Best Car Reviews - 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

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Introduction

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a compact, rally-bred performance sedan built for drivers who value traction, sharp responses and all-weather confidence over luxury-car softness. The automatic version is the Evolution MR, fitted with Mitsubishi’s six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission rather than a conventional automatic. With a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, Super All-Wheel Control and unmistakable motorsport styling, the Evo remains one of the most focused all-wheel-drive sport sedans of its era.

Design and Exterior Features

The Evolution X body is broad-shouldered and purposeful, with a deep front fascia, prominent hood vents, flared fenders and a stance that looks ready for a special stage. At 177.0 inches long, 71.3 inches wide and 58.3 inches high, it is compact enough for urban use but visually much more aggressive than a standard Lancer. The 2012 model was largely a carryover from the preceding year, preserving the successful rally-inspired design while the MR combined a subtler rear lip spoiler with premium chassis and lighting equipment.

Wide fenders, functional-looking vents and an aggressive Evolution front grille.
18-inch forged alloy wheels and 245/40R18 performance tires.
Dual exhaust outlets and a race-inspired rear treatment.
MR-specific HID headlamps and a lower-profile rear lip spoiler.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin places driving first, with supportive front seats, a straightforward dashboard and controls that are easy to reach. It is practical for a compact four-door sedan, but its materials and sound insulation do not match premium sports sedans. The Evolution MR offered a more upscale atmosphere than the GSR, including leather/suede seating surfaces and soft-touch door-panel treatment; optional packages could add heated Recaro seats, a sunroof and extra sound insulation.

Driver-focused cockpit with supportive, performance-oriented front seating.
Available leather, suede-like trim and Recaro front bucket seats.
Standard power windows, locks, cruise control and steering-wheel audio controls.
Rear-seat and trunk usability typical of a compact sedan.

Performance and Handling

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled DOHC MIVEC inline-four producing 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Its six-speed TC-SST dual-clutch transmission provides automatic operation, paddle shifting and Normal, Sport and S-Sport modes. Super All-Wheel Control combines an active center differential, Active Yaw Control, stability control and sport ABS to give the Evo exceptional grip and cornering confidence on dry, wet and snowy roads. Independent testing recorded 0-60 mph in about 5.0 seconds for the MR. Official EPA estimates for the MR were 17 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, equivalent to approximately 13.8 and 10.7 L/100 km; the 19 mpg combined figure is about 12.4 L/100 km. Real consumption can be substantially higher during hard driving.

291-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
300 lb-ft of torque and a 7,000-rpm redline.
Six-speed TC-SST dual-clutch transmission with magnesium paddle shifters.
Super All-Wheel Control with active differentials for outstanding traction.
MR fuel economy: 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology was competitive for a 2012 performance sedan but now feels dated. The standard system included CD/MP3 playback, six speakers, Bluetooth hands-free calling and a USB input. Available equipment brought a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio, a six-disc changer, FAST-Key passive entry and an HDD navigation system with music storage and traffic information. Modern smartphone integration, advanced digital displays and contemporary driver-assistance systems were not part of the package.

Standard Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and USB input.
Standard CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers.
Available 710-watt Rockford Fosgate system with nine speakers and subwoofer.
Available HDD navigation, satellite radio and FAST-Key entry.

Safety Features

Every 2012 Evolution included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and a driver’s knee airbag, along with Mitsubishi’s RISE impact-safety body structure. Active Stability Control, traction control, Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution supplemented its mechanical grip. Buyers should note that published IIHS ratings for the regular 2012 Lancer specifically excluded the Ralliart and Evolution, so an Evo-specific IIHS crash-test score should not be assumed.

Seven-airbag system including side curtains and a driver’s knee airbag.
RISE reinforced impact-safety body construction.
Active Stability Control and traction control.
Sport ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
Super All-Wheel Control aids stability and traction but does not replace careful driving.

Pricing and Variants

When new in the United States, the 2012 Lancer Evolution GSR had an MSRP of $34,495 and the automatic-only Evolution MR started at $37,695, before destination, taxes and options. The GSR used a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR added the six-speed TC-SST, Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, two-piece front brake rotors, forged BBS wheels and HID headlamps. Its closest period rivals included the Subaru WRX STI, Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus ST, although the latter was front-wheel drive and less expensive.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Outstanding all-weather traction and cornering capability.
Powerful, characterful turbocharged engine.
Fast-shifting dual-clutch transmission in the MR.
Genuine rally-inspired chassis hardware and Brembo brakes.
Practical four-door sedan body with a strong enthusiast following.

Cons

Fuel consumption is high for a compact sedan.
Firm ride, road noise and cabin vibration can become tiring on long trips.
Interior materials and infotainment feel dated.
TC-SST repairs and correct fluid servicing can be expensive.
Many used examples have been modified, driven hard or poorly maintained.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A single verified annual maintenance-cost figure is not available because age, modifications, climate and track use have an unusually large effect on ownership costs. Budget above-average running costs for premium fuel, performance tires, brakes, turbocharged-engine servicing and drivetrain fluids. The five issues most frequently raised by owners and specialist buyer guides for this generation are corrosion or failure of the AYC/ACD hydraulic pump, TC-SST clutch or mechatronic problems when service history is weak, worn or overheated clutch packs in hard-used cars, boost leaks or turbo-related faults on modified examples, and wear in brakes, tires, suspension bushes and wheel bearings. A pre-purchase inspection by an Evo-experienced specialist and documented fluid changes are especially important.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.0/10. Design: 8.5/10. Comfort: 6.5/10. Performance: 9.5/10. Technology: 6.5/10. Safety: 7.5/10. The score reflects an exceptionally capable driver’s car whose age, operating costs and uncompromising character limit its appeal as a relaxed daily commuter.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly celebrates the Evolution’s steering precision, grip and sense of occasion, while also warning prospective buyers to prioritize originality and maintenance records over mileage alone. The MR’s paddles and rapid shifts are popular, but its dual-clutch transmission requires informed ownership.

Owners consistently praise the confidence of the all-wheel-drive system in poor weather.
The turbo engine is widely enjoyed for its strong mid-range pull and tuning potential.
Many drivers consider the ride harsh and cabin noise high for daily commuting.
Buyers often stress the value of an unmodified car with complete servicing documentation.
MR owners frequently recommend careful TC-SST and differential-fluid maintenance.

Best Cars in This Category

2012 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Ford Focus ST
2012 BMW 135i
2012 Audi S4

Summary

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is best for enthusiasts who want a raw, highly capable all-wheel-drive performance sedan and are prepared to maintain it properly. It offers remarkable grip, serious turbocharged pace and real rally heritage, but it asks owners to accept premium-fuel thirst, a firm cabin environment and potentially expensive drivetrain repairs. A well-documented, unmodified example remains a compelling modern-classic choice for drivers who value involvement more than luxury.