Used 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

#12 in Best Compact SUVs of 2020

Mitsubishi has found new life in the U.S. with its lineup of small-crossover SUVs. One of them, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, is a viable alternative to competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Hyundai Tucson. In addition to unique styling and an impressive set of features, the Eclipse Cross has one of the best warranties in the business. Although the 5-passenger Eclipse Cross is priced similarly to its compact SUV rivals, it comes up a bit short in resale. Nevertheless, Mitsubishi’s compact Eclipse Cross has a certain charm that makes it worthy of a test drive.

Although it has the word “Eclipse” in its name, the 2020 Eclipse Cross is by no means a sports car. But for a compact SUV, its overall driving dynamics are quite good, with good steering feedback. While this Mitsu is not as athletic as, say, a Mazda CX-5, the Eclipse Cross feels sportier than a Hyundai Tucson.

Even though it has a turbocharged engine, the Eclipse Cross has only 152 horsepower, meaning it’s one of the lesser-powered offerings in this segment. That stated, this Mitsu’s short wheelbase and tight turning radius make the Eclipse Cross easy to drive in tight parking lots, but the high beltline and pinched rear glass adversely affect the view out the back. Tip: If you order the Eclipse Cross SEL, it comes with a multi-view rear camera that helps solve that problem.

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The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross may be a compact SUV, but it’s equipped with a generous amount of standard and available features. While cargo and passenger room are a bit below average, the 3-seat rear bench slides, reclines and splits to help the Eclipse Cross accommodate a variety of needs.

A panoramic sunroof is available, as are heated rear seats, a head-up display and an upgraded infotainment system with a console-mounted touch-pad controller. All told, we found the Eclipse Cross interior to be comfortable and attractive. For 2020, the SEL flagship gains a black headliner and A-pillars for a classier look.

With its sloping roofline, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross reminds us of the sporty coupe-like offerings popping up everywhere in today’s world of compact SUVs. Some will like the styling; others will lament the reduced rear cargo volume. Whatever the case, the Eclipse Cross looks more contemporary than its Outlander Sport sibling. For 2020, the new SP model is distinguished by its carbon-style grille, black hood badge and larger roof spoiler.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT
This subscription-based telematics service offers remote locking/unlocking, automatic collision notification and parental notifications for speed, location and curfew. For 2020, Mitsubishi Connect also offers over-the-air firmware updates.

OUTSTANDING WARRANTY
With its 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, the Eclipse Cross provides long-term peace of mind. This excellent warranty is matched only by that of Hyundai and Kia.

The base Eclipse Cross, a front-wheel-drive ES model, come well equipped with automatic climate control, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, privacy glass, a 7-inch audio screen, a front USB port, power windows and 16-inch alloy wheels. The LS adds 18-inch alloys, along with heated front seats, black side mirrors, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and SiriusXM satellite radio.

At the SE level, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is equipped with chrome grille accents, a higher grade of seat fabric, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a push-button starter. More significant, the SE comes with automatic emergency braking, with pedestrian protection. It also has a blind-sport warning system and rear cross-traffic alert.

The flagship Eclipse Cross, the SEL, gets paddle shifters, a head-up display, LED headlights, leather seating surfaces and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat among other niceties.

The most significant option on the 2020 Eclipse Cross (ES, LE, SE and SEL models) is all-wheel drive, which adds only $1,600 to the price of the vehicle. On the SEL model, the $2,100 Touring Package is a worthy consideration. It includes a power panoramic sunroof, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, active cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and roof rails.

Only one engine is offered in the Eclipse Cross — a turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter that produces 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This aluminum-block 4-cylinder engine sends power to the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
152 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/29 mpg (ES FWD), 25/28 (ES AWD), 25/28 (LE, SP, SE, SEL FWD), 25/26 mpg (LE, SP, SE, SEL AWD)