2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a small SUV that tends to fly under the radar, but it still deserves some attention. It is among the few SUVs in its class to come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and among fewer still to come with such an exceptional warranty. In fact, only its Kia and Hyundai rivals can match Mitsubishi’s coverage, which includes an exceptional 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Defining the Eclipse Cross’ exact class is a little harder: This Mitsubishi slots somewhere between subcompact and compact SUVs. That makes it compete in two of the most popular segments and against rivals that outclass it in power, efficiency, resale value, and technology.

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

The only notable update for the 2025 Eclipse Cross model range is a rear seat reminder becomes standard. The available Black Edition for SE models gets a revised front lip and rear spoiler.

As with its size, the Eclipse Cross’ price also falls between subcompact and compact SUVs. It starts higher than subcompact SUVs like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Honda HR-V, and a bit less than popular compact SUVs like Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Kia Sportage. Rivals from both camps — like the smaller Toyota Corolla Cross and the slightly larger Hyundai Tucson — are close to the starting price of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and come with more power, better technology, and more desirable features like adaptive cruise control.

For example, a base Eclipse Cross ES doesn’t even include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; you have to pay more for at least an LE trim to get what is now almost universally standard on other vehicles. In general, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn’t an easy SUV to recommend. But if you have your heart set on one, we’d suggest stepping up to at least an SE trim, which adds the aforementioned adaptive cruise control and perks like a hands-free power tailgate, navigation, and power folding side mirrors.

Another thing to know about this SUV is its poor resale value. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has among the lowest resale values of all compact SUVs. Remember: Higher resale value means recouping more money when it’s time to trade in or sell your car.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is powered by a 152-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine matched with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. Here again, the Eclipse Cross can’t help but trail the competition.

The modest Honda HR-V has more oomph with 158 hp, while a turbocharged Mazda CX-30 boasts up to 250 hp — nearly 100 more than the humble Eclipse Cross — and can be had for just $1,770 more than an Eclipse Ralliart. Even a base Mazda CX-30 easily outperforms the Eclipse Cross with 191 hp, comes standard with all-wheel drive, robust technology, and adaptive cruise control, yet is $1,695 less expensive. That’s not even a competition in our eyes.

That said, this Mitsubishi’s little engine does deliver satisfying thrust low in the rev range, making it suitable for shorter commutes. But longer treks and hilly terrain prove more challenging. We found the Eclipse Cross one of the slowest SUVs in its class, and its pokey highway performance underwhelmed us.

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

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 all-wheel drive, the Honda CR-V gets up to 29 mpg, and the Toyota RAV4 returns up to 30 mpg. Here again, you’d be better off in a Mazda CX-30, which attains 29 mpg. Several hybrid options in this class get 40 mpg or better.

The 2-row/5-passenger cabin of the Eclipse Cross ranges from pretty basic to, well, just fine. We suggest skipping the base ES trim for several reasons, but key among them is its small 7-inch touchscreen and lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All other models have an 8-inch unit and that vital phone integration. Even this setup is just adequate these days when a less-expensive Hyundai Kona comes standard with a 12.3-inch unit and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

There are some nice touches, though, and we like that automatic climate control is standard. Higher trims offer plusher accommodations with leather seats and niceties like 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. Once we were settled in the back seats, however, the space and comfort were fine. It has an adequate 37.1 inches of rear legroom, but less than some subcompact SUVs like the Chevy Trailblazer, which has 39 inches.

The cargo room of the Eclipse Cross 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 Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taos, and Chevy Trailblazer all have more cargo space, more rear legroom, and lower starting prices than the Eclipse Cross.

The exterior design of the Eclipse Cross could be one of its most appealing traits, literally. It boasts dramatic body lines, a stylish light signature, and a coupe-like roofline in the back. Ralliart models add extra pizzazz with trim-specific side graphics, spoiler, and front lip. Black Edition models bring the required darkened wheels and other elements, along with a revised front lip and spoiler for 2025.

Exceptional Warranty

Mitsubishi vehicles are backed by an exceptional warranty, and the Eclipse Cross enjoys 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and a powertrain backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Super All-Wheel Control
When comparing prices, keep in mind Mitsubishi’s robust all-wheel drive system is standard across the Eclipse Cross lineup.

Panoramic Sunroof
Not every compact SUV offers a panoramic sunroof. On the Eclipse Cross it becomes available at the SE level.

Touring Package
Climb to the very top of the Eclipse Cross range and your view will include a head-up display, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, upgraded forward collision mitigation, and an upgraded sound system.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers every Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. With only 152 hp 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 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In testing with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), we should note that the Eclipse Cross had several ratings of Poor, including in the latest moderate overlap and side-impact tests.