Mitsubishi Lancer vs. Kia Optima MPG

Chart is based on 90 fuel economy reports for the Mitsubishi Lancer and 152 fuel economy reports for the Kia Optima.

Mitsubishi Lancer MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2014	4dr Sedan turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	none	0	0	60	40	65	21.2
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD	flat	med	hvy	15	0	10	75	70	19.0
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD	flat	med	none	30	5	5	60	75	20.6
2011	4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	med	light	5	20	10	65	63	29.2
2011	4dr Hatch 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	med	light	25	20	25	30	75	26.4
2010	4dr Sedan turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD	flat	med	none	5	15	40	40	75	20.0
2010	4dr Sedan turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD	flat	med	light	19	16	49	16	110	21.3
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2010	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	med	none	10	21	36	33	67	25.7
2010	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	10	10	0	80	100	31.4
2010	4dr Hatch 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	med	light	0	3	38	59	70	25.3
2010	4dr Hatch 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	hills	med	none	6	12	41	41	120	27.7
2009	4dr Sedan turbocharged 237hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual AWD	flat	med	light	6	6	34	55	70	23.6
2009	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	lead	none	14	21	22	43	76	25.8
2009	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	10	21	23	45	88	29.5
2009	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 CVT FWD	flat	light	hvy	20	50	30	0	0	27.8
2009	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	7	17	1	75	103	30.5
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	light	7	20	33	40	83	21.0
2008	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 CVT FWD	hills	med	none	10	21	14	56	80	29.1
2008	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	flat	light	none	7	24	10	59	86	25.4
2008	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	70	32.4
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 286hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD	flat	med	none	19	8	23	50	74	21.7
2006	4dr Sedan turbocharged 286hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	5	28	5	63	60	23.5
2006	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	med	none	16	16	12	57	79	25.5
2006	4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	20	0	80	70	33.4
2005	4dr Sedan turbocharged 276hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD	flat	light	none	15	5	40	40	60	21.0
2005	4dr Sedan turbocharged 276hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	lead	none	5	0	0	95	60	22.0
2005	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	5	10	10	75	100	22.1
2003	4dr Sedan turbocharged 271hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	flat	med	light	1	4	8	88	70	23.7
2003	4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	0	25	0	75	65	27.0
2002	4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 2.0L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	none	7	19	37	37	55	26.2
2002	4dr Sedan 120-horsepower 2.0L I4 4-speed automatic FWD	flat	light	light	18	13	25	45	65	28.4

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This page shows only averages. See all the Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy data.

Kia Optima MPG

Year	Body/Powertrain	flat, hilly, or mountainousLand	driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot	A/C use: none to heavyA/C	constant stop and goTraf %	many stops per mileCity %	stop every mile or twoSub %	fairly steady speedHwy %	Hwy Spd	MPG
2019	4dr Sedan turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	hvy	0	10	50	40	70	26.7
2017	4dr Sedan 154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	30	30	20	20	70	52.6
2016	4dr Sedan turbocharged 178hp 1.6L I4 7-speed automated manual FWD	hills	light	light	6	0	14	80	67	39.0
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	0	24	21	56	69	25.5
2013	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	32	14	54	83	27.1
2013	4dr Sedan 159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	v.lt	none	2	13	15	71	102	32.5
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	light	4	18	39	39	72	25.6
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2012	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	0	4	20	76	69	32.3
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	light	0	5	28	68	70	28.0
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	light	none	4	7	21	67	66	28.7
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed manual FWD	flat	med	light	0	5	20	75	75	30.0
2010	4dr Sedan 194-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	light	0	10	70	20	75	20.0
2010	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	none	0	0	20	80	63	36.2
2009	4dr Sedan 175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	5	12	16	67	65	29.1
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	20	60	10	10	60	26.3
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	lead	light	30	15	30	25	75	26.2
2007	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	med	none	7	13	3	78	108	29.5
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	med	none	1	36	48	15	63	23.2
2006.5	4dr Sedan 185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	hvy	6	4	33	58	66	24.6
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	flat	light	light	18	16	9	56	63	28.9
2006.5	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	10	90	60	30.0
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	hills	lead	light	5	95	0	0	0	12.1
2004	4dr Sedan 138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	flat	light	hvy	0	0	5	95	70	30.0

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This page shows only averages. See all the Kia Optima fuel economy data.

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.

See TrueDelta's information for all Mitsubishi models and Kia models.

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Comment
	Mitsubishi did improve the powertrain's EPA ratings a few years ago. But they're still only 22 mpg city, 31 highway. Even the portly Dart GT manages 23/33 with a manual transmission. Credit a sixth ratio the Lancer lacks. In my suburban driving, the trip computer regularly reported averages in the high 20s. Other compacts have done better in the same driving, but not by as wide a margin as the EPA numbers would suggest. see full Mitsubishi Lancer review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2011	4dr Sedan 148-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	I am getting consistent 27-29 MPG on mid-west (flat) back county roads during my commute. I am getting 32 MPG on the highway. My driving style is moderately spirited. see full Mitsubishi Lancer review
2010	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	Uses regular gas and gets about 30 mpg. My Civic SI was getting about the same but used premium. see full Mitsubishi Lancer review
2009	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	Very good millage/power ratio see full Mitsubishi Lancer review
2008	4dr Sedan 152-horsepower 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	The car gets average fuel economy in its class, coming in at about 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, but it is well above most cars. see full Mitsubishi Lancer review

Mitsubishi Lancer Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2010	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	It's not as great as you'd expect from an econobox. If this is your biggest concern, this is not the car for you. see full Mitsubishi Lancer review
2009	4dr Sedan 168-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD	17 mpg in 2.4 litter my altima that is 2.5 litter i get 23 same driving conditions hmm bigger engin better gas if it always worked out this way i would buy a bmw 335 xdrive see full Mitsubishi Lancer review
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 291hp 2.0L I4 5-speed manual AWD	22-24 avarage MPG see full Mitsubishi Lancer review

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Comment
2013	Many auto makers are substituting turbocharged fours for V6s because of their theoretically superior fuel economy. The Kia Optima SXL earns EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 34 highway. The similarly turbo-foured Ford Fusion comes close, 22/33. The most fuel efficient V6, in the new Honda Accord, manages 21/34 without paddle shifters, but 21/32 with them. Trip computer numbers suggest a one-to-two mpg advantage for the Kia in real-world suburban driving--perhaps too close to call since these devices aren't terribly precise. Figure just under 20 with a heavy foot, mid-20s if you resist the temptation, and just over 30 with a very light foot and luck with the lights. All of these figures are with the engine warmed up. In cold weather, fuel economy is in the mid-teens for the first mile or two. An eco mode makes little noticeable difference in either how the car drives or its fuel economy. These numbers don't seem particularly good? Recall that the Kia Optima SXL is a very quick car. You won't find a 274-horsepower sedan that does better without the aid of a battery pack. see full Kia Optima review

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Kia Optima

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2013	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I find fuel economy, in mixed driving, to be on par with a V6 of comparable power. I usually get about 24 MPG in combined driving. However, on a recent road trip, I had 32 MPG on one tank. It's perhaps slightly better than the Acura TL I had, but one big bonus: the Acura required premium unleaded. On the Kia Optima, however, the manufacturer only calls for regular unleaded. Over time, that can mean a significant savings. see full Kia Optima review
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	This is my biggest (and only real) complaint with the Optima. It advertises fuel economy of 22 city, 34 highway. I drive a lot (100 mile round trip daily, with more than half of it being highway miles). Admittedly, I have a heavy foot, but I regularly get about 24-25 mpg combined, with the car in ECO mode. The best tank of gas I ever got was a little over 28 mpg. (I calculate it manually, don't rely on the on-board MPG estimates, as they are always 3-5 MPG more generous than reality.) see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan 200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	High 30s on the highway and 29-30 overall with a lot of power. Active eco. setting for better economy. see full Kia Optima review
2011	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	33 mpg on 200 mile trips at about 65 mph avg. see full Kia Optima review
2008	4dr Sedan 162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD	Decent fuel mileage at this point for a mid-size sedan. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	25-30 city/hwy see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	It may be a bit borderline in 100% city driving (19-20 mpg), but it gets 33mpg+ on the open highway, with only a 1-2 mpg penalty for using A/C. see full Kia Optima review
2007	4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD	got 42 mgh yesteerday on a 120 minute drive 25%/75% in town/highway driving. Like paying $2.25 per gallon, see full Kia Optima review
2005	4dr Sedan 170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD	AS above see full Kia Optima review

Kia Optima Real Gas Mileage: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2012	4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD	I'd recommend this car in a heartbeat. I honestly like this styling even more than the updates they've made since 2012. My biggest cons are the fuel economy and the lack of a manual transmission on any models other than the base model. see full Kia Optima review