2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR: The Final Stand of a Performance Legend

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a name synonymous with rally-bred performance and fierce rivalry, bowed out of the market after 2015, leaving a void for enthusiasts worldwide. For American car lovers, the EVO saga officially began in 2003, but its roots in rally racing and global markets stretched back much further. As the final model year rolled around, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR stood as a poignant farewell, encapsulating everything that made the EVO a legend, even as the automotive landscape shifted towards crossovers and electric vehicles. This isn’t just a car; it’s the culmination of Mitsubishi’s performance heritage, a direct descendant of rally icons, and a final defiant roar in a changing automotive world.

For decades, Mitsubishi carved a niche in performance vehicles, starting from the turbocharged Mirage and rear-wheel-drive Starion in the 80s. The 90s saw the rise of the Eclipse, powered by the legendary 4G63 engine, a powerplant that would later find its home in the Lancer Evolution in international markets. While the Eclipse evolved into a grand tourer, the US market eagerly awaited its taste of the EVO spirit. Finally, with the EVO VIII’s arrival in the early 2000s, Mitsubishi unleashed its turbocharged, all-wheel-drive beast onto American roads, reigniting the performance flame. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is the end of this lineage, a final chapter in Mitsubishi’s performance story before pivoting towards a different future.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – side
Image alt text: Side profile of a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, showcasing its sporty sedan silhouette and iconic fender vents.

The EVO Formula: Performance Engineering in its Purest Form

The essence of the EVO was always its straightforward yet potent formula: start with the humble Mitsubishi Lancer, inject a high-output turbocharged engine, reinforce the chassis for rigidity, and sculpt the exterior with functional aerodynamic enhancements. This recipe resulted in a compact sedan that delivered exhilarating speed and all-weather capability thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive system. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR embodies this formula to its peak, a testament to simple yet effective performance engineering. It was built to challenge the status quo, most notably its long-standing rival, the Subaru WRX STI, in a battle for supremacy on both the streets and the track.

Spending a week behind the wheel of a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR reveals a machine that’s unapologetically focused on performance. While not the absolute final “Final Edition,” this model year represents the culmination of the EVO lineage. The MR trim, short for Mitsubishi Racing, elevates the EVO’s sporting character even further. The suspension is aggressively tuned with Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks, creating a ride that’s undeniably stiff, bordering on punishing for daily commutes. The quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission delivers neck-snapping gear changes, and the steering is so responsive it can feel almost hyperactive on the highway. Equipped with selectable terrain modes for tarmac, gravel, and snow, the EVO MR hints at its rally-bred origins, ready to tackle diverse driving conditions. Its stunning BBS wheels, wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN tires, ensure tenacious grip, cementing its track-ready credentials.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – engine
Image alt text: Close-up view of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine bay of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, highlighting its performance-oriented components.

Driving the EVO MR: A Raw and Engaging Experience

Living with the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR as a daily driver is a lesson in compromise. Every imperfection in the road surface is transmitted directly to the cabin, a constant reminder of its firm suspension. While this stiffness can be jarring in mundane driving, it transforms the car into a corner-carving weapon on twisty roads. The EVO MR excels when pushed, rewarding the driver with exceptional handling and grip that inspires confidence.

The heart of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is its 291-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 300 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s sophisticated S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) system. This system works in conjunction with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a front limited-slip differential, and an active center differential to optimize traction and handling in any situation. Drivers can choose between full automatic mode, manual shifting via the center gear selector, or using the responsive metal paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Gear changes are rapid and decisive, accompanied by the characteristic “blerp” sound from the exhaust during shifts, a hallmark of turbocharged dual-clutch vehicles. The EVO MR offers a visceral and engaging driving experience, feeling every bit like a street-legal race car.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – interior
Image alt text: Interior view of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, showing the dashboard, steering wheel with paddle shifters, and sporty seats.

Interior and Exterior: Performance Over Luxury

However, the performance prowess of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR comes with certain trade-offs, particularly in interior quality. While equipped with features like heated leather seats, a premium Rockford Fosgate sound system, and a power moonroof, the cabin materials and overall fit and finish are where the EVO shows its age and budget-conscious origins. Thin sun visors, noticeable squeaks and rattles, and hard plastic door panels are reminders that the EVO prioritized performance over luxury. Even exterior details like partially painted door handles reveal cost-saving measures.

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO MR – door handle
Image alt text: Detail shot of the door handle of a 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, showing the partially painted finish and basic plastic construction.

Yet, these shortcomings become secondary when considering the EVO MR’s core purpose. Buyers weren’t drawn to the EVO for opulent interiors, but for its raw performance, advanced drivetrain, and rally-inspired aesthetics. The exterior design, largely unchanged for years, remains sporty and arguably iconic, with its aggressive front fascia, hood vents, and subtle aero elements. While some may find the fender vents and chrome accents less appealing, the overall look is undeniably track-ready and purposeful. Unique features like the rear-mounted windshield washer reservoir and battery, aimed at improving weight distribution, further emphasize the EVO’s performance-focused engineering.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – trunk
Image alt text: Trunk space of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, highlighting the rear-mounted washer reservoir and battery for optimized weight balance.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – rear
Image alt text: Rear view of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, emphasizing its sporty rear bumper, diffuser, and quad exhaust outlets.

The EVO vs. WRX STI Rivalry and Mitsubishi’s Future

Historically, the EVO MR carried a higher price tag than its Subaru WRX STI competitor. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR retailed for around $41,805, slightly more than a comparably equipped 2016 Subaru WRX STI Limited. While the STI offered a more refined and comfortable experience with better interior materials, the EVO maintained its edge in raw performance and hardcore driving dynamics. With the departure of the EVO, Mitsubishi shifted its focus towards the burgeoning crossover and EV markets, leaving a performance car void in its lineup. The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR represents not just the end of a model, but potentially the end of an era for Mitsubishi’s performance car endeavors, at least for the foreseeable future. Perhaps this shift is simply the “evolution” of Mitsubishi as a company, adapting to changing market demands.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – rear spoiler
Image alt text: Close-up on the subtle trunk lip spoiler of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, a design element contributing to its aerodynamic profile.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – Paddle Shifter
Image alt text: Steering wheel and paddle shifters of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, showcasing the driver-centric cockpit and performance controls.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – Rockford Fosgate Head
Image alt text: Close-up of the Rockford Fosgate infotainment system in the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, highlighting the premium audio features.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – BBS Wheel
Image alt text: Detailed view of the forged BBS alloy wheel on the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, showcasing the lightweight and high-performance design.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – washer bottle
Image alt text: Rear trunk detail showing the windshield washer fluid reservoir placement behind the rear seats in the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR – front fascia
Image alt text: Front fascia of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, highlighting its aggressive styling, signature grille, and aerodynamic bumper.

Conclusion: A Fond Farewell to a Performance Icon

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of an era, a last stand for raw, unadulterated performance in a world increasingly focused on comfort and efficiency. It’s a machine that demands attention, rewards spirited driving, and connects with the driver in a way few modern cars can. While it may not be the most refined or luxurious vehicle, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that is deeply rooted in its rally heritage. As Mitsubishi shifts towards a new chapter, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR remains a cherished icon, a reminder of Mitsubishi’s performance legacy, and a sought-after machine for enthusiasts who appreciate driving purity above all else. The legend of the EVO, and especially the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, will continue to resonate within the automotive community for years to come.