The 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, with its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, gets 30 MPG combined. The Lancer isn’t trying to get Prius-level numbers. It’s about affordable, reliable transportation with a touch of sporty flair, and fuel economy is a supporting factor. The Lancer appeals to budget-conscious drivers who want a little personality and can live with decent fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Lancer 2.0L are 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how the engine acts in stop-and-go traffic, and the 2.0L isn’t really made for that. You have to press harder on the gas to get it moving than some other cars. The Lancer’s highway MPG is better, so it can drive efficiently at a steady speed. The automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps keep the engine in its best range at highway speeds, but that can make the driving feel different.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0L at $1,450. This is based on 15,000 miles per year and national average gas prices. Remember that gas price changes will change this number. Drivers who drive more or less each year will have different fuel expenses. The $1,450 is a starting point, and whether it’s good or bad depends on your budget.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers give you a standard, but your MPG will change based on how you drive, the roads, and how you keep up your car. Expect your numbers to be close to the EPA estimates. If you speed up fast and brake hard, your MPG will go down a lot, and so will leaving the car running while parked. If you keep up your car, especially your tire inflation and air filter, you can help keep fuel use in check. Drivers who drive smoothly are more likely to reach or even beat the EPA’s estimates, and those who drive faster will probably get less.

How it compares

In the compact car group, the 2016 Lancer’s fuel economy is in the middle. For example, a 2016 Honda Civic can get up to 42 MPG on the highway in its best form. A 2016 Toyota Corolla usually gets around 31 MPG combined. Even a Mazda3 from 2016, which is known for being sporty, gets around 33 MPG combined. Some buyers think these numbers are important, and they will ignore the Lancer’s older design for better efficiency. However, the Lancer is often cheaper. Some shoppers accept the 30 MPG combined number to drive a new car with a warranty for the lowest cost. For those shoppers, the other cars might be too expensive, even with the future fuel savings. The LANCER MPG across all years might be better for those focused on fuel economy, as older models cost even less.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Slow acceleration helps the 2016 Lancer 2.0L get the best fuel economy. Don’t start fast and keep a steady speed. The CVT transmission will keep the engine in its best range, but only if you drive lightly.

Tire inflation matters a lot. Check your tire pressure often and fill them to the level on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with low air make driving harder, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Don’t leave the car running while parked. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines start fast and well, and stopping prolonged idling can save a lot of fuel over time.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, which raises fuel use. Take out anything from the trunk or backseat that you don’t need to carry all the time.

Think about using cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed not only makes driving easier but also helps get good fuel economy. The cruise control system can keep a steady pace better than most drivers, especially on long trips.

The 2016 Lancer 2.0L isn’t the best on gas in its class, but knowing its pros and cons helps drivers make good choices. For those interested in exploring all Mitsubishi fuel economy data, a broader range of options and models can be reviewed.