Used 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi already had the compact-SUV segment surrounded with the Outlander and Outlander Sport, but the all-new 2018 Eclipse Cross finally gives it a player on the inside. Priced and sized to better compete with the CR-V, RAV4, Rogue and the rest, the 5-passenger Eclipse Cross is set to battle those Goliaths with a lower starting price, distinctive styling and one of the segment’s best warranties. Below-average predicted resale values will be a barrier for big-picture buyers, but the Eclipse Cross is not without its charms.

Mitsubishi vehicles have long delivered above-average driving feel, and the Eclipse Cross continues the tradition. It isn’t the peppiest SUV in its segment, but good pedal and steering feel help to deliver a satisfying driving experience overall. A small turning radius makes it easy to negotiate tight parking lots, but the vehicle’s sleek profile inhibits rear visibility when backing out. This is less of a problem on the range-topping SEL, which features a multi-view rear camera and rear cross-traffic alert, among other helpers. The 1.5-liter turbo-4 delivers adequate oomph for highway merging and passing, but nothing more than that.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is among the smaller entries in the compact-SUV segment, but it’s pretty well packed with an appealing collection of standard and available features. While cargo and passenger room are both below the category averages, a sliding/reclining/split-folding rear seat helps to reshape the interior according to the needs of the day. Available feature highlights include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, a head-up display and an upgraded infotainment system that features a console-mounted touch-pad controller like those found more often on luxury models. We found the passenger cabin attractive and comfortable overall.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an unusually styled entry in the compact-SUV segment, a distinction that’s sure to be among the vehicle’s biggest draws for some, and a non-starter for others. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all. Compared to its more upright competitors, the Eclipse Cross’s sloping rear gives it a profile slightly more reminiscent of the sportier, coupe-like SUV variants gaining traction in luxury segments.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT
Debuting on the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the subscription-based Mitsubishi Connect telematics system offers a wide array of services including automatic collision notification, remote door lock/unlock, and parental notifications including location, speed and curfew alerts.

WARRANTY
Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties in the business: a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty that’s fully transferable to subsequent owners, plus 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.

At its starting sticker price of $24,425, the front-wheel-drive 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES features a 7-inch touch-screen audio system, rearview camera, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, automatic climate control and alloy wheels.

In addition to a variety of cosmetic upgrades inside and out, a fully loaded 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL includes all-wheel drive, leather seating, power driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, upgraded 7-inch display with touch-pad controller, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Mitsubishi Connect telematics services, 710-watt/9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, multi-view camera system, head-up display and passive entry/push-button start. A full suite of driver-assist and safety technologies includes blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, auto high beams, forward-collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. For all that and more, you’re looking at a sticker price just north of $32,000.

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is offered with one 4-cylinder engine, one continuously variable automatic transmission and essentially one drive system. While the Eclipse Cross ES base model is available in front-wheel drive (FWD), the balance of the lineup is offered exclusively with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The Eclipse Cross is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds.

1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
152 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy, est.: 26/29/27 mpg (ES FWD), 25/28/26 mpg (ES AWD), 25/28/26 mpg (all others, FWD), 25/26/25 mpg (all others, AWD)