2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi sells a small range of budget-friendly SUVs that have been steadily improving in the brand’s road-test scores. In the past, Mitsubishi was known for its partnership with Chrysler and its eclectic lineup. Discontinued models include the budget-friendly Mirage, sports cars like the 3000 GT, Eclipse, and Lancer Evolution, mid-priced sedans, and dedicated off-road SUVs. After struggling during the 2000s and 2010s, Mitsubishi is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and has benefited from access to the other alliance members’ designs and technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander, for example, is based on the Nissan Rogue. Because Mitsubishi’s lineup is a mix of newer and older designs, some older models lag behind in crash test ratings while newer ones get top scores.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross slots between the Outlander Sport and Outlander SUVs, and is distinguished by its coupe-like styling. This newcomer is underwhelming with mundane handling, an unsettled ride, and extremely frustrating controls. Its power comes from a lackluster 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. The Eclipse moves decently around town, but it runs out of steam climbing hills or merging onto highways. Its fuel economy of 24 mpg overall isn’t impressive for the class, either. A center console touchpad interacts with the infotainment screen, but this controller is very cumbersome and distracting to use. The driver’s seat is short on support, but getting in or out is easy, and the rear seat room is generous. The curvy styling hurts the driver’s view out. AWD is standard on all but the base version. Updates for 2020 included forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning as standard on all but the bottom two trims.  A freshening for the 2022 model year brings standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning on all trims. Front-wheel drive is now available on all versions. It also brings a new infotainment system that's much easier to use. For 2023, all-wheel drive and LED headlights became standard on all trims. 2024 added more standard equipment to the SE trim, such as adaptive cruise control and a leather wrapped steering wheel. The 2025 Eclipse Cross received a standard Rear Seat Alert system. On SE trims, an available updated Black Edition now offers revised front lip and rear spoiler.