Used 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Sedan Trims Comparison

The entry-level ES comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, LED running lights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-only steering wheel, power accessories, cruise control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, voice controls, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port.

The SE adds 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and HD radio.

Step up to the SEL trim level and you get the SE's equipment plus automatic headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, upgraded interior trim, leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Optional for the ES with the CVT and the SEL is a Sun and Sound package that adds a sunroof and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system with satellite and HD radio.

Optional on every Lancer trim is a Navigation System package that includes navigation and a 7-inch touchscreen. Accessory options include LED foglights, a rear spoiler, chrome accents and rear parking sensors.

The base-level 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT. EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2017 wasn't available at publishing time, but last year's car earned 28 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway) with the manual transmission and 30 mpg combined (27 city/35 highway) with the CVT.

Optional on the ES and standard on the SE and SEL is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (optional on the ES) that makes 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The SE and SEL come exclusively with the CVT and all-wheel drive, and the ES also gets the CVT-AWD pairing when optioned with the larger engine. This powertrain achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined (23 city/31 highway). Most compact sedans do much better. The Civic for example, a class leader, is rated as high as 35 mpg combined and one of the Mazda 3's powertrains is right up there at 32 mpg combined.

During Edmunds performance testing, a Lancer SEL with all-wheel drive and the 2.4-liter engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. That's pretty quick by class standards.