Mitsubishi Lancer vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ES | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2017 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,795 (best) | $32,495 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 24 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.5 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12.3 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | 1,081 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,888 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 in | 105.2 in (best) |
| Length | 182.1 in | 183.8 in (best) |
| Width | 69.4 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 58.3 in (best) | 57.8 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 3 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 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 | Mitsubishi Lancer | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ES $17,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ES $18,795 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | ES $20,295 MSRP | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | SE $21,095 MSRP | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL $22,095 MSRP | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | — | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer starts lower at $17,795.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,795).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Mitsubishi Lancer (4/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).