2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Practical hatchback body style
- competent handling.
Cons
- Power-sapping CVT
- weak, noisy base engine
- lackluster interior materials
- no telescoping steering wheel.
What’s new
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback returns unchanged other than the addition of a new All-Weather option package.
Edmunds says
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer is a fairly sporty hatchback, but it doesn't deliver when it comes to refinement or fuel economy.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl CVT) 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$159/mo for Lancer Sportback ES
Lancer Sportback ES
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Based on the compact Lancer sedan, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback gets the same sporty styling as its sibling. The principal difference is the large hatchback opening that, combined with the 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, nearly quadruples the sedan's cargo capacity. The top-of-the-line GT model is also well-equipped for the money.
Unfortunately, the Lancer Sportback's powertrain is unable to deliver the elevated level of performance its styling implies. The handling is decent enough, but the lackluster continually variable automatic transmission (CVT), relatively poor fuel economy and low-budget interior detract from the overall package.
With that in mind, we think most buyers ought to consider some of the Lancer Sportback's hatchback competitors. A short list might include the 2013 Ford Focus, 2013 Mazda 3 and 2013 Volkswagen Golf, all of which best the little Mitsubishi in important areas like performance, fuel economy and cargo room.
Performance & mpg
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The GT gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. A CVT and front-wheel drive are standard with both engines. There's no manual transmission offered, but the CVT features simulated gear ratios that can be operated via the GT's shift paddles.
The Lancer Sportback ES achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined. Numbers for the GT drop to 22 /29/25.
Safety
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback comes standard with front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and stability control. Antilock brakes are also standard, with four-wheel disc brakes on the GT and front discs/rear drums on the ES.
In government crash tests, the Lancer Sportback earned an overall rating of four stars (out of a possible five) as well as four stars in frontal and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Lancer Sportback its highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing.
Driving
When it comes to performance, the 2.0-liter engine under the hood of ES models is perfectly fine for everyday motoring, but it lacks the spunk that driving enthusiasts will be looking for. The GT's smooth 2.4-liter motor delivers better performance but is somewhat hamstrung by the sluggish CVT. The GT model in particular benefits from a sport-tuned suspension that delivers uncommonly nimble handling for a car in this segment.
Interior
Given its muscular exterior styling, you might expect the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback to offer an equally handsome interior. Unfortunately the design is rather generic and the extensive use of hard plastic materials cheapens the overall effect.
From an ergonomic perspective, the front seats offer limited thigh support, and the lack of a telescoping steering wheel may make it more difficult for shorter and taller drivers to get comfortable. The rear seats are comfortable enough, with a better than average amount of legroom. Behind those 60/40-split seats there are 13.8 cubic feet of cargo room; fold both sections down and you open up as much as 52.7 cubic feet of space.
Gauges and controls are generally straightforward, though the available navigation system's touchscreen interface is less than intuitive. This downside is offset by the Fuse voice control system which, while less sophisticated than Ford's similar Sync system, still makes it relatively easy to select your favorite tunes or input a destination.
2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback models
The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a compact hatchback offered in ES and GT trim levels.
The base ES model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split rear seat, cruise control, a tilt-only steering wheel, full power accessories, a trip computer and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack.
The GT gains a more powerful engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, aero-style bodywork, foglights, keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, front sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, Bluetooth, the Fuse voice-activation system and a six-speaker audio system with a USB/iPod interface.
Many GT features are also available on the ES as stand-alone options or as part of bundled packages. A Touring package is available for the GT that adds automatic bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system (with an in-dash six-CD changer and satellite radio) and a rearview camera in the rearview mirror. Also optional on both trims is a navigation system with digital music storage and a rearview camera in the touchscreen display, and a new All-Weather package that includes remote start, heavy-duty floor mats and rear mud guards.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
5 star(55%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
20 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Bang for the Buck
mitsu12, 02/10/2012
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback GT 4dr Hatchback (2.4L 4cyl CVT)
I wish that Edmunds would have been fair on the review of the Lancer GT Sportback.
Maybe they can explain why no Data is shown for performance times and braking distances.
While I do agree that the CVT Trans feels different, why don't we let the performance numbers do the talking.
If you want the vehicle to feel like a normal transmission just use the auto stick or the paddles and you … will feel right at home. The car rides firm but smooth, the brakes are excellant, the back seat room destroys the competition, the cargo area with the rear seats down is class leading. Warranty is GREAT and the number one reason to buy a GT is of course its great looks!!! and you won't see one at every light
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.
5 out of 5 stars
I love my car!
Candy Adams, 01/30/2017
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ES 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
I had been shopping for another Honda until I found the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback. It has easy access to the storage area in the back and handles wonderfully. It is also very fun to drive. I highly recommend this type of car.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback, so we've included reviews for other years of the Lancer Sportback since its last redesign.
2013 Lancer Sportback Highlights
ES
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,495 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $159/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
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover12.1%
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