2012 Mitsubishi Galant review

The new 2012 Mitsubishi Galant luxury sports sedan

The Mitsubishi Galant - a handsome mid-size Japanese luxury sports sedan with seating for five - returns for the 2012 model year as one of the most impressive value propositions in the segment.

2012 Mitsubishi Galant photo

Though it may be low priced, the entry-level ES model features a comprehensive list of standard features. A splendid-sounding 6 speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 playback capability and auxiliary input; air conditioning; automatic headlamp shut off; cruise control; keyless entry system; engine immobilizer; power windows, mirrors and door locks; and an integrated key and key fob with trunk release and panic are all included.

2012 Mitsubishi Galant photo

At just $24,299, the Galant SE includes an impressive degree of standard luxury features including a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system with rear view backup camera; a power glass sunroof; Bluetooth® hands-free phone system; 18-inch alloy wheels; heated front seats; 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat; and a 650-watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate® Acoustic Design audio system with auxiliary audio input jack and a 3-month pre-paid subscription to SIRIUS® satellite radio as well as numerous other convenient upscale touches.

2012 Mitsubishi Galant photo

The top-flight Galant SE with Leather Package (MSRP $25,299) adds sumptuous leather seating surfaces as well as a sporty rear lip spoiler to this stylish 4-door built with pride at Mitsubishi’s factory in Normal, Illinois.

Thanks to its 16-valve 2.4-liter SOHC 4-cylinder engine featuring Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC), along with a 4-speed Sportronic automatic transmission that allows the driver the option to manually make gear changes, the 2012 Mitsubishi Galant is a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient 4-door sedan that delivers an impressive highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg. This engine produces a full 160 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 157 lb.-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Passengers in the 2012 Galant can enjoy a very smooth and tranquil ride inside the whisper-quiet cabin thanks to its well-engineered platform that keeps sound intrusion to a minimum. In addition, the thoughtfully designed independent suspension system - a MacPherson strut/coil spring up front and a tightly packaged low-mount multi-link design in the rear- soaks up road irregularities with ease along with providing responsive and composed handling.

All Galant models come equipped with an advanced dual-stage front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with front passenger occupant sensors and dual action inflators; front seat-mounted side impact air bags; side front and rear curtain air bags; an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

2012 Mitsubishi Galant photo

The midsize Galant luxury sports sedan is scheduled to go out of production following the 2012 model year.

Key Specifications

Wheelbase: 108.3 in.
Length: 191.1 in.
Height: 57.4 in. (ES) / 57.7 in. (SE)
Width: 72.4 in.
Engine: 160 bhp 2.4-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
Transmission: 4-speed Sportronic ® automatic transmission
Dynamics: Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control Logic (TCL), and Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Major Standard Features

16-in. steel wheels with full covers
140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 CD playback capability and six speakers
Air conditioning
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control (TCL)
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Color-keyed exterior door handles
Cruise control
Chrome beltline molding
Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, side curtain air bags, and front seat-mounted side-impact air bags
Engine immobilizer
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Front door pockets
Height-adjustable driver’s seat
Height-adjustable steering wheel
Keyless entry
Power trunk release
Power windows, locks and mirrors
Sun visors with extensions
Trunk access pass-through

SE adds over ES:

650-watt Rockford-Fosgate® Acoustic Design Premium Audio system
18-in. aluminum alloy wheels
Power glass sunroof
SIRIUS® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid service subscription
DVD-based navigation with rear view camera
Bluetooth® hands-free phone system
Automatic climate control
Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
Electrochromic interior rearview mirror
Black wood print interior trim
Fog lights
Heated front seats
Illuminated glove box
Sport fabric seating surfaces
Power driver’s seat
Theft-deterrent alarm system

Galant Options:

Leather Package (SE model) adds: Leather seating surfaces and rear lip spoiler.