2026 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, and among the fewer still to include 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 pits it in two of the most popular segments and against rivals that outclass the Eclipse Cross 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 base ES trim sheds its former 7-inch touchscreen and attains the 8-inch unit of the other trims, which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Gone, however, is the embedded navigation in that larger touchscreen. SEL and SEL Touring models get hood badging of this model’s name.

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 the 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 have more power and more desirable features, such as adaptive cruise control. As such, 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 and power folding side mirrors.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has among the lowest resale values of all compact SUVs. Remember: Higher resale value means recouping more money when trading in or selling your car.

The 2026 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-horsepower, while a turbocharged Mazda CX-30 boasts up to 250 hp – nearly 100 more than the humble Eclipse Cross. Even a base Mazda CX-30 easily outperforms the Eclipse Cross with 191 hp, comes standard with all-wheel drive and adaptive cruise control, and has traditionally undercut the Mitsubishi in price.

That said, this Mitsubishi’s little engine delivers satisfying thrust low in the rev range, making it suitable for shorter commutes. 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’s combined fuel economy rating is 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, as does the Mazda CX-30. Several hybrid options in this class can get 40 mpg or better.

The 2-row, 5-passenger cabin of the Eclipse Cross ranges from pretty basic to, well, just fine. Mercifully, the base ES trim gets the 8-inch touchscreen that previously required a step up in trims, and that means this base trim also – finally – gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Still, even that screen is just adequate these days when a less-expensive Hyundai Kona comes standard with a 12.3-inch unit. Also, unlike that Hyundai model and many other rivals, you won’t get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the Mitsu. So hang on to that cord.

There are some nice touches, though; we like that automatic climate control is standard. Higher trims offer plusher accommodations with leather seats and amenities 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, 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 OK. The Eclipse Cross has 23.4 cubic feet of room behind the back seats. Fold down the rear seats and 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 attractive traits, literally. It boasts dramatic body lines, a stylish light signature, and a coupe-like roofline in the back. Black Edition models bring the required darkened wheels and other elements. If you dig having the Eclipse Cross name emblazoned across the hood, good news: SEL and SEL Touring models get that as standard for 2026.

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.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Both popular phone integration systems are now standard on the base model for 2026.

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 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), the Eclipse Cross receives several Poor ratings. The Eclipse Cross comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.