Used 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a small SUV with a between-the-sizes approach. Longer than a typical subcompact rival, yet shorter than a compact SUV.

For potential buyers who might be concerned that a regular subcompact SUV might be on the cramped side, the Eclipse Cross could sound like a good idea. Overall length is 179 inches. Compare that with the Kia Seltos at 172 inches and the new-for-2023 Kia Sportage at 183.5 inches.

It’s not quite as simple as that, though. It all depends on the packaging. The Kia Seltos, for example, manages to create more rear passenger space and greater cargo space than the Eclipse Cross.

Oh well, one might think, at least this small Mitsubishi has a turbocharged engine for maximum efficiency and a bit of punch. Not so fast, partner, this unit only makes 152 horsepower (the Mazda CX-30 generates more) and an average of 25 mpg in the city is nothing special.

Heck, who cares about all that when a new Eclipse Cross comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty? Erm, so do the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Tucson, both of which have similarly competitive starting prices.

It’s not that the 2023 Eclipse Cross isn’t worthy of consideration. It’s just that it probably won’t be a buyer’s ultimate choice once all the homework has been done and everything is taken into account.

Two things stand out as positives when driving the 2023 Eclipse Cross. The suspension is set up for a comfortable ride. And the turbocharged engine delivers its maximum thrust at a fairly low 2,000 rpm.

This combination of traits is useful in cities where poorly maintained roads are common, and for when a driver needs to dive into that gap in the traffic. Factor in the elevated SUV driving position for an urban transportation trifecta.

The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach, which isn’t always the case with vehicles more frequently found at the budget end of the spectrum. In the top SEL trim, there are even paddle shifters to select from the eight simulated ratios programmed into the continuously variable transmission (CVT), just in case the driver feels inspired to become more involved.

That’s a bit of a long shot, though, since inspiration and power levels are in short supply. Handling is likewise lackluster. Hardly surprising, given the softness of the suspension.

In the past, Mitsubishi vehicles have not been celebrated for the quality of their cabin materials. This state of affairs has changed in the 2023 Eclipse Cross SUV. It’s no Audi, but it’s still quite nice.

The front seats are comfortable, while drivers should have no problems becoming acclimated to the overall layout of the dashboard. Those sitting in the back have 35.3 inches of legroom in which to twiddle their toes. That’s not as generous as the first-generation Honda HR-V (39.3 inches) or the Kia Seltos (38 inches), however. The rear seats do slide forward and back, and split and fold in the time-honored 60/40 manner.

When both rear seats are in place, the luggage area behind them is a reasonable 23.4 cubic feet. When folded, this expands to 50.1. The optional panoramic roof reduces those figures by a small amount. Again, the Seltos offers more space.

Following a tweak to the styling last year, the 2023 Eclipse Cross continues to look as contemporary as its peers. The humblest ES trim runs on 16-inch alloy wheels, the rest of the range has 18-inchers. Black roof rails and a panoramic sunroof are optional on the SE and SEL models.

The following observation may go unnoticed by most people, but will be much appreciated by anyone who buys a new Eclipse Cross. The doors open wide and the luggage area has a large aperture. That means easy entries and exits, plus efficient loading and unloading.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Known as S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) down Mitsubishi’s corporate corridors, this is now standard in the 2023 Eclipse Cross SUV range. For those who experience regular rough weather, it’s an extra layer of confidence.

WARRANTIES
The basic new-car warranty is five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. That’s pretty good, but the powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles is matched only by Kia and Hyundai. The 2023 Eclipse Cross also comes with roadside assistance for five years with unlimited mileage during that time.

Trim levels for the 2023 Eclipse Cross small SUV are ES, LE, SE and SEL. The ES model comes with new LED headlights and fog lights this year. As well as all-wheel drive becoming standard across the range.

Other standard items include heated side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, cloth seating surfaces, and automatic climate control. Among the driver aids are forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, plus lane departure warning.

The infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen, one USB port, Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, and four speakers. Conspicuous by its absence is Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration — that comes in the next trim.

Not only does the LE trim gain Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it has an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, satellite radio, an extra USB port up front, heated front seats, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Starting at about $27K, the SE has many more desirable features, such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-button start, electronic parking brake, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, simulated suede seating surfaces, navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, six speakers, and a self-dimming rearview mirror.

At the top of the 2023 Eclipse Cross SUV range, the SEL adds paddle shifters, leather seating surfaces, 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and a multi-view camera system.

As well as premium paint and exterior cosmetics, the first two trims qualify for several minor options like a cargo net and scuff plates. A panoramic sunroof becomes available at the SE level.

The big options bundle for the SEL model is the Touring package, which includes the panoramic sunroof, plus a head-up display, heated rear seats, garage door opener, adaptive cruise control, upgraded forward collision mitigation, and an 8-speaker sound system.

There are no choices. Every 2023 Eclipse Cross SUV has a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That’s not bad for the class, yet still modest in the bigger picture.

Drive goes to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. It’s of the continuously variable variety, which is less than enthralling but gets the job done.

Despite the presence of a turbocharger, regular gasoline is fine.

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
152 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/28 mpg (ES), 25/26 mpg (LE, SE, SEL)