2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi has a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable, and genuinely fun-to-drive vehicles to the US market, but not all of its cars are prize winners. After taking a year off to discover itself, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross returns with brand new styling and an updated list of features. However, the automaker hasn't made any mechanical changes, so there is still a 1.5-liter turbo four-pot making 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It's not as fuel-efficient as other turbos and offers just enough oomph to get the compact crossover around town, but it isn't as fun as its inherited sports car name would imply. This is one of the main reasons why competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 will likely continue to outshine the newer and shinier Eclipse Cross. Mitsubishi hoped that new packaging would help its compact crossover sell, but we don't think American buyers are going to be so easily swayed away from brands that have shown them what true value for money is.

The Eclipse Cross looks much like any other compact crossover SUV out there, but some new styling elements for its reintroduction to the market in the USA should help it stand out a little. The large Dynamic Shield grille bordered by sleek LED daytime running lights is definitely eye-catching. In the alcove created by this design are the headlights, which are halogens on the lower trims, and LEDs from the SE trim and up. The rear end has been restyled, too, ditching the split rear windows and the long light band that once connected the rear taillights. It looks much more reserved now, but minimalism is very much in style at the moment. A roof spoiler is standard across the range and hints at some sporting aspirations. The standard wheels are 16-inch alloys, growing to 18 inches from the LE upwards.

Most small crossovers share similar dimensions, and the Eclipse Cross is no different. It measures 179 inches in length, and has a 105.1-inch wheelbase, providing it with a decent amount of cabin space. However, a slightly narrow width of 71.1 inches does hamper this a little. The vehicle stands 66.3 inches tall with FWD and 66.5 inches with AWD. Similarly, ground clearance is eight inches on FWD models, increasing to 8.5 inches on AWD models, except for the SE.

The base ES with FWD weighs in at 3,285 pounds, while the AWD SE and SEL models max out the scale at 3,505 lbs.

Seven exterior paint colors are available to the newest Eclipse lineup but not every color is compatible with every trim. The no-cost options comprise Alloy Silver Metallic and Labrador Black Pearl on the ES and LE. White Diamond and Red Diamond are available across the range for an additional $595. Moving up to the SE trim adds Lightning Blue Metallic to the standard palette, while the SEL gets exclusive access to Mercury Gray Metallic and Bronze Metallic at no extra cost.

The Eclipse nameplate is not one you'd expect to find on a crossover - it originally belonged to a compact sports car. However, the auto company has gotten into the habit of repurposing names of old acclaimed sports cars to adorn the hoods and rears of its more mundane offerings. This means buyers need to temper their expectations because these newer renditions will never deliver the same kind of performance. The Eclipse Cross only has access to 152 horsepower and is an SUV, after all, so you'll need around 8.5 seconds to get up to 60 mph. Rivals like the Mazda CX-5 show similar figures at base level, but when you compare turbocharged motors, the Mazda is much quicker. The Mitsubishi has a maximum towing capacity of just 1,500 lbs, while the Mazda CX-5 can manage 500 lbs more. Front-wheel drive is standard for the Eclipse Cross but all trims have access to an all-wheel-drive system.

Powering the entire Eclipse Cross series is a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which develops a meager 152 hp and 184 lb-ft. Doing the job of shifting gears, or at least emulating it, is an automatic continuously variable transmission. It drones rather unpleasantly at higher speeds, as we've come to expect from most CVTs, but is otherwise adept at enabling smooth progress. Together, the rather tame power plant and CVT manage to get you going sufficiently, but there's no thrill or eager performance from either. This reinforces the idea that the car feels most at home around town, where its low power doesn't hurt it too much and it executes the school run without a fuss. The highway can prove to be a little frustrating, especially if you're trying to pass other motorists - putting your foot down doesn't give much oomph, and the auditory feedback from the engine can be annoying.

Mitsubishi definitely leans more towards the comfort side of things with the Eclipse Cross, and we can't fault it in this regard - especially given this latest model features upgraded suspension. The ride comfort is pliant, with small bumps being eaten up with ease. This hurts it in other areas, though, as the soft suspension setup means you'll have to contend with some body roll if you take corners at speed. Larger bumps can also upset the vehicle rather easily, and rocky roads are not advised, despite a decent amount of ground clearance. The 18-inch wheels are definitely the way to go if you want to optimize comfort.

In terms of excitement... you won't find any here. The Mitsubishi crossover lacks both power and sharp handling dynamics. This is surprising considering how skilled the automaker is at creating fun-to-drive vehicles. Steering is light, making it ideal for city driving and parking, but there is no heft at higher speeds and little feedback to let you know what the wheels are doing. This is an area where Mazda easily wins.

Most small-displacement, turbocharged engines return great fuel economy figures, but the Eclipse Cross falls short in this area. The most efficient is the lightest ES model with FWD, which gets 26/29/27 mpg across the city/highway/combined cycles. When the AWD setup is swapped in, these figures drop to 25/28/26 mpg, which is the same as the higher trims with FWD. The heavier models equipped with AWD get the worst numbers - 25/26/25 mpg. By comparison, the most frugal CX-5 returns 24/30/26 mpg, although thirstier models don't do as well as the Eclipse Cross. The Honda CR-V leads this group with 28/34/30 mpg.

A small 15.8-gallon fuel tank on AWD models gives the Eclipse Cross crossover a maximum range of around 411 miles when powering all four wheels. With FWD, the tank size is a little larger at 16.6 gallons, increasing the range of the entry-level model to 448 miles.

The interior of the Eclipse has always been one of its strengths, and the updates for the new year only improve upon this. The materials used aren't of the highest quality, but most cheap plastics are hidden from view and placed outside of high-traffic areas. The layout of all the features is ergonomic, especially with the infotainment screen being placed closer to the driver this year. The standard list of features is decent, but you'll want to upgrade to at least the LE to get the best goodies. With all this said, though, the Mazda CX-5 and Kia Sportage are still better equipped and have a smarter overall interior design.

Because of its short wheelbase and narrow width, the Eclipse lacks in terms of interior space. There are seats for five, but putting more than two in the back is probably not wise. There is 39.5 inches of headroom for those up front, and 40.9 inches of legroom. Those in the back have to make do with 35.3 inches of legroom, but they still get a decent 37.3 inches of headroom. This drops to 36.7 inches with the panoramic roof installed. A six-way manual driver's seat is standard, but it can be upgraded to an eight-way power-adjustable seat on upper trims.

The materials used in the Eclipse are better than one might expect at the price, but that doesn't mean there arent some cheaper, utilitarian bits and pieces. Luckily, they are hidden from view, and overall build quality is good. The base ES and the LE, one step above, rely on cloth upholstery, available only in black. It's hard-wearing but still reasonably comfortable. The SE upgrades to synthetic suede/cloth but keeps black as the only color option. Only the SEL gets leather, as standard, which comes in black or white/gray.

In terms of other trim pieces around the cabin, a faux leather wrapping for the shift knob is added to the SE, as are chrome door handles and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Small crossovers need to be practical, despite their diminutive size, but the Mitsubishi struggles a bit in this area. Behind the rear seats, there is 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space. This sounds good when compared to a sedan or hatchback, but when you look at other crossovers, like the CR-V, they come closer to 40 cubic feet. If you need extra space in a pinch, the rear seats can be folded down in the Eclipse, to open up 50.1 cubic feet (or 49.7 cubes if the panoramic roof is equipped).

Interior storage options are a little better. There are deep door pockets both up front and in the back, and the center console has a lot of space on offer. There is also a capacious glovebox. Floor console cupholders are standard for those in front, but only upper trims have a rear-seat center armrest with additional cupholders.

Shoppers today want a lot for their money, and most automakers make a concerted effort to accommodate them. Mitsubishi will need to work on its overall package to draw buyers away from other brands, since the standard offering in the Eclipse is not as comprehensive as it could be. The base model is particularly disappointing, with a six-way manual driver's seat, a four-way manual front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel being standard but not much more at all.

The LE adds heated front seats, but an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat only becomes standard on the SE. Dual-zone climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and push-button start are also added from the SE upward, which is also where some of the more desirable driver assists start making an appearance. Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection is standard, along with lane departure warning and a rearview camera. Blind-spot warning, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert are reserved for the SE and SEL, while the latter comes with a multi-view camera as well. Also reserved for the SEL is an eight-way power front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and an auto up/down function for all the windows. Automatic high-speed braking, a head-up display, and adaptive cruise control are only offered as part of an optional package.

The infotainment suite received a bit of attention from Mitsubishi this year, but the base-model ES still has to make do with the smaller seven-inch touchscreen. It has very limited functionality, such as AM/FM/HD Radio and Bluetooth, and it comes paired with a four-speaker sound system. Every other trim benefits from the larger eight-inch model, which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, along with SiriusXM on a three-month all-access trial. The six-speaker setup becomes standard from the SE upwards, along with built-in navigation. There is a premium Mitsubishi Power sound system, comprising eight speakers, but it is an extra-cost option for the SEL only.

There are no consumer satisfaction reviews of the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross from J.D. Power, nor any for the 2020 model. However, the brand has a reputation for reliability, which is backed up by the fact that no recalls have been issued since before 2020.

Any further concerns should be assuaged by the generous warranty periods. The bumper-to-bumper warranty lasts for five years/60,000 miles, while the powertrain is covered for ten years/100,000 miles. There is also a five-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance plan and an anti-corrosion warranty that runs for seven years/100,000 miles.

Overall, safety reviews of the Mitsubishi Cross are good. The NHTSA gives a five-star rating for overall safety and side crash evaluations, with front and rollover tests returning four stars. The IIHS is mostly impressed, giving scores of Good across the board, except for the headlights and side test results. These receive a score of Poor.

There are a decent number of standard safety systems in place on the Eclipse Cross, though some of the more desirable ones are locked behind a paywall. Passive systems include ABS, stability and traction control, and seven airbags: dual front, driver knee, front side, side curtain.

More advanced systems that come standard include a rearview camera, cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Further up in the lineup, models get a multi-view camera system, lane change assist, blind-spot warning, and automatic high beams. A head-up display, enhanced forward collision mitigation with high-speed braking, and adaptive cruise control are also up for grabs as options.

The simple answer is yes, in a vacuum. However, when looked at alongside its rivals, the Eclipse Cross falls short in too many critical areas. The interior is attractive, the materials are good, and the layout is ergonomic. Space is limited, though, and the list of standard features is not as long as we expect from a family crossover. Reviews of the remaining characteristics follow a similar pattern. The engine is capable, and the CVT favors comfort and economy. However, performance is lacking, and the drive is unengaging. The trunk is not as big as it could be, being almost half as capacious as class-leaders, and passenger space is only adequate. There is one bright light amidst all the wishy-washy gray, though. The warranty plan is superb. However, this isn't enough to save the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, even with its slightly lower pricing. There are simply better choices out there, and you don't even need to look all that hard to find them.

The Eclipse Cross inventory includes FWD and AWD versions of each model. The ES starts things off at $23,695, with the LE raising the bar to $25,045. Moving up to SE unlocks a lot of extra value, but the rise in price to $26,445 is minimal. The SEL tops things off at $27,695. The SE Special Edition and SEL Special Edition are more affordable than their standard variants, at $25,945 and $27,195, respectively. To spec on AWD, you need only add $1,600 to the bill.

The prices of the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are MSRP and do not include registration, licensing, or destination fees of $1,245.

Six trims make up the Eclipse Cross range for 2022: the ES, LE, SE, SE Special Edition, SEL, and SEL Special Edition. Each gets a 1.5L turbo-four engine, mated to a CVT and your choice of FWD or AWD.

The ES rides on 16-inch wheels and is equipped with halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights. Features include keyless entry, automatic single-zone climate control, cruise control, a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, four speakers, forward collision mitigation, a rearview camera, and lane departure warning.

Larger 18-inch alloys adorn the LE and it gets the updated infotainment suite, too. This comprises an eight-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The front seats are heated, and there is an extra USB port.

The most significant changes are made with the upgrade to the SE. This includes higher-quality cloth/synthetic suede upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an eight-way power driver's seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation, and a six-speaker sound system. The safety suite also receives blind-spot warning, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Topping the range, the SEL receives leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, an eight-way power front passenger seat, and a multi-view camera system. The special editions of the SE and SEL do without the additional advanced driver-assist systems.

Only a few major packages are available to the Eclipse Cross. On the base ES, you can only add a few accessory packages that will equip add-ons like LED interior illumination and a black hood badge. A panoramic sunroof can be added to the SE and SEL trims for $1,000. Meanwhile, the SEL gets this, along with heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, high-speed automatic braking, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Mitsubishi Power sound system in the $2,100 Touring Package.

If we had a gun held to our heads and had to buy a Mitsubishi Eclipse, it would have to be the SE trim. This is the point where the more desirable driver assists become available, and it can also receive a panoramic sunroof if you want one. Regardless, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert for just over $26,000 which is reasonable value.

The Outlander Sport is yet another model from Mitsubishi that falls behind its main competitors, but it tries to sell itself with a lower price tag. It's smaller and cheaper than the Eclipse but makes do with a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. This means that it is weaker, with just 148 hp and 145 lb-ft, but its fuel efficiency is almost the same; this is to say, it's still rather bad. A more powerful Outlander with 168 hp is only marginally better. There is less space on offer in the Outlander and its list of standard features is equally sparse. However, the Eclipse Cross is a little more modern and gets access to more advanced features at a lower price. It also has a better laid-out cabin that makes use of more upscale materials. Neither car is particularly great, but the Eclipse Cross is the better of the two, in our opinion.

The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most accomplished small crossovers on the market, so the comparison here is going to be obviously one-sided. It gets access to a punchy 2.5L Boxer motor to make up for its lackluster base engine, and it comes standard with AWD. It's also far more rugged than many of its contemporaries. Despite this, it rides remarkably well, with comfort being the primary focus. It isn't perfect, though, with a clunky infotainment system and limited safety features. It also has slightly less standard cargo space, but more with the rear seats folded down. Nevertheless, it is still the much better option between these two crossovers, and the Subaru begins at a lower price too. The Crosstrek is our pick.