2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review
The original Mitsubishi Eclipse was a compact sports car that ran for four generations between 1989 and 2011. Its namesake has now been resurrected as the Eclipse Cross, a compact crossover SUV meant to take on the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and others in a competitive segment. Mitsubishi is trying to entice buyers with an array of tech features such as a head-up display, smartphone app to control certain functions, and of course Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All five trim levels are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a CVT gearbox. The engine produces 152 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque, powering the front wheels of the base ES trim while all other trims feature standard all-wheel drive. The price ranges from $24,590 for the ES up to $29,190 for the SEL trim.
What's the Price of the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The cheapest way to get behind the wheel of the Eclipse Cross is the FWD ES that carries a base MSRP of $23,595, with the AWD version going for $24,195. The price increases to $25,195 for the LE model, then $26,190 for the limited edition SP, while the penultimate trim line, the SE, carries a base MSRP of $26,695. The top of the range SEL starts at $28,195 before options. All model prices are subject to the addition of tax, registration, and licensing fees, as well as a destination fee of $1095.
2019 Eclipse Cross Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 173.4 in | 105.1 in | 66.3 in | 71.1 in | 60.8 in | 60.8 in | 3,307.0 lbs |
2019 Eclipse Cross Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Eclipse Cross is definitely more comfortable in the city than the open road despite the addition of a sport mode to sharpen up throttle and steering responses. The suspension is soft, which translates to a smooth ride on most surfaces. However, the soft ride means that there's a lot of body-roll around corners, especially at moderate to high speeds, which can be disconcerting for the driver. Smaller bumps do tend to permeate the cabin and can be uncomfortable especially when taking the Eclipse Cross on dirt roads. The same can be said of particularly pockmarked roads, where rapid surface changes aren't absorbed efficiently, while larger bumps result in a somewhat bouncy ride quality
The steering, while light, provides little feedback and feels vague and non-committal. Given the bouncy ride and unpredictable steering, the Eclipse is far from engaging for the driver and feels a bit unpredictable. On the plus side, the brakes are adequate and consistent, but due to the soft suspension, heavy braking results in substantial nose-dive. Considering its price, there are far better handling options in this class such as the Mazda CX-5 or the Hyundai Tucson, which starts out at a lower price than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
2019 Eclipse Cross Interior
2019 Eclipse Cross Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 7 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross A Good SUV?
The Eclipse Cross has some good features to make it stand out in an already crowded segment. The comfortable interior, great warranty, and budget-friendly price on lower trims make it an attractive proposition, but for every pro, there are a definite number of cons. The lack of navigation options, as well as it's mediocre handling and performance bring it down, as does the lack of cargo volume compared to rivals.
Overall, the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine is nippy enough for short trips in city traffic, but it's not ideally suited to highway travel and may suffer with a full complement of passengers aboard. The comfortable interior and decent technology features should keep most drivers happy, but the lack of rear headroom might not be to the liking of passengers. While this is a new vehicle on the market and is loaded with a decent amount of tech, it's mostly accessible on the highest trim, which carries a price higher than many will be happy to pay.
There are far better options out there which have better track records than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson can both match the ten-year /100,000-mile warranty while being more spacious and powerful. For ride and comfort, the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V are much better options, and both offer better practicality, too.
What Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Model Should I Buy?
The pick of the bunch has to be the SE. It bests the LE and SP trims by adding blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and heated front seats at only $400 more than the limited edition SP trim. It shares most of the equipment found on the SEL but foregoes the LED headlights, head-up display and multi-camera system, which costs an almost $1,500 more on the SEL. While the SEL is well-equipped, that price puts it in contention with far more accomplished crossovers, so the SE is the one you really want.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Comparisons
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best vehicles in its class because of its sporty ride and excellent steering. It's one of the few vehicles in this class that is performance-focused and has a 2.5-liter engine developing 187 hp in the base model with the option of a 250 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged engine in higher models. In addition to the car-like sporty handling, the Mazda CX-5 also has a refined interior which has a premium feel to it. While the Mazda hasn't got a class-leading cargo capacity, it's still vastly bigger than the Eclipse Cross, swaying the decision further in Mazda's favor. The only areas where the Eclipse Cross beats the Mazda CX-5 is having a longer warranty and better fuel economy due to its smaller engine and CVT transmission. The base model Mazda is only around $1,000 more than the base Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and considering the overall better driving experience of the Mazda, it's worth the extra spend.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has a great reputation for reliability and for being a solid performer in all aspects. The interior feels solid, and the option of a faux wood trim adds to the classy feel of a solidly put together cabin. The base Honda CR-V comes with a 2.4-liter engine that pushes 180 hp, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 190 hp also available. The Honda is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive depending on the trim, and all models come with a CVT transmission. The cargo space in the Honda is one of the best in its class and dwarfs both the Eclipse Cross and the Mazda CX-5. For the safety conscious, the CR-V has some of the best crash test ratings possible. With a base price that's also only $1,000 more than the base Eclipse Cross, the Honda is the better SUV in just about every metric. It's the class leader for a reason.