Michael Cantu became an automotive enthusiast at an early age as one of those kids who could name just about every car on the road. After flipping cars for fun and dabbling in auto sales, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his automotive dreams.
Pros
Long list of standard features
Peppy city driving performance
Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons
Subpar handling abilities
Disappointing fuel economy
What's new
Significant exterior restyling
New infotainment system
Retuned suspension for improved ride and handling
Part of the first Eclipse Cross generation introduced for 2018
Overview
The Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi's compact SUV that sits between the smaller Outlander Sport and larger Outlander. Just introduced in 2018, it's a relatively new competitor in the crowded SUV segment. It skipped the 2021 model year and received a refresh for 2022. It's unique and bold-looking, but even with its updates, the Eclipse Cross falls behind its rivals in most categories.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Mitsubishi updated the front and rear ends of the Eclipse Cross for 2022. Up front, it receives a revised bumper, grille and headlights, and its rear end sports a redesigned hatch and new rear window. The odd split rear window design is now a single window. Inside, the Eclipse Cross gets a new available 8-inch infotainment system touchscreen display. It's positioned closer to the driver and now includes volume and tuning knobs instead of the fussy buttons on the previous version. Lastly, Mitsubishi retuned the SUV's suspension for improved ride comfort and handling.
The Eclipse Cross looks better than before, and it has an improved touchscreen and a more pleasant ride. Among its other pluses are its roomy cabin, comfortable front seats and pricing that beats some competitors. However, the Eclipse Cross doesn't drive or handle very well, and it has lots of low-quality interior materials, dated tech and subpar fuel economy.
If you're considering other SUVs, there are plenty to choose from. Because of its tweener size, the Eclipse Cross competes against slightly larger SUVs such as the Honda CR-V but also the Subaru Crosstrek and Chevrolet Trailblazer, which are slightly smaller.
Which Eclipse Cross does Edmunds recommend?
The SE trim provides the proper balance of features for the money. The midtier trim includes everything from the LE trim and adds LED headlights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, simulated suede upholstery, and keyless entry and ignition. It also makes driving safer thanks to blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross models
The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is offered in six trim levels: ES, LE, SE Special Edition, SE, SEL Special Edition and SEL. Each trim level is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) that's connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
ES
Standard equipment on the base ES trim includes:
16-inch wheels
Foglights
Heated side mirrors (AWD only)
Height-adjustable driver's seat
60/40-split folding rear seats that slide and recline
Cruise control
Automatic climate control
7-inch infotainment touchscreen
One USB port
Four-speaker audio system
These advanced driver aids are standard on all trims:
Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
LE
The LE trim adds these features:
18-inch wheels
LED foglights
Black exterior trim
Automatic windshield wipers
Heated front seats
Heated exterior mirrors
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Two USB ports
Automatic high-beam assist
SE Special Edition
The SE Special Edition trim gets lots of convenience and luxury upgrades such as:
Automatic LED headlights
Silver exterior accents
Power-folding side mirrors
Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
Simulated suede upholstery
Navigation system
Keyless entry and ignition
Six-speaker audio system
Dual-zone climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rear seat center armrest
SE
The SE trim adds one driver assist feature:
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
The Panoramic Sunroof package is only available on the SE Special Edition and SE trims. It adds:
Black roof rails
Panoramic sunroof
SEL Special Edition
Stepping up the SEL Special Edition trim adds:
Black headliner
Eight-way power-adjustable passenger's seat
Leather upholstery
Heated steering wheel
Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Eclipse Cross and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
SEL
The range-topping SEL trim adds:
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
The Touring package, available only on the SEL Special Edition trim, includes:
Black roof rails
Panoramic sunroof
Auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
Premium eight-speaker audio system
Heated rear seats
High-speed automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent at higher speeds and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mitsubishi and the car in front)
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
First of all, this review is for the ES model. It has some very important differences from all the other models. It's the basic model with a manual hand brake and 16" wheels. All other models have the electric emergency brake and 18" wheels. This is important to remember because all of the "expert" reviews I have watched or read always test the more expensive models. Having 18" rims with … tires that equal rubber bands negatively effects ride quality and all off-road capability.
If you're going to use this little crossover for anything other than maintained gravel roads or just getting to work in deep snow, you should most likely get the ES. My Eclipse Cross with 215/75/16 Yokohama Geolandar A/T tires have enough sidewall to actually conform to rough terrain and soften out the bumps.
Being a devoted Subaru fanboy, I really had my doubts about the AWD in this Mitsubishi. But I am truly impressed with it's capability. My wife and I have taken this thing where, in all honesty, we should have had a true 4WD with a rear locker. Even up on 3 wheels it still keeps going. Remember, I have all terrain tires that I can air down for more traction. An Eclipse Cross with 18" wheels and all weather radials would never dream of following us.
You CANNOT get an Eclipse Cross with the electric E-brake and put anything smaller than 17" wheels on it! Smaller diameter wheels won't clear the E-brake mechanism.
Fuel mileage: Highway mileage is not all that impressive. In Eco mode, barely touching the accelerator, I can squeeze 29.8 mpg out of it. What's nice though is back rough roads and trails where were always in a low gear ratio I still get over 26.
I find the motor to be zippy and the power more than enough. It's very comparable to our 07 2.5 Automatic Impreza. You won't blow anybody's mind with speed, but it will pass the people in the slow lane safely, even up hill
So, why only 4 stars? It's because of the cvt transmission. It's the same brand used in Nissan and other cars. They're definitely not known for longevity. That being said, for some reason Mitsubishi hasn't had the problems with them others have. There are many Outlanders out there approaching 200k on an original cvt which is the same one used in the Eclipse Cross. Fingers crossed! Hopefully this transmission won't turn out to be a pile of crap.
I would definitely recommend this car to someone who understands what is is. It's NOT a sports car, a rock crawler, or something you want to tow with. If you want something with unique styling, more power than other compact cuvs that you can take camping and have some fun doing some mild off-roading (better known as soft roading) then get one. Just keep in mind what I mentioned about what makes the ES model unique.
5/5 stars, Great little SUV for the money
Brandon,
LE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
A YEAR AFTER OWNERSHIP UPDATE: I still love my Eclipse Cross LE so very much. I'm still finding new, exciting things out about this vehicle. Lately, I've been really seeing what it's AWD system can do in gravel setting, and testing out the ECO mode to see how good of gas mileage I can get...while the MPG on sticker is 25/26, just today, while in Gravel, ECO mode I got 34 mpg! Not bad at … all! I'm still having a blast with my Eclipse Cross and still think the value holds up.
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
The single most important thing I have to say: ignore the "pro" reviews, read the owner reviews and GO DRIVE ONE.
I bought my 2020 Eclipse Cross LE AWD this July, but I had been researching my next car purchase for about two years. I had a budget in mind, and coming off several New England winters in a Nissan Versa, all wheel drive/four wheel drive was a must. I began looking into the crossover market and came up with a top three to go drive, look into and make a decision based on.
Let the record show: if I had just based my decision with the pro reviews, I would have never purchased this great little ride. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go against the grain, and purchase my first brand new vehicle with Mitsubishi.
There really isn't much I don't love about my EC. I agree with the previous reviewer in that this is a great entry level step into the crossover/SUV market, coming off a smaller car and into something larger. Everything about the driving experience is easy to navigate, handling both winding stretches of highway and tight city streets with ease. It was a very easy transition for me to move from the cramped Versa and into the Eclipse Cross, but it certainly feels like a tremendous step up, in terms of speed, looks and size.
I find it comfortable for me and my family, and it really does stand up to any task I put it to, whether it's commuting to work or family trips or carting around the groceries. I also plan to have the tow package installed to carry my band gear from gig to gig. While the tow capacity is only 1500 lbs, that will be perfect to get me and my band from one show to the next with all of our gear.
Last, my favorite thing about this ride: the quality to cost ratio. It is my belief that the bad reputation of the manufacturer that translates into great savings to the buyer. A frequent complaint in reviews I read is that the sticker price is too high in comparison to bigger, more well known brands. Maybe so, but this is a brand that is motivated to sell some vehicles and as such, they offer great discounts. I paid 5k off sticker for an exceptionally equipped SUV! With a decent down payment and good credit, I am paying less than 300 dollars a month for a GORGEOUS ride with tons of bells and whistles! Oh. And the best warranty in the business (tied with Hyundai and Kia, but they just recalled 600k vehicles for engine fires, so no thanks) at 5 years/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10 years/100k powertrain warranty to back it all up.
I fully recommend given the EC a shot. It is unfair to compare it to a sports car from twenty years ago, which I guess was Mitsubishi's biggest mistake in the marketing of this vehicle. It's not a sports car by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a good looking, affordable, versatile and dependable SUV. I've driven it through a foot of snow, I've driven it through bumper to bumper traffic. Either way, it does a good job every time.
Don't let the bad rep dissuade you if you're in the market for a crossover. There is a reason I choose this over Honda and Subaru. I implore you to go find out.
5/5 stars, Love my 2022 Eclipse Cross!!!!
3g eclipse,
SEL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
I purchased a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL FWD with the touring package and absolutely love this vehicle! Mitsubishi has modified their target audience and now seems to focus on making smoother, more comfortable vehicles, with fantastic visibility and maneuverability. This vehicle has adaptive cruise control, multi-view camera system, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, … front collision mitigation, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, very comfortable and good-looking heated leather seats, great visibility, great maneuverability, great turning radius, is fun to drive, has decent cargo space, good legroom and headroom, 2 skylights (1 opens, 1 stationary), satellite radio, hd radio, bluetooth connectivity for phones and music players, apple car play & android auto, tastefully tinted back seat windows, rear windows and skylights, and a smooth, comfortable, quiet ride.
The Eclipse Cross looks fantastic on the outside and is nice and clean on the inside. The LED headlights are VERY good. The eclipse also has LED fog lights, a feature that several competing manufacturers no longer offer. Acceleration is much better than the critics lead one to believe. While definitely not a racing vehicle, and definitely not as quick as a long gone 4th generation eclipse coupe that went from 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, neither are most normal vehicles out on the road. I have a 4th generation eclipse coupe with a 3.8 liter v6 engine so I do have that frame of reference. That said, the eclipse cross does does have some decent torque for merging onto the highway. The eclipse cross is a much nicer vehicle than critics would lead one to believe. I have not had the vehicle long enough to comment on gas mileage, but the car's computer displayed a 31 mpg estimate for a recent highway drive.
5/5 stars, 2022 Eclipse Cross SEL 31.3 - 32 MPG😊
Dan,
SEL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
My wife and I recently returned from a vacation that took us through the mountains of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine upon returning 2 1/2 weeks later avg 31.3 mpg! The vehicle was loaded with stuff and performed flawlessly!!
The CX-30 is a smaller SUV, though not by much. It has less cargo space, but passenger room is about the same, though there is less rear head- and legroom in the Eclipse Cross. Both SUVs have subpar fuel economy, but that's where the similarities end because the CX-30 is the superior SUV. It drives and handles better, and it has a higher-quality interior, more standard driver aids and standard all-wheel drive. The Eclipse Cross' pricing is almost identical to the non-turbo CX-30, and if you have the budget, the turbocharged CX-30 boasts lots of power.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer
Don't be fooled by the Trailblazer's size. It packs more cargo room, similar front seat room and significantly more rear legroom than the Eclipse Cross. The Trailblazer is also more fuel-efficient and boasts superior tech and better build quality. Neither SUV handles well or accelerates quickly. And both offer just a few basic standard driver aids and pricing is similar. Though the Trailblazer doesn't shine in any category, it has more to offer than the Eclipse Cross.
The Honda CR-V offers significantly more cargo and passenger room despite being only 3 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Eclipse Cross. The highly rated CR-V tops the Eclipse Cross in just about every category except pricing. And the Eclipse Cross' two highest trims are priced closely to the CR-V's two lowest trims, which still offer more value than the Mitsu. The CR-V is not only quicker and more powerful, but it is also more fuel-efficient, handles better and packs many more standard driver aids.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an extra-small SUV designed to compete with the Mazda CX-30, Kia Soul and Honda HR-V, among others. For the 2022 model year, Mitsubishi has made a variety of improvements to it. The Eclipse Cross is still the same model that debuted in 2018 but with new styling, an upgraded suspension and other improvements designed to enhance the overall driving experience.
Unfortunately the Eclipse Cross still has a long way to go. Even with substantial changes compared with the 2020 version — it skipped the 2021 model year — the 2022 Eclipse Cross feels far from modern. The materials inside the cabin feel cheap, even for an affordable segment, and the driving experience requires a lot of effort with little payoff. Better crossovers this size are also available at more appealing prices.
How does the Eclipse Cross drive?
The 2022 Eclipse Cross is powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine as previous versions. It makes 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and at low speeds on city streets it can feel energetic in certain situations. But in general, the engine is not particularly quick, quiet or refined. This sets the tone for the rest of the driving experience.
The steering is noticeably heavy, and not in a stiff and sporty sort of way. It simply requires more effort to get the Eclipse Cross to change direction than other crossovers this size. Mitsubishi wants the Eclipse Cross to emphasize fun and spirited driving, but with jerky brakes and a top-heavy body that is easily upset in turns, this crossover is plagued by crude execution.
How comfortable is the Eclipse Cross?
Pretty comfortable, actually. The Eclipse Cross exhibits a smooth ride on many road surfaces. Mitsubishi retuned the suspension springs and added larger rear shock absorbers. As a result the 2022 Eclipse Cross is comfortable even over significant cracks and bumps in the pavement. Mitsubishi has taken an aspect of the Eclipse Cross that was very recently a drawback — our previous Expert Rating said dips cause the vehicle to "heave mightily" — and turned it into a positive.
How's the Eclipse Cross' interior?
The interior of the Eclipse Cross is one of its stronger points, with a spacious cabin and comfortable front seats. New for 2022 is an available power-adjustable passenger seat too. However, taller drivers should be warned that the seats do not lower very much, creating an odd driving position for those 6 feet or taller. To shorter drivers, the heightened seat may be welcome.
The doors open wide, making access easy to both rows. In the rear there is plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are not as plush or contoured in the back as they are in the front, and there is a general lack of design that leaves the rear feeling drab. Overall the Eclipse Cross has an interesting style inside, but there are obviously fake metals and hard plastics wherever you turn. The quality of materials is simply not up to par with what's in other vehicles in this price range.
How's the Eclipse Cross' tech?
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration comes standard, and both systems operate well on the available 8-inch touchscreen. Mitsubishi moved it 2 inches closer to the driver for 2022 — a helpful touch. The infotainment system itself responds well to touch but the graphics are awfully dated. Our test vehicle came with a head-up display, but instead of projecting the image onto the windshield it's shown on a single piece of glass that rises from the dashboard. Its height can't be adjusted, so if you're tall it can be hard to see clearly.
There are a lot of standard and optional safety features, and blind-spot monitoring is helpful given the Eclipse Cross' substantial rear blind spots. But the adaptive cruise control does not handle transitions well. When it has to brake or accelerate based on traffic conditions, the result is abrupt and jerky. Your passengers will notice.
How's the Eclipse Cross' storage?
You shouldn't buy the Eclipse Cross solely for its cargo capacity, but first impressions are generally positive. The rear hatch lifts up high to reveal a wide opening, and there are a couple of rear cubbies to help secure small items from rolling around. But the sloping roofline does take away the ability to hold larger, boxy items that might fit if the rear hatch was more upright.
Edmunds says
Mitsubishi has made some strides with its refreshed design. However, as a complete package, the 2022 Eclipse Cross still lags behind its competition in almost any given area. We'll investigate further once the Eclipse Cross is available for full instrumented testing, but for now there are a number of extra-small SUVs that deserve your attention over this one.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2022 Eclipse Cross both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2022 Eclipse Cross gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Eclipse Cross has 23.4 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Learn more
What's new in the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:
Significant exterior restyling
New infotainment system
Retuned suspension for improved ride and handling
Part of the first Eclipse Cross generation introduced for 2018
To determine whether the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Eclipse Cross. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Eclipse Cross's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2022 Eclipse Cross gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 31 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2022 Eclipse Cross is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The least-expensive 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,695.
Other versions include:
ES 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $23,695
LE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,045
ES 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,295
SE Special Edition 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $25,945
SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,445
LE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $26,645
SEL Special Edition 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,195
SE Special Edition 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,545
SEL 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $27,695
SE 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $28,045
SEL Special Edition 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $28,795
SEL 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $29,295
What are the different models of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
If you're interested in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the next question is, which Eclipse Cross model is right for you? Eclipse Cross variants include ES 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), LE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), ES 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), and SE Special Edition 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Eclipse Cross models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more