Mazda 3 vs Mitsubishi Lancer
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2017 Mitsubishi Lancer
Overview
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5 S | 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 | 2026 | 2017 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,550 | $17,795 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 28 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 36 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | 15.5 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 186 hp (best) | 148 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft (best) | 145 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft (best) | 12.3 cu ft |
| Payload | — | 1,081 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs | 2,888 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in | 5.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.3 in (best) | 103.7 in |
| Length | 183.5 in (best) | 182.1 in |
| Width | 70.7 in (best) | 69.4 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 58.3 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda 32.5 S | Mitsubishi LancerES |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 3 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| 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 | Mazda 3 | Mitsubishi Lancer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5 S $24,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) | ES $17,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 2.5 S $25,550 MSRP | ES $18,795 MSRP |
| 3 | 2.5 S Select Sport $25,440 MSRP | ES $20,295 MSRP |
| 4 | 2.5 S Select Sport $26,740 MSRP | SE $21,095 MSRP |
| 5 | 2.5 S Preferred $27,090 MSRP | SEL $22,095 MSRP |
| 6 | 2.5 S Preferred $28,440 MSRP | — |
| 7 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $30,210 MSRP | — |
| 8 | 2.5 S Carbon Edition $31,360 MSRP | — |
| 9 | 2.5 S Premium $31,450 MSRP | — |
| 10 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $36,740 MSRP | — |
| 11 | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $37,890 MSRP | — |
Mazda 3 vs Mitsubishi Lancer FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Mazda 3 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: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer starts lower at $17,795.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,795).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Mazda 3 or 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The 2026 Mazda 3 leads on horsepower in this comparison (227).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Mazda 3 vs 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Mitsubishi Lancer (4/5 NHTSA overall).