2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Strikes Balance Between Upscale and Outdoorsy

Once upon a time, people diligently searched near and far for a compact sport utility vehicle that was not tooo extremely rugged and not tooo pristinely fancy. They wanted something that was not only comfortable on the highway but also simultaneously agile and maneuverable when navigating to a destination that was perhaps a little ways off the beaten path. Alas, it sadly seemed that finding such a dependable vehicle with a little advanced technology and plenty of cargo space all at an affordable price proved to be quite a daunting task. However, as the years went by, the times did surely change. And now, somewhere between the super-sporty and standard mainstream compact SUV, there lies a just-right balance of outdoorsy fun and stylish elegance brilliantly exemplified by the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Touted as beautifully unconventional, this five-seater starting at a comparatively low manufacturer's suggested retail price of just $23,395 is inspired by Japanese craftsmanship which has been successfully executed to completion. Redesigned and redefined, the Eclipse Cross has received significant upgrades both inside and out. The current exterior color options are neither too garish nor too understated, and its interior cabin space consists evenly of both tasteful form and practical function. Restyled elements include a new bumper and a revised version of the brand's futuristic dynamic shield grille along with a completely restyled rear hatch and window. An increase in overall vehicle length adds the benefit of more cargo space, thereby offering a maximum total storage capacity of 50.1 cubic feet with the second row folded and 23.4 cubic feet with the second row upright.

For the first time ever (and available only on the SEL trim level), the interior comes in a light gray leather seat option with color-contrasting black accents. A variety of heated seat options for front and rear occupants can also be chosen based on trim selection. In addition to an eight-inch smartphone link display audio system with integrated Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, an onboard navigation system with industry-first embedded what3words integration is also standard on Eclipse Cross SE and SEL. The innovative service divides the world into a grid of three-meter-by-three-meter squares and allows for more accurate navigation even in remote, unpopulated areas.

Boasting good looks, inspired features, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter direct-injection engine to boot, the nifty compact sport utility vehicle with fun yet elegant styling is juuuuuust right for this Goldilocks.

From the day we started to rethink the new Eclipse Cross, we wanted to address an attitude of boosted road performance and eco-friendliness, all with a stand-out style that will take this SUV to the next level.

Minoru Uehara, Chief Product Specialist, MMC

In the News

Source: Mitsubishi | The redesigned Eclipse Cross features significant styling enhancements, producing a sleek sporty SUV appearance. Never before has a Mitsubishi vehicle been so design-forward, as Eclipse Cross brings sophistication to the next level. The result is a vehicle that looks sleek, stable, upscale and unique. The front end adopts an evolved version of Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield design concept, expressing strength and security. A new front bumper guard and refreshed light layout completes the front design with a bold, dynamic look.

The sleek silhouette continues to the rear with a redesigned hatch and rear window, giving a more sophisticated SUV styling and resulting in improved rear visibility as well as distinctive and contemporary styling. Eclipse Cross' iconic three-dimensional taillights extend upwards and inwards, and enhance the look with a stable and wide presence. The new tailgate features a sharply sculpted hexagon design reminiscent of the company's iconic rear-mounted spare tire shape, blending the sleek and elegant style with the ruggedness and dependability expectations of an SUV.

Inside the cabin, a new black interior with silver accents and light gray1 leather seats creates a more sophisticated look. Door trims also coordinate with the car seat color to feature a high-quality, sporty interior space. Eclipse Cross' interior has always been an exciting and comfortable place to spend time, and the new changes move it to a more enjoyable and upscale level. A new 8-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) system comes standard, giving the driver a better view of the information and easier operation. The screen has been moved closer to the driver and front-seat passenger for ease of use, and now incorporates volume and turning knobs for fast reference. The touchpad that was previously used for multiple functions has been removed to allow for more storage space on the center console.

Specifications | Test Model | SEL Trim

Engine: 1.5-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged
Torque: 184 pound-feet
Transmission: CVT with 8-step sport mode
Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds
Wheels: 18" two-tone alloy wheels
Sound: 6-speaker audio with HD Radio®
Color: Red Diamond
Fuel: 26/29/27 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP: Starts at $23,395
MSRP: As shown $34,670

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Mitsubishi | Eclipse Cross

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Through a network of approximately 330 dealer partners across the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is responsible for the sales, marketing, and customer service of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in the U.S. MMNA was the top-ranked Japanese brand in the J.D. Power 2020 Initial Quality study, ranking sixth overall and experiencing the greatest year-over-year improvement of any brand. With headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, and corporate operations in California, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas, Florida, and Virginia, MMNA, directly and indirectly, employs more than 8,000 people across the United States. For more information, visit mitsubishicars.com.

About Mitsubishi Group

Mitsubishi group companies are among the world's leaders in their various fields, both in Japan and around the globe. Four generations of Mitsubishi presidents through a dedication to diversification and contributing to society helped create the robust foundation for Mitsubishi group companies to expand their scope of business into all corners of industry and service. Thanks to this unified vision over time, today, Mitsubishi group companies continue to contribute to global and local societies through their broad spectrum of activities.