2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a unique option in small SUVs. Its sizing and pricing lie between the subcompact and compact SUV segments. The sporty styling makes it stand out, and its practical benefits include a reasonable starting price, one of the best warranties in its class, and standard all-wheel drive on every trim. However, it’s worth noting that there are smaller SUVs that are roomier, more affordable, and more fuel-efficient than the Eclipse Cross.

It’s hard to pin down direct competitors to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, but a few of the closest are the Honda HR-V, Volkswagen Taos, and Ford Escape.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross gets a few minor improvements for the 2024 model year. A hands-free power liftgate is now standard on the SE and SEL trims. The SE model also picks up adaptive cruise control, a rear USB port, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard equipment. The LE trim gets the Fast-Key passive entry system and a 2-year trial of Mitsubishi Connect.

Before buying an Eclipse Cross, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross resale value is among the lowest in its segment.

The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is powered by a 152-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with a CVT automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. This engine delivers satisfying thrust low in the rev range, making it suitable for city driving. However, enthusiasts interested in the “Eclipse” name shouldn’t get too excited. We found the Eclipse Cross one of the slowest SUVs in its class, and its pokey highway performance underwhelmed us.

That said, the Eclipse Cross performs adequately if most of your driving duties are on city streets. The ride is quiet and comfortable, and the standard AWD system makes it a good choice for snowy climates.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Fuel Economy

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross gets a combined fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the base ES trim and 25 mpg in every other trim. This is below average for a compact SUV. For comparison, when equipped with AWD, the Honda CR-V gets up to 29 mpg, and the Toyota RAV4 returns up to 30 mpg. Several hybrid options in this class can get 40 mpg or better. More Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

The cabin of the Eclipse Cross is comfortable and, like the name and the exterior styling, suggests sportiness. There are some nice standard features for the money in this interior, like automatic climate control, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an auto up/down driver window. We’re pleasantly surprised by how nice it can get in the upper trims with premium features like leather seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display.

We found getting in and out of the back seats a bit awkward because of the sloping roofline that gives the Eclipse Cross its unique look. The space and comfort were fine once we were settled in the back seats. It has an adequate 37.1 inches of rear legroom but less than some subcompact SUVs like the Chevy Trailblazer with 39 inches.

The cargo room is also just okay. The Eclipse Cross has 23.4 cubic feet of room behind the back seats. Fold down the rear seats, and you get 50.1 cubic feet of space. We’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taos, and Chevy Trailblazer all have more cargo space, more rear legroom, and lower starting prices than the Eclipse Cross.

The sporty styling of the Eclipse Cross has dramatic body lines, a stylish light signature, and a coupe-like roofline in the back. It’s a bit of an unconventional size lying somewhere between the subcompact and compact classes of small SUVs.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers every Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. With only 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, its performance isn’t as sporty as the “Eclipse” name implies. However, it’s adequate for city driving. A CVT transmission and all-wheel drive come standard.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That ties it with Kia and Hyundai for the best warranty in this class.

Safety Ratings

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has earned a 5-star overall safety rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to good crash test ratings, the Eclipse Cross comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning.