When a car model skips a year, that's either a warning sign or a hint improvement is coming. So far, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross seems a mix. While never a groundbreaker in crossover SUVs, the Eclipse Cross has been a dependable ride for those who want an affordable family cruiser to handle simple trips. The Eclipse got great promotion by debuting on TV during a literal solar eclipse in 2017. Despite that, it's never been an SUV to set the world on fire.
The 2022 Eclipse is about to debut and boats a redesigned exterior, fresher interior, and technological boosts. Yet it can also have the same underpowered engine and rough driving experience. Reviews for it have been fair, noting it's a good crossover but nothing too spectacular for its class. Its strengths are the low cost and improved cargo space. Here are some things to know about the 2022 Eclipse Cross, both strengths and weaknesses, to help the decision on buying one.
10 Its Handling Can Be Tricky
The Eclipse Cross' engine has always been a weak point, and that can affect the driving. The steering can be heavy, especially on turns and feels like more of an effort just to turn it around. The brakes can be jerky, and the cruise control has a rough shift when changing into drive.
It can handle well on the highway and a parking lot, but it's definitely not an SUV to take on the back roads or more complex drives. The higher trims can handle better than the base model, yet the Eclipse Cross's handling isn't easy for everyone.
9 It's Safe But Not Spectacular
The Eclipse Cross' safety ratings have always been pretty good, often hitting five out of five stars with the ANCAP. While the official safety ratings haven't been released yet, the 2022 Cross should continue that trend. The features are advertised with the standard having Automated emergency braking and Lane-Departure Warning.
Only the higher trims have the additions of blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and forward collision mitigation. The frame itself is sturdy with the new design and means that while it may not be as notable as other SUVs, the Eclipse Cross is a safe ride for a family.
8 The Design Has Been Tweaked
A reason the Eclipse Cross skipped 2021 was so Mitsubishi could give it a facelift. The results are good with a sleeker rear end minus the odd split-rear window design. The front end now has the headlight unit positioned on the bumper and the lights themselves are housed in chrome rings.
The grille is also more stylish with all-black chrome, and the company logo showcased. While not eye-catching, the Eclipse Cross is a better look for the SUV to appeal to buyers.
7 It's Got Bigger Cargo Space Than Before
The changes to the exterior mean the Eclipse Cross now offers more space for drivers and cargo. With five extra inches in length, the Eclipse Cross can provide more legroom for drivers and passengers and an eleven percent increase in floor area.
The cubby storage can be tighter with more than three people, but the back seats can be lowered nicely and fit in a stroller easily for families. It pales next to the Honda CR-V's 39.2 cu. ft of space, but the Eclipse Cross' 22.6 is better than its predecessors for hauling items.
6 The Interior Is Much Better
While it won't set the auto world on fire, the 2022 Eclipse Cross is a step up from the previous models in its interior. The company avoids cheaper plastic and surfaces with fresher upholstery, and while better lumbar support could be used for longer rides, it's quite comfortable.
The actual layout isn't changed, but the slightly larger space provides more comfort, and the top trims have better leather seating. Given the low price, the interior is surprisingly good and allows the Eclipse Cross passengers to enjoy the ride.
5 The Fuel Efficiency Can Be Poor
The drawback of the Eclipse Cross has always been a rough engine that seems loud and lackluster. Mitsubishi is claiming that it's balanced by good fuel efficiency, but that depends on the location. The base ES trim gets an EPA-approved 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
The SEL gets 26 mpg on a highway test. With a fuel tank of 16.6 gallons and a driving range of 448 miles, that seems okay but not remarkable, and in places where gas prices are high, the Eclipse Cross can hit the pocketbook hard.
4 Touchscreen Replaces The Infotainment
A new change in the interior is the infotainment screen has been redone. It's now a touchscreen closer to the driver and doing away with the cumbersome controls with a pair of easier-to-use buttons. It's 7 inches for the base ES and an inch larger for the other trims.
It boasts good technology and is easier to handle on the road. There is a drawback in that the height can't be adjusted and can still be seen as lacking compared to more advanced models. But the altered screen is a step in the right direction for the Eclipse Cross to attract drivers.
3 The Engine Is The Same With Slow Acceleration
Sadly, while the exterior and interior of the Eclipse Cross are improved, it's the same engine. The 5L Turbocharged Inline-4 motor produces 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
That's also only CVT with FWD and AWD options. It takes 8.5 seconds to hit zero to 60, and while the engine isn't loud, it doesn't feel powerful. With a top speed of 133 mph, it's a SUV perfectly fine for driving in the suburbs and the grocery store. Just don't expect it to be that helpful for long car rides and forget trying to tear up any track.
2 The Tech Is Good But Not Groundbreaking
The Eclipse Cross utilizes Apple CarPlay, Android auto and in-dash navigation to go with the new infotainment system. However, the latter is only available with the 8-inch screen on the higher trims. There's also standard features of heated seats and dual-zone climate control. The safety features are also common with the higher trims needed to unlock some features like sensor wipers.
But the tech isn't as notable or advanced as other crossover models, tied to an infotainment system that can seem outdated. It gets the job done but don't expect much bang for the buck.
1 It's Not Pricey And A Great Warranty
The prices on the Eclipse Cross can run a gamut depending on the trim. A basic model is $24,590, while the upper trims can run close to $35,000. That's not too bad compared to the competitors while seeming a bit pricey for a standard SVU.
However, the warranty is terrific, five years/ 60,000 miles and a Power Warranty for 19 years/ 100,000 miles. That's better than other SUVs and promises to make the Eclipse Cross a long laster for its owners no matter how the ride runs.