Mitsubishi prices and reviews: 2014 update

Mitsubishi initially co-engineered vehicles for the North American market in partnership with Chrysler before branching out with models of its own. Since that time, the carmaker has become a favorite with a loyal group of owners and aficionados alike. The 2014 lineup includes compact sedans, mid-sized sedans, SUV crossovers, a new sub-compact that rivals a camel for gas mileage, and an innovative update to its electric car. For 2014, Mitsubishi did a pretty good job of holding the line on prices, staying competitive with most of its rivals.

Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a five-seat family car that first appeared as a subcompact in 1973 and has been around in compact form since 2000. The standard model features a 2.0-liter engine and includes anti-lock brakes, side-impact and knee air bags as well as power windows, doors and mirrors as standard features. It also comes with a rearview camera system and an upgraded anti-theft system for 2014. You can upgrade the basic package to select a 2.4-liter engine that produces 168 horsepower, while the standard model has 152 horsepower. While you pick up the perk with the added horsepower, it comes at the expense of your gas mileage ratings. You can also select a five-speed standard transmission or go with the six-speed, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) option. Prices for the basic 2014 Lancer start at $17,995.

The Lancer Sportback is another option in the Lancer family. As the name implies, it takes a sporty step up from the basic Lancer with a number of upgrades coming standard. Tops for some drivers on the add-on list is the 140-watt CD/MP3 head unit and 4-speaker stereo that comes with each model. The 2014 Sportback starts with an MSRP of $18,595/

If power matters more to you than everyday practicality, the Lancer Evolution model is an interesting prospect. With a turbocharged engine that produces 291 horsepower, 300 lb-feet of torque and a computer-controlled all-wheel drive system, the Evolution delivers in both performance and safety. It surrounds you with seven airbags and offers some assistance in taming its power with an active yaw control feature and standard BREMBO high performance braking systems on all models. It’s available in a five-speed standard transmission or a six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift auto. Mitsubishi prices the 2014 Evolution at between $34,995 and $38,195.

Mitsubishi Outlander

If you need more space for cargo and passengers, the full-size Outlander SUV crossover may be a better fit. With a choice of two engines and three trim levels, the Outlander delivers sports styling and good levels of performance while still getting good gas mileage for this class of vehicle (the entry-level model delivers 25/31 mpg all while being able to seat seven.)

Changes for the new lineup include the introduction of heated mirrors as standard on all models, automatic climate control for the SE and satellite radio on the GT. New safety features for 2014 include a lane departure warning system, an adaptive cruise control system that can sense if you are getting too close to traffic ahead of you while on a set speed, and it's all linked to an overall forward collision mitigation system that alerts the driver to trouble ahead and can even apply the brakes if the driver isn’t reacting quickly enough.

The entry-level two-wheel drive model is fitted with a 168-horsepower 2.4-liter engine and has Active Stability Control as a standard feature. In 2014, two new options under the Outlander Sport banner offered drivers a less expensive version of the Outlander. The Sport comes with five-speed manual transmission, six-speed CVT, or the CVT linked to an all-wheel-drive train.

As for accolades, the Outlander earned a spot on Kelley Blue Book’s annual list as one of the nation’s “10 Most Affordable Three-Row Vehicles.” It was also ranked by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as a “Top Safety Pick” for 2014.

In 2014, the Outlander Sport starts with an MSRP of  $19,470 and the high-end Outlander will cost you $27,795.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

If you've had your eye on a sleek Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe, you'll be sad to learn that the vehicle was discontinued for US sales heading into the 2013 season. First introduced in 1990, the Eclipse went through a number of major style revisions during its lifetime. Despite the introduction of a convertible model, sales began to slow down as interest in this car waned. There was not a clamor for its return in 2014 and as such, you’ll have to scour your favorite car lots for good used ones in the meantime.

Get the lowest local quotes on new Mitsubishi prices today!

Mitsubishi lovers found some surprises in 2014, including a new model:

Mitsubishi Mirage

A sporty sub-compact, the Mirage is touted as the most fuel-efficient, gas powered, non-hybrid car sold in America. It earns that distinction by delivering 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving (though some anecdotal comments from owners on various website suggest it can get 50-plus on the freeways.) Not a hard boast from its standard 1.2L, 12-valve, 3-cylinder engine that works hard to earn its 75-85 horsepower.

This is a fun commuter that openly aims for a younger audience with color selections like Infrared and Plasma Purple. It claims five seats (that would be a tight squeeze for most) that are encased in seven airbags. It comes in either a five-speed manual or a six-peed CVT automatic. Standard features include keyless entry with a panic alarm feature, USB port(s), Bluetooth hands-free phone capacity, rearview camera, 140-watt/4-speaker sound system, and split-folding, high-back rear seats.

For 2014, the entry-level Mirage will only set you back an MSRP of $12,995.

For all of the models highlighted above, Mitsubishi offers a generous 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty and a roadside assistance plan covering you for five full years.

Mitsubishi I-MIEV

Though it has been hard to find since entering the market in 2012, this year saw Mitsubishi make a few upgrades to its electric car. Improvements in battery technology continue to make these cars more attractive for short-commute and urban drivers. The 2014 I-MIEV has several charging options including the 15amp, 120V option that comes with the car and can be plugged into a standard household outlet, fully charging the battery in 22 hours. New options now include a home charging dock that can hasten the process, fully charging in as little as six hours. The I-MIEV is also equipped with a public quick-charge port designed to hook into the standard, public chargers cropping up more frequently in cities. This option can deliver you an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

It seats four (somewhat snugly) and uses some of its electricity to warm the front seats. The rear seats feature 50/50 split fold-down options so you can use half or all of the back seat for storage. It comes with a 100-watt stereo with six speakers and MP3 compatibility.

The upgraded battery now can deliver enough for a 90-115 mile trip per full charge (depending on a number of conditions.) The battery powers a quiet motor that delivers the equivalent of 65-70 horsepower

It comes with a 5-year/60,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and the battery carries a separate 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.

Mitsubishi claims this is the most affordable electric car on the market and in doing so, employs a bit of creative bookkeeping to get there. The MSRP for the I-MIEV in 2014 starts at $22,995 and purchasing one qualifies you for a $7,500 federal tax credit, so Mitsubishi does the math for you and claims the car costs $15,494. Even given all that, the I-MIEV keeps improving and should be a steady performer in this class.

Reading Mitsubishi reviews and taking these vehicles out for test-drives will help you decide which model and trim level best suit your needs and budget. You will also be able to better judge your preferences for driving position, visibility and comfort once you are actually behind the wheel. No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Reply! is an excellent source of information on all aspects of motoring. We can also connect you to local Mitsubishi dealers and get you started on your test-drives, today.