2014 Mitsubishi Lancer
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer offers a sporty and engaging driving experience, particularly for those seeking a compact sedan with a touch of performance and a focus on value. It blends practical sedan capabilities with accessible performance, making it an attractive option in its segment.
Highlights
- Engine Options: The 2014 Lancer came equipped with two primary engine choices:
- 2.0-liter Inline-4: This standard engine provided a respectable 148 horsepower, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency and everyday power for commuting and general driving.
- 2.4-liter Inline-4 (GTS and Ralliart trims): For those craving more spirited performance, the larger 2.4-liter engine delivered a healthy 168 horsepower. This engine provided a noticeably more potent acceleration and a more engaging driving feel.
- Safety Features: Mitsubishi equipped the 2014 Lancer with a comprehensive suite of standard and available safety features, including:
- Active Stability Control (ASC): This system helps prevent skids and loss of traction by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of steering control.
- Traction Control Logic (TCL): TCL works in conjunction with ASC to minimize wheel spin during acceleration, improving grip and stability, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control and stop more effectively.
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): EBD optimizes the braking force between the front and rear wheels based on load and road conditions, further enhancing braking performance and stability.
- Front, Side, and Curtain Airbags: A robust airbag system provides protection for occupants in various collision scenarios.
- Available Rearview Camera: While not standard on all trims, a rearview camera significantly aids in safe reversing and parking.
- Trim Summary: The 2014 Lancer was offered in several distinct trims, each offering a different level of features and performance:
- ES: The base trim, providing essential amenities and the reliable 2.0-liter engine.
- SE: An upgrade over the ES, typically adding more comfort and convenience features.
- GTS: This trim stepped up the sportiness with the more powerful 2.4-liter engine and often included sport-tuned suspension for enhanced handling.
- Ralliart: This was the performance-oriented model, featuring a more potent turbocharged engine (237 horsepower), all-wheel-drive (AWC), and a specialized dual-clutch transmission (TC-SST) for rapid gear changes.
- Notable Aspects:
- All-Wheel Control (AWC): Available on some trims (most notably the Ralliart), Mitsubishi's AWC system provided excellent traction and handling, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
- Stylish Exterior Design: The Lancer maintained a sharp and aggressive exterior styling, setting it apart from many of its competitors.
- Infotainment Options: Higher trims offered features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system for an enhanced in-car experience.
What to Expect
Ownership of a 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer typically involves a straightforward and predictable experience. Maintenance is generally considered to be on par with other vehicles in its class, with routine oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements being the most common services. Mitsubishi vehicles are generally known for their reliability, and the Lancer is no exception, making major mechanical issues less common for well-maintained examples. Insurance costs will vary based on your individual profile, location, and chosen trim level, but the Lancer is generally not considered an expensive vehicle to insure, especially compared to sports cars or luxury sedans.
Potential Considerations
- Interior Quality: While the Lancer's exterior styling is sharp, the interior materials and design can feel a bit dated and less premium compared to some rivals, particularly in base trims. Hard plastics are prevalent, and the overall ambiance might not appeal to everyone seeking a more upscale cabin.
- Road Noise: Some owners report a noticeable amount of road and wind noise entering the cabin, especially at highway speeds. This can detract from the overall comfort for some drivers.
- Fuel Economy: While not excessively poor, the fuel economy of the 2014 Lancer, particularly with the larger 2.4-liter engine or the all-wheel-drive system, might not be as competitive as some of its more fuel-efficient compact sedan competitors.
- Transmission Behavior (TC-SST on Ralliart): The TC-SST dual-clutch transmission in the Ralliart, while offering quick shifts, could sometimes exhibit jerky behavior at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic, which might be a point of contention for some drivers.
Overall Summary
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer stands out as a compelling option for those who prioritize a sporty driving experience and distinctive styling in a compact sedan package. With its capable engine options, including the potent Ralliart variant, and a focus on accessible performance, it offers an engaging ride. While the interior appointments may not be the most luxurious and some road noise can be present, its overall reliability and available advanced safety features make it a practical and enjoyable choice for everyday driving and spirited excursions alike.
