Chevrolet
Cruze
Mitsubishi
Lancer
Chevrolet Cruze vs Mitsubishi Lancer: 2018 Comparison
The short answer
The Chevrolet Cruze offers fuel economy, while the Mitsubishi Lancer excels at power instead. Choose the Chevrolet Cruze if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mitsubishi Lancer if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Cruze
Overall
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment for the first-generation Cruze (model years approximately 2009-2016), with widespread reports of severe and frequent mechanical failures leading to high ownership costs and frustration. This generation is frequently described as one of the worst vehicles owners have experienced. Sentiment for the second generation (approximately 2016-2019) is mixed but notably more positive, with some owners reporting good reliability and satisfaction, particularly with highway comfort and fuel economy.
Best version to buy
Second-generation models (2016-2019) are strongly preferred over the first generation. Within the second generation, the 1.4L turbocharged gasoline engine paired with the conventional 6-speed automatic transmission is recommended over the CVT (found in the Spark) for better reliability.
Known issues
- ⚠**First Generation (2009-2016) Issues:** Coolant system leaks/failures: leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent. Turbocharger failures: around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
- ⚠**Second Generation (2016-2019) Issues:** Coolant system seepage/leaks: noted as a slower issue than Gen 1. Recurrent. Oil leaks: from valve cover and oil filter housing. Recurrent.
Lancer
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided between the standard Lancer models and the high-performance Evolution variants. For standard Lancers (ES, GTS, Aspire, etc.), owner feedback is generally positive regarding reliability, practicality, and low-cost ownership. These models are frequently described as "super reliable," with specific praise for the 4G94 and 4B11 engines, cheap parts, and straightforward maintenance.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single "best" version, as preferences split by purpose. For reliability and low-cost operation: the standard Lancer with a manual transmission is highly recommended to avoid CVT complexities.
Known issues
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability concerns: uses JATCO CVT shared with other brands; long-term reliability questioned, though some owners report high mileage (280,000+ km) without fluid changes. Fluid changes are critical. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Electrical gremlins: issues include non-responsive accelerator pedal (2013 model), headlights staying on permanently (2008 model), and complete electrical system failures (radio, wipers, HVAC) with flickering lights. Frequency: isolated.
- ⚠Rough idle on cold start: reported on a 2009 2.4L model; not resolved by air filter or oxygen sensor replacement. Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Chevrolet Cruze is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mitsubishi Lancer, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mitsubishi Lancer is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mitsubishi Lancer?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Chevrolet Cruze and the Mitsubishi Lancer. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mitsubishi Lancer?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mitsubishi Lancer?
The Chevrolet Cruze is more fuel-efficient on paper: 5.8 L/100km combined versus 8.4 L/100km for the Mitsubishi Lancer, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Cruze or the Mitsubishi Lancer?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mitsubishi Lancer than the Chevrolet Cruze. See the known issues comparison above.