2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0 Review – Compact, Capable, and Confident
Introduction
The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0 is a compact sedan that offers affordability, sporty styling, and a legacy rooted in rally-inspired performance. While the Lancer nameplate may be most famous for its high-performance Evolution models, the ES trim focuses on practicality and value. It may not lead the pack in features or refinement, but it delivers confident driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and essential features for everyday use.
In this in-depth review, we’ll break down every aspect of the 2017 Lancer ES 2.0, including design, performance, interior comfort, safety, fuel economy, and ownership experience. If you’re shopping for a reliable, fuel-efficient, and budget-friendly sedan, the Lancer ES is worth a closer look.
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Exterior Styling: Sporty Yet Simple
Mitsubishi gave the Lancer a facelift in 2016 that carried over into the 2017 model, including a refreshed grille, redesigned front bumper, and new lighting elements. The ES 2.0 presents a sportier look than many compact rivals without being overly aggressive.
Key Exterior Features:
Shark-nose front grille with chrome accents
16-inch alloy wheels (standard on ES)
Halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights
Body-colored door handles and side mirrors
Rear lip spoiler (optional or as part of Appearance Package)
The compact proportions, crisp character lines, and assertive front-end design give the Lancer ES a stylish silhouette. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it holds its own in the parking lot.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Lancer ES 2.0 features a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The ES focuses on fuel efficiency and balanced driving over outright speed.
Engine Specs:
Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 145 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard), CVT (optional)
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (All-Wheel Control AWD available with 2.4L engine)
Acceleration is adequate for city and highway driving, and the manual transmission adds a fun, engaging driving experience for those who prefer a hands-on connection with the car. While not particularly quick, the Lancer ES feels nimble and composed in corners thanks to its lightweight chassis and responsive steering.
Ride Quality and Handling
The 2017 Lancer ES offers a composed ride that smooths out most road imperfections. The suspension is tuned more for comfort than sport, though the car’s compact size and firm chassis make it agile in tight spaces.
With minimal body roll and confident lane-change behavior, the Lancer ES strikes a balance between urban maneuverability and highway cruising stability. It’s easy to park, easy to control, and offers better-than-expected handling for its price point.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the 2017 Lancer ES is straightforward and user-friendly. While it may not compete with class leaders in terms of material quality or modern styling, it excels in simplicity, visibility, and comfort.
Interior Highlights:
Cloth upholstery with good seat support
Manually adjustable front seats
60/40 split folding rear seats
6.1-inch touchscreen display with rearview camera
Steering wheel audio and cruise controls
Passenger space is solid for a compact sedan, with ample headroom and legroom up front. Rear seats are suitable for adults on shorter trips and ideal for children. The cabin is also quiet at highway speeds, with decent noise insulation for the class.
Cargo Space:
The rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, making the Lancer ES useful for trips to the store, airport pickups, or small household moves.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2017 Lancer ES includes a respectable suite of tech features that cater to modern drivers. While not cutting-edge, the system is intuitive and functional.
Standard Tech:
6.1-inch touchscreen audio system
Rearview camera
Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming audio
Four-speaker sound system
USB port and auxiliary input
For the price, the tech suite is competitive. The touchscreen interface is responsive, and Bluetooth pairing is quick and reliable. Higher trims offer more speakers and an upgraded Rockford Fosgate audio system, but the base setup gets the job done.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a priority in the Lancer lineup, and the ES comes with essential features that help provide peace of mind.
Standard Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Seven airbags (including driver's knee airbag)
Rearview camera
Safety Ratings:
NHTSA Overall Score: 4 stars
IIHS: Good ratings in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, and head restraints
While it lacks advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring or lane departure warning, the Lancer ES meets the core safety needs for compact car buyers.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is one of the Lancer ES’s biggest strengths. With the CVT, it delivers impressive mileage, making it a smart pick for commuters and budget-conscious drivers.
EPA Ratings (2.0L with CVT):
City: 27 mpg
Highway: 34 mpg
Combined: 30 mpg
EPA Ratings (Manual):
City: 24 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Combined: 27 mpg
These numbers place the Lancer among the better fuel-savers in its class, especially with the automatic transmission. Its lightweight build and small engine keep running costs low.
Reliability and Ownership Costs
Mitsubishi vehicles are known for their dependability, and the 2017 Lancer ES is no exception. It carries a strong warranty and requires minimal maintenance over time.
Ownership Costs:
Warranty: 5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain
Insurance: Affordable for compact cars
Maintenance: Simple and low-cost (especially with the 2.0L engine)
Resale value: Modest but steady with proper upkeep
Mitsubishi’s warranty coverage outshines many competitors, giving peace of mind to first-time car owners and budget buyers.
Pros and Cons of the 2017 Lancer ES 2.0
Pros:
Cons:
Outdated interior design and infotainment system
No advanced driver assistance tech
Modest acceleration compared to rivals
Limited availability in newer markets (discontinued after 2017)
Who Should Buy the 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0?
The Lancer ES is ideal for:
Budget-conscious shoppers looking for value and reliability
First-time drivers or college students
Commuters seeking fuel efficiency and ease of ownership
Enthusiasts who want a fun-to-drive manual transmission sedan
If you’re looking for a practical compact car that’s easy to maintain, economical to run, and enjoyable to drive, the Lancer ES fits the bill.
Conclusion
The 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0 may not have the flashy features or turbocharged power of some rivals, but it more than holds its own with affordability, practicality, and simplicity. Its efficient 2.0L engine, comfortable ride, user-friendly tech, and excellent warranty coverage make it a compelling option in the compact car market.
As the last model year before the Lancer was discontinued in the U.S., the 2017 ES stands as a swan song for a nameplate that offered accessible performance and reliability. For used car buyers, it remains a smart and dependable choice.
Looking for a used 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer ES 2.0 for sale near Norfolk or Virginia Beach? Visit Your Kar Company at 7912 Becket Street, Norfolk, VA 23518 to explore our inventory and financing options today.
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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Interested parties should confirm all data before relying on it to make a purchase decision. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Prices may not include additional fees such as government fees and taxes, title and registration fees, finance charges, dealer document preparation fees, $599 processing fee, and emission testing and compliance charges. VADLR5929-7574800100.
