QUALITY | 6 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
the rear seats are quite comfortable, with a generous amount of legroom
Edmunds
would have liked Mitsubishi to improve the hard-plastic panels on the dash
AutoWeek
The GTS interior is still chock full of hard, black plastic panels (some of which, particularly those around the top of the dash, have some fit issues), and there's still a notable amount of road noise carried into the cabin.
Automobile Magazine
The suspension feels a little stiffer than on a Camry or Civic, and offers a typical economy car ride.
CNET
The 2011 Lancer has remarkably well-designed seating. In front, the front seats are a little larger and better bolstered than most small-car perches, and they give a nice, upright driving position and decent long-distance comfort; the sport seats in the GTS are even better. In back, legroom is right, but there's just enough headroom for adults (just two, ideally).
The five-door Sportback body style is offered now in ES and GTS trims and brings a little more cargo space and versatility—especially if you fold the backseats forward. Otherwise, backseat space is identical between the two.
On any of these models, noise and ride comfort could be deal-breakers. DE and ES models come with a slightly softer suspension and more forgiving tires that comfort-oriented buyers will probably prefer. But especially in GTS form, the Lancer rides quite hard, however, with plenty of road noise to match the engine noise. The roar of the engine is mostly an issue in CVT models, where the engine gets raucous and buzzy on acceleration. Also bringing a downmarket feel to the Lancer is the collection of decidedly basic materials used in the cabin; there's lots of hard, hollow-sounding plastic.
Conclusion
Seating is comfortable in the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, but refinement, ride, and perceived quality are sorely lacking.
