Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: US generations, specs and used-buyer guide

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sports sedan sold in the US from 2003 to 2015, across three generations: Evolution VIII, IX and X. The 2008–2015 Evolution X uses a 291-hp 2.0L turbo 4B11 engine; the 2015 Final Edition made 303 hp. Mitsubishi retired it in 2015.

Type
Compact four-door sports sedan, AWD
Powertrains
Evolution X GSR 5-speed (2008–2015), Evolution X MR TC-SST (2008–2015), Evolution X Final Edition (2015), Evolution IX (2006), Evolution VIII (2003–2005) · 286–303 hp
Current generation
Evolution X, 2008–2015

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA rates most US Evolutions at 18–19 mpg combined on premium fuel. Mitsubishi compared the 2008 engine with the outgoing 2006 engine (286 hp, 289 lb-ft); we did not find a Mitsubishi figure for the 2003–2005 Evolution VIII. EPA lists no 2007 Lancer Evolution.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution powertrains with manufacturer-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Evolution X GSR 5-speed (2008–2015)GSR2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (4B11)[1][2][3]2913005-speed manualS-AWC all-wheel drive17/23/192015 MY[3]
Evolution X MR TC-SST (2008–2015)MR2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (4B11)[1][4]2913006-speed Twin-Clutch SST (EPA: AM6)S-AWC all-wheel drive17/22/192015 MY[4]
Evolution X Final Edition (2015)Final Edition2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (4B11)[5]3033055-speed manualS-AWC all-wheel drive—
Evolution IX (2006)2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (4G63)[1][6][7]2862895-speed or 6-speed manualAll-wheel drive17/23/192006 MY[7]
Evolution VIII (2003–2005)2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (4G63)[8][9]——5-speed manual (EPA also lists a 6-speed for 2005)All-wheel drive16/23/192003 MY[9]

Output is as rated by the manufacturer; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Three US generations in 12 years

Mitsubishi built ten generations of the Lancer Evolution, three of which were sold in the US over 12 years. The Evolution arrived in the US for 2003, after earlier generations were sold in Europe and Asia, and Mitsubishi announced in 2015 that the Evolution X would be the last.

Mitsubishi has said there are no plans to bring back the Lancer or Lancer Evolution.[5][2]

4G63 vs 4B11: the two Evo engines

The 2003–2006 cars use the 4G63 turbocharged 2.0L with a cast-iron block. The 2008–2015 Evolution X uses the 4B11, with an aluminum block, a timing chain instead of a belt, and MIVEC variable valve timing on both camshafts. Mitsubishi rated the 2008 4B11 at 291 hp and 300 lb-ft versus 286 hp and 289 lb-ft for the 2006 engine.[1][2]

The 2015 Final Edition

Mitsubishi offered 1,600 numbered Final Edition models in the US at $37,995. Based on the GSR, it has a 5-speed manual, 303 hp and 305 lb-ft, Brembo front rotors, Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs, plus a numbered plaque on the console.[5]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution generations by year

Every US Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Evolution X2008–20152.0L turbo 4B11 (291 hp, 300 lb-ft); 5-speed manual (GSR) or 6-speed Twin-Clutch SST (MR)Introduced the aluminum-block 4B11 engine and S-AWC, which combines an active center differential, Active Yaw Control rear differential and stability control. Mitsubishi sold 1,600 numbered 2015 Final Editions in the US with 303 hp at $37,995.[1][5]
Evolution IX20062.0L turbo 4G63 (286 hp, 289 lb-ft); 5- or 6-speed manualThe last US Evolution with the iron-block 4G63. Mitsubishi used it as the baseline when it introduced the Evolution X.[1][7][10]
Evolution VIII2003–20052.0L turbo 4G63; 5-speed manual, with a 6-speed listed by EPA for 2005The first Evolution sold in the US, arriving for 2003 with All-Wheel Control. EPA rated the 2003 model at 16/23/19 mpg.[2][11][9][8][10]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems and recalls

The most serious Lancer Evolution recall is for passenger frontal air bag inflators that can rupture: 17V-569 covers 2004–2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution models, with 16V-334 for 2006–2007. Evolution X owners should check the 2008–2013 clutch master cylinder recall (13V-446) and the 2008–2009 fuel return pipe campaign.

Documented Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Clutch master cylinder may fail (recall 13V-446)[12][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2008–20132008–2013Recall 13V446000
Fuel return pipe may crack (recall 09V-349)[14][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2008–20092008–2009Recall 09V349000
Front air bag sensors may corrode (recall 09V-435)[15][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2008–20092008–2009Recall 09V435000
Parking brake cable may wear the fuel tank (recall 15V-546)[16][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2014–20152014–2015Recall 15V546000
Defective relays may cause stalling or overheating (recall 17V-609)[17][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 20152015Recall 17V609000
Engine drive belt may detach (recall 14V-562)[18][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2008–20112008–2011Recall 14V562000
Sunroof glass may detach (recall 18V-071)[19][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2009–20102009–2010Recall 18V071000
Lights, wipers or blower motor may fail (recalls 15V-232, 15V-233)[20][21][13]Evolution X (2008–2015) – 2010–20112010–2011Recall 15V232000

All 10 documented Lancer Evolution issues and 10 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More Lancer Evolution research

See how a Lancer Evolution was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Mitsubishi build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mitsubishi build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Lancer Evolution sold in the US?

From the 2003 to the 2015 model year. EPA lists US models for 2003–2006 and 2008–2015, with no 2007 model.

How much horsepower does an Evo X have?

Mitsubishi rates the 2008–2015 Evolution X at 291 hp and 300 lb-ft. The 2015 Final Edition made 303 hp and 305 lb-ft.

What is the difference between the Evo X GSR and MR?

The GSR has a 5-speed manual. The MR has a 6-speed Twin-Clutch SST automated manual plus Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors and BBS forged wheels.

How many Lancer Evolution Final Editions were made?

Mitsubishi sold 1,600 numbered Final Editions in the US, each with an MSRP of $37,995.

Will Mitsubishi bring back the Lancer Evolution?

Mitsubishi says there are no plans to bring back the Lancer or Lancer Evolution and that it is focused on crossovers and hybrids.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by the manufacturer for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. Mitsubishi introduces all-new 2008 Lancer Evolution — Mitsubishi Motors North America newsroom (media.mitsubishicars.com)
  2. Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution history — Mitsubishi Motors North America (mitsubishicars.com)
  3. EPA fuel economy record: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Manual 5-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy record: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Automatic (AM6), AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition: limited-production model bids farewell — Mitsubishi Motors North America newsroom (media.mitsubishicars.com)
  6. EPA fuel economy record: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Manual 6-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy record: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Manual 5-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy record: 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Manual 6-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy record: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2.0L, Manual 5-spd, AWD) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (history corroboration) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  11. Mitsubishi Motors history timeline — Mitsubishi Motors North America (mitsubishicars.com)
  12. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 13V-446 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  13. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Lancer Evolution — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  14. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 09V-349 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  15. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 09V-435 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  16. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-546 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  17. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 17V-609 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  18. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 14V-562 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  19. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-071 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  20. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-232 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  21. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 15V-233 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mitsubishi Motors North America or Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Mitsubishi, Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage, Lancer Evolution, S-AWC and the model names are trademarks of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.