Mitsubishi Lancer vs Volkswagen GTI
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Volkswagen GTI
Overview
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ES | Golf GTI S |
| Body style | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2017 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $17,795 (best) | $34,590 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $4,599 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 32 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 15.5 gal (best) | 13 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 148 hp | 241 hp (best) |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 273 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 12.3 cu ft (best) | — |
| Payload | 1,081 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,888 lbs (best) | 6,366 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.5 in (best) | 5 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.7 in | 104 in (best) |
| Length | 182.1 in (best) | 169 in |
| Width | 69.4 in | 70 in (best) |
| Height | 58.3 in (best) | 58 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mitsubishi LancerES | Volkswagen GTIGolf GTI S |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Mitsubishi Lancer | Volkswagen GTI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ES $17,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Golf GTI S $34,590 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ES $18,795 MSRP | SE $39,080 MSRP |
| 3 | ES $20,295 MSRP | Autobahn $42,480 MSRP |
| 4 | SE $21,095 MSRP | — |
| 5 | SEL $22,095 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Mitsubishi Lancer vs Volkswagen GTI FAQ
- Which is better: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer starts lower at $17,795. Live Volkswagen GTI listings start at $4,599.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (17,795).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer or 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- The 2026 Volkswagen GTI leads on horsepower in this comparison (241).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer vs 2026 Volkswagen GTI?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Mitsubishi Lancer (4/5 NHTSA overall).