2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

The closest rival to the Lancer is probably the Subaru Impreza.

Newly refreshed for 2012, the Impreza adds a CVT for highway mileage up to 36 mpg, and its design and interior have been further improved.

Also, the Impreza offers all-wheel drive, even in its base form, while the Lancer comes with just front-wheel drive.

The Honda Civic used to be more of a direct rival, but for 2012 it's been redesigned and cast as a more comfort-oriented model, with a little less driving personality.

Nissan’s Sentra, in base form, comes more nicely equipped than the Lancer, and though its interior is better appointed, it doesn’t feel as sporty and inviting as that of the Lancer.

In SE-R Spec V performance guise, it’s a viable front-wheel-drive rival to the GTS.

The 2012 VW Jetta is another alternative; its torquey five-cylinder engine stands out against the lesser Lancer models, and the VW offers more safety features and a somewhat brighter, more contemporary-looking interior.