Kia Optima vs Mitsubishi Lancer
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
Overview
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | ES |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2020 | 2017 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,390 | $17,795 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $10,488 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $15,867 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $18,000 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 6 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal (best) | 15.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 185 hp (best) | 148 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft (best) | 145 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.4 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.9 cu ft (best) | 12.3 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 1,081 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,230 lbs | 2,888 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.5 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 110.4 in (best) | 103.7 in |
| Length | 191.1 in (best) | 182.1 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 69.4 in |
| Height | 57.7 in | 58.3 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia OptimaLX | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 3 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Optima | Mitsubishi Lancer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $23,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | ES $17,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $24,890 MSRP | ES $18,795 MSRP |
| 3 | SE $26,390 MSRP | ES $20,295 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $27,190 MSRP | SE $21,095 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $29,310 MSRP | SEL $22,095 MSRP |
| 6 | EX Premium $30,190 MSRP | — |
| 7 | SX $32,190 MSRP | — |
| 8 | EX $36,090 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Kia Optima6 for sale
See all
Used2019 Kia Optima
SX
Snow White Pearl•Black50,346 mi$17,446Phil Smith Mitsubishi of Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point, FL
Certified2019 Kia Optima
S
Snow White Pearl•Black69,814 mi$14,734Greensboro Auto Center
Greensboro, NC
Used2020 Kia Optima
LX
sangria•black114,297 mi$10,488Secret City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Oak Ridge, TN
Used2020 Kia Optima
LX
Horizon Blue•black119,032 mi$12,500Mccarthy Chevrolet Lee's Summit
Lee's Summit, MO
Certified2019 Kia Optima
S
Platinum Graphite•black45,738 mi$17,000Fred Anderson Kia Raleigh
Raleigh, NC
- Used
2020 Kia Optima
SE
Passion Red•black38,701 mi$18,000Stanley Wood Chevrolet
Batesville, AR
Kia Optima vs Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ
- Which is better: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2020 Kia Optima vs 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer starts lower at $17,795. Live Kia Optima listings start at $10,488.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,795).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (42).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (28).
- Which has better horsepower: 2020 Kia Optima or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2020 Kia Optima leads on horsepower in this comparison (245).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2020 Kia Optima vs 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Optima (5/5 NHTSA overall); Mitsubishi Lancer (4/5 NHTSA overall).