The beloved Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 90s might be a thing of the past, but Mitsubishi aimed to recapture some of that charm with the Eclipse Cross SUV. First introduced in 2018, this sporty compact crossover was designed to offer a more athletic option compared to the family-focused Outlander. Now, the 2022 Eclipse Cross has received a facelift and updated technological features.
The exterior of the 2022 Eclipse Cross boasts refreshed front and rear fascias, giving it a more contemporary and tech-savvy appearance. The new grille and bumper at the front and refined styling at the rear enhance the overall aesthetic, making the Eclipse Cross more appealing than its predecessor.
While Mitsubishi didn’t make changes to the powertrain, the 2022 Eclipse Cross is still equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with the option to upgrade to the Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system.
Although the specifications may not scream excitement on paper, the powertrain delivers adequate performance for daily driving. However, pushing it harder may result in excessive engine noise and a lackluster CVT performance, especially during passing maneuvers on the highway. The front-wheel-drive model achieves a fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, while the all-wheel-drive variant offers up to 25/28/26 mpg.
On the road, the Eclipse Cross prioritizes comfort over sportiness, providing a smooth and pleasant ride with its soft suspension. Yet, when tackling twisty roads, excessive body roll and light steering lacking feedback may deter enthusiastic driving experiences.
Inside, a notable upgrade is the new 8-inch touchscreen interface, replacing the old touchpad. Although functional, the infotainment system may appear slightly dated. Fortunately, it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a feature absent in the base 7-inch screen model. Opting for the SEL trim with the Touring package adds a modest head-up display and a surround-view system for effortless parking.
The Touring package further enhances the Eclipse Cross with amenities like heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-speaker audio system. The interior offers ample space, premium materials, and 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
With a starting price of $25,130, including destination charges, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross presents a compelling value proposition. However, the fully loaded SEL with Touring Package tester we reviewed had a price tag of $33,025.
While the updates to the 2022 Eclipse Cross elevate its appeal, its styling enhancements and technological updates fall short of propelling it to the top of the compact crossover segment. While we appreciate the redesigned Eclipse Cross, its driving dynamics may leave enthusiasts desiring more. For a superior experience, consider stepping up to the impressive 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander.
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