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. Live Subaru WRX listings start at $13,897.

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).

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Mitsubishi Lancer vs Subaru WRX

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

2017 Mitsubishi Lancer

Trim

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2026 Subaru WRX

Trim

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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
Lowest listing price	—	$13,897 (best)
Median listing price	—	$27,379 (best)
Highest listing price	—	$40,979 (best)
For sale now	0	29 (best)

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

Live inventory

Subaru WRX29 for sale

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