2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review: Mind The Gap Year
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.
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Prices
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.
2022 Eclipse Cross Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 179.0 in | 105.1 in | 66.3 in | 71.1 in | 60.8 in | 60.8 in | 3,285.0 lbs |
2022 Eclipse Cross Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
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.
2022 Eclipse Cross Interior
2022 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 |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross A Good SUV?
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.
What Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Model Should I Buy?
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.
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Comparisons
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
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.
2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Subaru Crosstrek
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.