48/100
2012Compact CarsRegular

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

EPA ID: 32059
25
City MPG
28
Combined MPG
28MPG· Average
33
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (av-s6), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2012 Lancer produces approximately 317 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Lancer performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,150, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (AV-S6)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions317 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,150
5-Year Cost DeltaN/A

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
28.1
Impact vs EPA
$-4
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$528/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$14,000
44.2%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,375
29.6%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$7,900
24.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.3%
Total 5-Year Cost$31,675

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #18V069000·2018-03-27
critical
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Campaign #13V446000·2013-11-12
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Mitsubishi Lancer configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,150

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City25 MPG
Highway33 MPG
Combined28 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

63.5 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 79 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.