer Sportback GTS has an appealing mix of performance and value thanks to a smooth and energetic 2.4-liter inline-4, a sport-tuned suspension and welcome standard features such as Bluetooth and automatic climate control. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart takes it to the next level with 237 turbocharged horsepower, an automated dual-clutch manual transmission, all-wheel drive and an even more aggressively tuned suspension. In most respects, the Sportback mirrors the personalities of its sedan counterparts, meaning it provides communicative steering and a composed cornering attitude but suffers a bit in terms of interior quality. Of course, utility is the Sportback's calling card relative to its sedan siblings, as it offers up to a healthy 52.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.
This dynamic duo of Lancer Sportbacks is challenged mainly by the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza hatches and their related high-performance variants. In our tests of the Ralliart and Impreza WRX, we found the Lancer to be sharper and more in tune with the driver's will, while the WRX offered a softer ride over the bumps. The new Mazdaspeed 3 boasts extraordinarily athletic handling along with a compliant ride, a nicely trimmed cabin and a price tag that's thousands less than the other two, and even the base Mazda 3 hatch is a thoroughly entertaining ride. All of these models are worth a look, but overall we think pretty highly of the new Sportback and its endearing collection of virtues.
Performance & mpg
The Lancer Sportback GTS has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 168 hp and 167 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The latter includes a manual mode with simulated gear ratios operated via paddle shifters. The Ralliart features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four (237 hp and 253 lb-ft), an automated dual-clutch manual transmission with shift paddles, and all-wheel drive.
Though we haven't yet tested the Sportback versions, we clocked an otherwise identical GTS sedan with a manual transmission at a quick-for-its-class 7.7 seconds in the 0-60 dash, while in the same test a Ralliart sedan turned in a sizzling 5.8-second time.
Fuel economy is subpar for this class. The GTS with the CVT is rated at 21 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined, while the manual version rates 20/27/22. The Ralliart is rated at 17 city/25 highway and 20 combined.
Safety
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length head curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, antilock four-wheel disc brakes and stability control. In our braking tests, a Lancer GTS sedan stopped from 60 mph in a scant 115 feet; the hatchback's performance should be similar.
In government frontal impact crash testing, the Lancer Sportback received a perfect five-star rating for the driver and a four-star rating for the passenger.
Driving
The GTS model is an enticing choice for buyers on a budget who are looking for a more spirited driving experience than they'd find in a typical economy car. The 2.4-liter engine has adequate low-end power and a smooth, willing nature. Furthermore, the GTS's sport-tuned suspension provides unusually sharp handling for this class.
The Ralliart is built to thrill with its powerful engine and super-quick gearchanges (whether done via the column-mounted shift paddles or by the transmission itself in automatic mode). Overall, the Ralliart has an energetic, "on its toes" personality that makes for quick passing and merging maneuvers. The only caveat is that the tire fitment for the Ralliart could be better, as we've found that the capable chassis is let down by the tires' substandard grip.
Interior
The Lancer Sportback's interior is one of its principal weaknesses. Materials quality is on the cheap side, and the dull overall design doesn't live up to the bold statement made by the eye-catching exterior. The driving position for taller folks leaves something to be desired, with no telescoping steering wheel and little under-thigh support.
We also have mixed feelings about the touchscreen navigation system: It's well-equipped in terms of features, but its lack of volume and tuning knobs and not-quite-logical layout make operation tricky at times. Rear seat comfort is very good, though, with an impressive 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 GTS, as the latter features an adjustable rear cargo floor.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback models
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a compact four-door hatchback available in GTS and Ralliart trim levels.
The GTS comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, lower body skirting, a roof spoiler, a chrome exhaust outlet, a tilt-only steering wheel, keyless entry, full power accessories, automatic climate control, a trip computer, cruise control, sport bucket front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 60/40-split rear seat with a center armrest, manual driver-seat height adjustment, Bluetooth and a six-speaker CD/MP3 stereo (with steering-wheel audio controls and an auxiliary audio jack). The Ralliart ups the performance ante with a turbocharged engine, an automated dual-clutch manual transmission (with shift paddles), all-wheel drive and keyless ignition/entry.
The Sun & Sound package available on the GTS includes a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio. Also optional is a navigation system that features a 30GB hard drive capable of storing digital music files. The Ralliart can be outfitted with a Recaro Sport package that includes the namesake sport seats as well as the Rockford Fosgate audio system.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
5 star(62%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
16 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Fun car... but
maxima155, 02/13/2014
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
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 SUV's 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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Not my Audi TT, but great for $20k less
cutcoll, 11/05/2010
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
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 I'm not going to work. When I'm 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. I'm averaging 30 with mixed driving. Plus the Lancers 6CD sound system puts the Audi's to shame.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Lancer Sportback!
polli, 12/06/2009
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GTS 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
The sportback has been a great vehicle and tool that I can use day to day and have a little fun while I'm 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 weren't so close. Also it would have been nice if this was offered in a 6 gear manual transmission.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Now we have an Evo-Hatch!
Odin, 11/17/2009
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Got the car a few weeks ago, fell in love with this Turbo-Hatch! No doubt about the performance, it's all from Mitsu rally gene: Never felt turbo- lag; Reaction is lighting fast (in sport mode with the twin-clutch); AWD lets the beast stick on the road all the time no matter how terrible the weather/condition is; Plus the brilliant Rockford stereo and Recaro bucket seats making the ride … as such a pleasure... Well, there are tons of good things making you forget about the tough riding though. Besides, if you were enjoying the sporty driving, the engine "noise" would double the fun then. Since it's a Turbo+AWD, you need to save some pennies for the Premium gas and maintenance for sure. Good luck!
2010 Lancer Sportback Highlights
GTS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,190 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $197/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Lancer Sportback include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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