Honda Civic Coupe 2020

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review

You could be forgiven if the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross didn't immediately come to your mind when buying alittle SUV. Mitsubishi doesn't have an enormous presence within the us , and therefore the Eclipse Cross may be a relatively new vehicle. As such, a touch extra research could be required.

In some ways, the Eclipse Cross may be a pleasant surprise. it's a peppy engine, an easy-to-use infotainment system and powerful warranties. But a spread of issues hold it back from being truly competitive. The Eclipse Cross' ride quality is that the big one. due to overly soft suspension tuning, this SUV doesn't feel planted or connected to the road. Handling suffers, too.

Under the proper circumstances, the Eclipse Cross can make an honest case for itself through the impressive number of features it's available in lower trim levels. Overall, though, we expect you will be happier with rivals like the well-rounded Honda HR-V, the sporty Hyundai Kona or the adventure-oriented Subaru Crosstrek.

Our verdict

The Eclipse Cross may be a bold step within the right direction for Mitsubishi. The spacious cabin and peppy engine are obvious advantages. Class-leading warranties and excellent roadside assistance make the Eclipse Cross even more tempting. If it weren't for the terrible suspension tuning, this Mitsu would be a true contender.

How does it drive?

The 2020 eclipse car  may be a assortment in terms of performance. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine feels peppy around town, and therefore the brakes are easy to modulate. Unfortunately, the handling is much too soft. If you reside on a mountain road with tons of switchbacks, or maybe end up frequenting them, this SUV isn't the one for you.

Also, the steering effort is extremely light and doesn't increase as you switch the wheel from center. The steering response feels natural at low speeds around town, but it's far too quick at highway speeds.

How comfortable is it?

The goodwill earned by the supportive, nicely shaped front and rear seats is undone by the subpar ride quality. The overly floaty suspension tuning causes problems for around-town driving, too. At low speeds, any dips will cause the Eclipse to heave mightily, while bumps will rock occupants slightly. Hit a transverse dip within the road, and you would possibly leave your seat after the suspension rebounds.

Outside noise, whether it's from the wind at highway speeds or the all-too-audible engine, may be a constant inside the cabin. The Eclipse Cross' dual-zone climate system gets good marks on warm days, but not so good ones on cold days. We blame the lukewarm (at best) seat and wheel heaters and inconsistent amounts of hot air from the heater.

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse interior

The 2020 eclipse cross's interior is nicer than we have seen from Mitsubishi during a while . the standard of materials is above average, the infotainment system is straightforward to use, and there is many room for both front- and rear-seat passengers. Taller drivers won't just like the low-mounted wheel and raised seats, which may compromise entry and exit. But shorter drivers will appreciate the upper seating position and good forward visibility from the Eclipse Cross' lower hood.

Visibility to the rear is compromised by the sloping roofline and thick side pillars. Those don't make stepping into the rear of the Eclipse Cross easy either, and most adults will need to duck to avoid hitting their heads on the roof.

How’s the tech?

The Eclipse Cross comes with an extended list of driver aids, but most are only available on the highest trim level. Even so, the 360-degree parking camera may be a rarity during this class and still very useful, even on a car this size. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which makes not having a native navigation much less of a problem , but we expect more USB ports for a crossover which will comfortably seat four.

If you tend to love your music with a heaping helping of bass then choosing the SEL Touring package could be the simplest move. That comes with a reasonably powerful Rockford Fosgate sound system that has a subwoofer. It can shake the mirrors at higher volumes.

How’s the storage?

The cargo area is wide and tall, and therefore the load height is at mid-thigh, so most of the people won't need to bend over to load large items. But its sloping roofline does deduct the power to carry larger, boxy items which may fit if the rear hatch was more upright.

Front passengers have many space for little items. Installing child safety seats is pretty easy, too. there is a suitable amount of space and therefore the seat anchors are generally easy to access. no matter trim or drive configuration, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is rated to tow 1,500 pounds.

How economical is it?

The front-wheel-drive Eclipse Cross is EPA-rated at around 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which may be a few mpg but most rival models. What's worse, the Eclipse underperformed that low rating with a paltry 22.8 mpg on our highway-heavy 115-mile test loop. We've tested competitors that are both quicker to accelerate and more efficient.

Is it an honest value?

Mitsubishi is trying to shed its bargain-basement reputation, and it clearly shows with the Eclipse Cross. High-quality materials, solid build quality and an exceptional warranty should persuade buyers to require a glance . The roadside assistance plan is simply as impressive, and it should appeal to buyers looking to have the Eclipse Cross for quite five years. Just be careful for the high pricing on the SEL trim level.

Wildcard

This SUV is sort of possibly, and sadly, the sole vehicle in Mitsubishi's current lineup where you will not need to justify your purchase to friends and family. it's great, features a roomy interior and is pretty quick around town. It could are a real contender if Mitsubishi had put a touch more R&D into optimizing the suspension tuning.

Which Eclipse Cross does Edmunds recommend?

We'd recommend the midrange SE version for the Eclipse Cross. This trim comes standard with most of the features you're likely getting to want. Notably, it also comes standard this year with a set of advanced driver safety aids that has forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross models

The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and SEL. Each trim level is out there with either two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter of which Mitsubishi calls S-AWC. Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (152 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) that's connected to a continuously variable automatic drive .

Standard equipment on the ES trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, foglights, and heated side mirrors. Inside, you will find a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats that slide and recline, a rearview camera, control , automatic climate control, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system .

The LE dresses things up a touch with black exterior trim pieces and black 18-inch alloy wheels. you furthermore may get heated front seats, a foreign touchpad controller for the infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice controls, satellite radio and a second USB port.

The SE gets a bunch of convenience and luxury upgrades like proximity entry with push-button start, a leather-wrapped wheel , a six-speaker stereo , dual-zone climate control, and a rear-seat center armrest. For 2020, the SE also gets forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

The range-topping SEL adds LED headlights, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking camera system. The Touring package, available only on the SEL trim, includes a panoramic sunroof, an auto-dimming car mirror , a premium Rockford Fosgate stereo , a heated wheel , heated rear seats, high-speed emergency braking and adaptive control .

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Price

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES                                                        MSRP $22,995

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE                                                        MSRP $24,095

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SP                                                        MSRP $25,295

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE                                                        MSRP $25,645

2020 Mitsubishi eclipse cross SEL                                                        MSRP $27,145

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Eclipse Cross safety features:

Forward Collision Mitigation

Alerts the driving force about an imminent collision and applies the brakes if necessary.

Lane Departure Warning

Monitors the car's position during a lane and warns the driving force within the event of an unsignaled departure.

Blind Spot Warning

Warns the driving force of approaching vehicles in adjacent lanes.

NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

 Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

Overall                                                   5 / 5

Driver                                                     4 / 5

Passenger                                             5 / 5

Side Crash Rating

Overall                                                   5 / 5

Side Barrier Rating

Overall                                                   5 / 5

Driver                                                     5 / 5

Passenger                                             5 / 5

Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings

Front Seat                                              5 / 5

Back Seat                                              5 / 5

Rollover

Rollover                                                   4 / 5

Dynamic Test Result                             No Tip

Risk Of Rollover                                     18.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

·         Side Impact Test                                                                                Good

·         Roof Strength Test                                                                            Not Tested

·         Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint                                      Not Tested

·         IIHS Small Overlap Front Test                                                         Not Tested

·         Moderate Overlap Front Test                                                         Good

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. the competition

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

There's not much difference in size or practicality between the Eclipse Cross and therefore the Outlander Sport. The Outlander Sport is analogous in price but looks and feels a touch dated next to the new Eclipse Cross. The Eclipse Cross offers more technology features, a far better engine and ever slightly more room . It's definitely the one we'd pick of the 2 .

Compare Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross & Mitsubishi Outlander Sport features⇒

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V may be a size class up from the Eclipse Cross. Predictably, it offers plenty more room for cargo also as better comfort and ride quality, but it also comes with a better tag when similarly equipped. Honda's smaller HR-V may be a more direct competitor that also offers more cargo utility and refinement than the Eclipse Cross.

Compare Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross & Honda CR-V features⇒

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is America's favorite small SUV. it is a larger and pricier vehicle than the Eclipse Cross. And after last year's redesign, it is also stepped up its game in terms of technology and personality. Toyota's more direct competitor, the C-HR, offers better handling and bold looks but little utility and no all-wheel drive.

Compare Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross & Toyota RAV4 features⇒

More about the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you'll buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them intimately to their competitors.

We're also regular people such as you , so we concentrate to all or any the various ways people use their cars a day . we would like to understand if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favourite drink fits within the cupholder. Our editors want to assist you create the simplest decision on a car that matches your life.

What is the MPG of a 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
26 compined MPG,
25 city MPG/28 highway MPG

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
27 compined MPG,
26 city MPG/29 highway MPG

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo CVT), continuously variable-speed automatic, regular unleaded
26 compined MPG,

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most of the people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is that the thanks to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to form higher monthly payments, pay off the loan fully and keep the car for a couple of years. Leasing, on the opposite hand, are often a less costly option on a month-to-month basis. it is also good if you're someone who likes to drive a replacement car every three years approximately .