by Ready to check out a compact SUV with some serious style? The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might just grab your attention. With its sharp looks, standard all-wheel drive, and great warranty, it’s a player in the SUV game. But can it hold its own against giants like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5? Let’s dive into this Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review to explore its features, performance, and more!
What Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV that fits between subcompact and midsize models. It rocks a sporty design, a turbo engine, and a unique vibe. Launched in 2018 and updated in 2021, it’s great for small families or adventure-seekers. With standard all-wheel drive and a long warranty, it’s built for value. Let’s see how it performs.
Design: Bold and Eye-Catching
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross turns heads with its sleek, coupe-like shape. Its sharp roofline and sculpted body scream sporty. LED headlights and taillights add a modern flair. The Ralliart trim spices things up with cool graphics and a sporty spoiler. Inside, the cabin is clean and functional with solid materials. Upper trims like the SEL bring leather seats and a heated steering wheel for extra comfort.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Performance
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross runs on a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. It delivers 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT, it’s smooth for city driving but feels sluggish on highways. The standard all-wheel drive, with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), handles snow or gravel well. It’s not a speed demon, but it’s reliable for daily drives.
Engine Specs and Fuel Economy
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Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder
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Horsepower: 152 hp @ 5500 rpm
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Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
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Transmission: CVT with manual shift mode
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Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city, 26-28 mpg highway, 25-26 mpg combined (EPA estimates)
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Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive
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Towing Capacity: Up to 1,500 pounds
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’s fuel economy is okay but trails the Toyota RAV4 (up to 30 mpg combined). For light towing, premium fuel is suggested for better power.
Interior Space
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross seats five with ease. Front seats are comfy, but some miss lumbar support. Rear legroom is generous, even for taller folks. Cargo space offers 23.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.1 cubic feet with seats folded. That’s good but less than the Honda CR-V’s 75.8 cubic feet. The sloped roofline makes rear entry tight, but the cabin feels cozy.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Technology
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross keeps tech straightforward. The base ES trim skips Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a bummer. The LE trim adds an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone support. Higher trims bring navigation, a premium sound system, and a head-up display. The infotainment is decent but not as polished as the Mazda CX-5’s.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Safety Features
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross shines in safety. It earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick in 2019. Standard features include:
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Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
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Lane departure warning
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Hill start assist
Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, recent IIHS headlight tests were disappointing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Stylish, unique design
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Standard all-wheel drive
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Excellent warranty (5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain)
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Affordable starting price
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Decent cargo space for its size
Cons
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Underpowered engine for highway driving
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Below-average fuel economy
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Base trim lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
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Interior feels dated compared to rivals
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Less cargo space than competitors
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Similar SUVs
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross faces off against the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Subaru Forester. Here’s the breakdown:
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Honda CR-V: More cargo space (75.8 cu ft), better fuel economy (30 mpg combined), and a smoother ride. It’s pricier but more refined.
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Mazda CX-5: Sportier handling, nicer interior, and better tech. It’s a driver’s pick but costs more.
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Toyota RAV4: Stronger engines, better fuel economy, and more cargo space. It’s well-rounded but lacks standard AWD.
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Subaru Forester: Similar AWD system and better fuel economy. It’s roomier but less stylish.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is budget-friendly with AWD, but rivals often feel more polished.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at about $26,545 (MSRP) for the ES trim. Here’s a quick look at the trims:
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ES ($26,545): 16-inch wheels, basic audio, no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
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LE ($28,345): Adds 8-inch touchscreen, smartphone integration, automatic high beams.
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SE ($30,245): Includes adaptive cruise control, navigation, power tailgate.
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SEL ($31,945): Leather seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof option.
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Ralliart ($32,645): Sporty styling, unique graphics, blacked-out accents.
Prices exclude destination fees and taxes. The SE trim is the sweet spot for tech and safety.
Final Thoughts
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a great choice for budget buyers who want a stylish compact SUV with standard all-wheel drive. Its bold design, decent space, and long warranty stand out. But it lags in fuel economy, power, and interior refinement compared to top competitors. If you value AWD and affordability, test-drive it. For a more polished ride, consider the CR-V or CX-5.
