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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

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Overview

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross performs well when compared to similar cars, especially in terms of affordability. It ranks 3rd out of 19 in the Most Affordable Small SUVs list, indicating that it offers good value for money. However, when it comes to off-road capabilities, it ranks slightly lower at 9th out of 19 on the Best Off-road Small SUVs list. This suggests that while it may not be the top choice for off-road driving, it still holds its own against other small SUVs in this category. Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross presents a balanced offering of affordability and off-road performance.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Overview (Final Score: C-)

The all-new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a two-row subcompact crossover with an interesting look, impressive content and a peppy new turbocharged engine. Mitsubishi invoked the beloved "Eclipse" name to catch buyers' interest, but the new model shares nothing with the now-discontinued compact sedan.

We tested the top-trim 2018 Eclipse Cross SEL1.5T S-AWC with all-wheel drive and the Touring Package priced at $32,310 and came away impressed with it.

What We Love About the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:


  • Great new turbo engine

  • Android Auto and Apple Car Play connectivity

  • Features galore


 

What We Don't Love About the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:


  • Small size and cargo space for the price point

  • Unrefined drivetrain and handling

  • No nav and an ineffective infotainment interface


 

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Exterior View (10/10)

Outside, the new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will strike a chord with fans of the Mitsubishi crossover line. It looks a lot like the Outlander upfront, which is a compliment. Along the sides there is a sporty appearance. Alloy rims that look like they just came off a 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring model highlight the SEL trim's upmarket look.

The rear look is appealing, but we must say it's almost identical to the vintage Pontiac Aztec. Has that much-maligned vehicle's looks aged in a way that we now think looks good? Maybe, or maybe on the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross its rear end just works better.

Interior Comfort, Quality, Ergonomics (9/10)

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL is decidedly modern inside. The Mazda CX-5 vibe is also felt here. The dash has no old-fashioned wood, with piano black and metallic accents that look great. The infotainment screen is clear and the center console is easy to live with.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The seats in our SEL tester were very comfortable and the power heated leather driver's seat was easy to adjust to a position we liked. Red offsetting trim gives the seats a great look. In back, the Eclipse Cross is not as roomy as vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but children fit well and two adults can easily fit for a ride to dinner.

Overall, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has just 94.6 cubic feet of interior passenger volume, which is less than the smaller-looking Subaru Crosstrek offers at 100.9 cubic feet.

The cargo area is compact, at only 22.6 cubic feet of cargo area is available with the seats up and 48.9 with them down. Compare that to the 39.2 cubic feet and 75.8 cubic feet the Honda CR-V offers and it's easy to see that the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is in a segment below the top-selling compact crossovers.

2018 Eclipse Cross

Technology (7/10)

Our SEL tester had most of the important technology and features we look for. Apple Car Play and Android Auto are included in the infotainment system, the Rockford Fosgate audio is loud if you want it to be, and the steering wheel is heated in the SEL.

Unfortunately, the infotainment system has no navigation at this lofty price point. Nor are there any tuner or volume knobs. Instead, there is a trackpad mouse that simply didn't work for us. Mitsubishi seems to have tried too hard to modernize this new vehicle at the expense of some content and usability.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Fuel Economy (7/10)

Rated at 25 mpg combined and using regular fuel, the 2018 Eclipse Cross is about average for the class above its size. There's no benefit to the Eclipse Cross' smaller package when compared to vehicles like the CX-5 and CR-V. In our testing, we got 25 mpg combined in mixed driving, which is lower than a long-term test 2016 Forester and 2018 CX-5 we drove.

Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (6/10)

Since it's all-new, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has no firm ratings. However, Consumer Reports predicts it will score 3/5 for reliability. J.D. Power's rank for Mitsubishi in its Vehicle Dependability Study puts the brand in the bottom quarter for dependability, just behind Subaru but ahead of Fiat.

eclipse-cross-rear

Safety (5/10)

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has not yet been fully rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or by the National Highway Transportation Safety Board. The similar Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has had trouble on more than one IIHS crash test. The new Eclipse Cross looks promising, but we'd wait until IIHS completes its testing before drawing any conclusions.

Unlike most popular crossovers, Mitsubishi makes important active safety features into options. Our SEL tester included the $2,500 Touring package that adds things like forward collision mitigation, auto high beams and lane departure warning. These options cost buyers nothing extra on a RAV4, which includes them on every trim.

Performance (6/10)

The 2018 Eclipse Cross feels peppy with its new 1.5-liter turbo engine and CVT transmission. It's quick off the line and for highway merging. This is a new thing for Mitsubishi. Its Outlander SEL and Outlander Sport are not quick by any stretch of the imagination.

In terms of handling, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL we tested is fun but feels a bit high-centered. Turn-in isn't sharp and emergency maneuvers would be a bit scary based on our time behind the wheel. We drove it back-to-back with the similarly priced 2016 Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium and 2018 Mazda CX-5, and it feels unrefined in comparison to both. However, over potholes and frost heaves it felt the best. So it has an edge in comfort.

We liked driving the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It's hard to explain exactly why, but like the Outlander SEL and Outlander GT, the Eclipse Cross SEL has its charms.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Pricing and Value (7/10)

First the bad news: There is no discount for the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross compared to the larger compact crossovers from Subaru, Toyota and Mazda. Ranging from roughly $26,000 to over $32,000, the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross seems a bit overpriced. Dealer discounting may offset that.

The good news is that Mitsubishi offers a better warranty than Subaru, Mazda, Honda and Toyota. With a 5-year 60,000-mile comprehensive warranty, and a 10-year 100,000-mile drivetrain warranty, the Mitsubishi offers a much longer fixed cost of ownership.


Total Score and Competitive Comparison (57/80, 71%)

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a fun-to-drive subcompact that offers great looks and many interior features. The price is a bit of a concern though. It's hard for us to compare the Eclipse Cross to smaller crossovers when its price point is so close to the larger and more mainstream Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.

Shoppers considering the new 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross should look for news on IIHS safety results and do some real-world dealer price comparisons before making a decision.

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Trims

Trim Engine Drive Train MSRP
ES 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder FWD 23295
AWD ES 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 23895
AWD LE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 24895
AWD SE 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 26395
AWD SEL 4dr Crossover 4 Cylinder AWD 27895

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