19 MPG combined, let’s be honest, that figure is almost irrelevant to the person buying a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. This isn’t a commuter car; it’s a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally-bred machine designed for backroads, track days, and carving through canyons. Fuel economy sits far down the list of priorities for Evo owners, somewhere between heated seats and cupholder size. They’re buying performance, responsiveness, and a visceral driving experience, and they know going in that they’ll pay at the pump for the privilege.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Lancer Evolution at 17 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. These numbers show the Evo’s focus: performance over efficiency. Stop-and-go city driving constantly engages the turbocharger, while the car’s aggressive all-wheel-drive system saps energy. Highway driving, while better, is still significantly less efficient than a comparable sport sedan due to the car’s aerodynamics (or lack thereof), drivetrain losses, and the ever-present temptation to use the available power. The automatic (AM6) transmission does provide slightly better fuel economy numbers than the manual transmission, but the difference is negligible.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at $3,050. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. If you spend most of your time in boost, expect to significantly exceed that $3,050 figure. However, for those who enjoy the Evo spiritedly on weekends, the reward will certainly be worth the cost.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently achieve the EPA estimates in the real world, especially if you embrace the Evo’s performance capabilities. Enthusiastic driving will send fuel economy plummeting into the low teens. Even with careful and conservative driving, matching the EPA numbers consistently will be a challenge. The weight of accessories, roof racks, and even larger aftermarket wheels can also degrade the car’s fuel economy. The key here is understanding who buys this car. Whether they’re autocrossing, time trialing, or simply enjoying the car on the roads, they know this is the price to pay.

How it compares

Compared to other performance sedans released in 2015, the Lancer Evolution sits at the bottom of the fuel economy ranking. The Subaru WRX STI, its closest competitor, achieves 19 MPG combined. The Volkswagen GTI, with its turbocharged 2.0L engine, reaches closer to 28 MPG combined. Even a BMW 335i, with its inline-six turbo, manages 25 MPG combined. The EVO’s fuel economy is a result of its advanced drivetrain, its relatively unrefined (but highly effective) hardware, and its laser-like focus on performance above all else. But, of course, the true buyer of this vehicle isn’t going to look at LANCER MPG across all years and compare it to a GTI.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy is likely a secondary concern, there are a few things you can do to squeeze a bit more range out of each tank. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking, as both put a strain on the engine and consume more fuel. Gentle throttle inputs conserve fuel and help keep the turbocharger spooled down, which is useful for the vast majority of normal driving conditions.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Keep in mind that performance tires might require slightly different pressures, so check your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Minimize idling. Letting your car idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re waiting for someone or stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, with very little extra wear and tear.

Consider lighter wheels and tires. The Evo ships with relatively heavy wheels and tires to handle the extreme forces it can create. By switching to lighter alternatives, the car doesn’t have to work as hard and can reduce fuel consumption. This is of particular interest to owners who prioritize track days, but keep the OEM’s in storage for winter driving.

Regular maintenance is also critical. Keeping your engine properly tuned and ensuring that all fluids are at the correct levels will help it run more efficiently. Replacing air filters, spark plugs, and other wear items according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals will have a positive impact on fuel economy. You can review all Mitsubishi fuel economy data to know the exact history per model year.