What is it?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV that slots into the Japanese automaker’s lineup between the entry level RVR subcompact crossover and the mid-size Outlander utility. Still in its first generation, the two-row, five-seat Eclipse Cross went on sale in 2018, and was updated in 2022.
For Canada, there are five Eclipse Cross grades: ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, SEL S-AWC, Noir S-AWC, and GT S-AWC. Of note, AWC means all-wheel control, or all-wheel drive. As noted in their names, it is a standard feature on all Eclipse Cross models.
Powering all trims is a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (152 hp / 184 lb-ft.) that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission.
Standard features on all grades, apart from AWC, include Forward Collision Mitigation, 18-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, heated front seats, automatic climate control, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, three-month complimentary SiriusXM satellite radio subscription, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and more.
I recently spent a week driving a Noir S-AWC tester, which is a new grade for 2024. As the name suggests, the Noir includes a lot of black trim. Given that it’s the second highest model in the lineup, the Noir comes with a load of standard equipment.
The Noir builds on the SEL, which comes with Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, black roof rails, heated outboard second row seats, microsuede/synthetic leather seats, black headliner, Multiview camera system, head-up display, and more.
The Noir comes with all of that plus 18-inch black painted alloy wheels, black grille, black hood emblem, black side mirrors and door handles, power panoramic sunroof, large black rear spoiler, Noir badge, and aluminum pedals. Of note, the Noir is available in Titanium Grey Metallic ($150 extra), and Tarmac Black Pearlescent ($300 extra).
Interesting fact
The Eclipse Cross takes its name, in part, from the Eclipse, a two-door sports coupe built by Mitsubishi that spanned four generations from 1989 through 2011.
Basic Specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 152 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 184 @ 2,000 – 3,500 rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel Consumption (city / highway / combined L / 100 km): 9.6 / 8.9 / 9.3
Cargo volume: 657 / 1,407 litres (rear seatbacks up / down)
Price (base / as tested): $37,598 / $39,598 (incl. freight, excl. taxes, and fees)
Pros
– straightforward interior
– spacious
– good value proposition
Cons
– aging platform
– light on performance
– sluggish transmission
Impressions
I wound up liking the Eclipse Cross a lot more than I thought I would. Now, I should be clear, its performance, which is acceptable, but not particularly engaging or exciting, fell well within my expectations. Before anyone yells at me, and please fire off those comments if you’re so inclined, I know compact SUVs generally aren’t built for performance.
In short, the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5-litre turbo four and CVT didn’t register high on my fun-to-drive scale. That said, 184 lb-ft. of torque is plenty of grunt for a compact SUV, and it’s readily accessible, with peak torque arriving at just 2,000 rpm. With a conventional automatic transmission, Mitsubishi might have something here. Unfortunately, the rubber-banding, droning and fake gear hunting from the CVT robs the engine of much of its potential. Sure, it goes when you mash the accelerator, but it makes quite a racket, as four-bangers tend to do, which makes the experience a lot less enjoyable.
But let’s go back to what I said at the top about why I like this car. Firstly, while the interior might not be the most arresting from a design perspective, and it’s not finished with the finest materials, it is highly functional and has an intuitive layout. If you’re a mostly, or even semi-analogue person, like I am, you’ll likely find this interior to be quite agreeable. There’s no digging through touchscreens for climate controls, the gear shifter is an actual console PRNDL lever, and the buttons and stalks for heated seats, door switches, and windshield wipers are exactly where one would expect to find them.
Despite its high trim, the Noir even has round analogue gauges, not a giant digital screen, which I prefer. Its heated microsuede seats are quite comfortable, and visibility is generally good, although it’s a bit pinched at the rear. Negatives include a small 8-inch infotainment screen and a lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the positive side, the Eclipse Cross has a spacious interior, lots of standard content for money, a mostly quiet and composed ride, and standard AWC. Some may think, as I do, that the Noir edition is a bit too black, but grey is also available, as are other trims which have a more robust colour palette.
The Eclipse Cross is built on an aging platform, and its interior, while appealing to old guys like me, is a bit dated. But it’s packed with a lot of value and, despite not having the same profile as some of its rivals, it’s an option shoppers would do well to consider.
Photos by Lee Bailie
objects in the mirror 