2015 Mitsu Lancer AWC rates 2nd choice

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2015 Mitsubishi Lancer one of few compacts with AWD. (Bud Wells photo)
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer one of few compacts with AWD. (Bud Wells photo)

The Subaru Impreza so dominates the compact all-wheel-drive sedan market, many consumers believe it is the only choice.

There is one other, though – the Mitsubishi Lancer SE 2.4 AWC.

Its electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system is known as AWC, for all-wheel control. The push of a button will lend the driver a selection of two-wheel drive, four-wheel-drive automatic or four-wheel-drive lock.

Priced at $23,505, the Lancer AWC offers a 168-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with continuously variable transmission, power sunroof, Rockford Fosgate premium sound system including a 10-inch subwoofer, heated front seats and rearview camera. Demand some heavy acceleration of the Mitsu and its CVT becomes recognizable for its frequent drone.

The 2015 model’s fuel-mileage estimate is 22/29 miles per gallon; I averaged 24.6 in overall driving.

The four-wheel-drive addition makes the little Lancer well-suited to this part of the country. The Lancer lineup, though, is best-known for the turbocharged, 291-hp Evo performance version of the sedan.

Here are the specifications for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer AWC compact sedan:

  • Capacity 5-passenger four-door
  • Wheelbase 103.7 inches
  • Length 180 inches
  • Width 69.4 inches
  • Height 58.3 inches
  • Curb Weight 3,142 pounds
  • Track 60.2 inches front, 60.8 rear
  • Ground Clearance 5.8 inches
  • Turn Circle 32.8 feet
  • Drivetrain All-wheel-drive
  • Engine 2.4-liter 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower/Torque 168/167
  • Transmission Continuously variable
  • Steering hydraulic power
  • Suspension strut front, multilink rear
  • Fuel mileage estimate 22/29
  • Fuel mileage average 24.6
  • Fuel Tank 14.5 gallons, premium
  • Wheels 16-inch
  • Tires Yokohama P205/60R16
  • Cargo Volume 12.3 cubic feet
  • Warranty 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10/100,000 powertrain

Competitors Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza

Assembly Plant Kurashiki, Japan

Parts Content U.S./Canadian 1%, Japan 97%

Base Price of Lowest Model $17,395; Base Price of Review Model $20,995; Destination Charge $810; Sticker Price $23,505.