2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV Crossover Review & Ratings

Performance

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is only offered in 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It produces 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Power is distributed via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The vehicle is available in front wheel drive system for its basic trim while the rest of the trims are in all-wheel drive. We took the range-topping SEL S-AWC trim of the Eclipse Cross for a drive to see what the best of the range is capable of. The engine provided a decent power for the crossover. It was complemented by smooth operation of its CVT. The major flaw of the Eclipse Cross is when it is being driven in corners. It tends to lean a lot in turns, which can really hold you back from enjoying its optimum performance.

Technology

Standard in the basic ES trim of the 2018 Eclipse Cross are the LED daytime running lights, heated side mirrors, rearview camera, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB port, automatic climate control, cruise control, and four-speaker sound system. Gunning for the LE S-AWC gives you a remote touchpad controller for the 7-inch screen. The remote controller is mounted near the shift lever. Then, it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility plus satellite radio and voice controls. The SE S-AWC adds proximity entry, push button start, illuminated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio, and Mitsubishi Connect. Mitsubishi Connect is a subscription service that enables users to send SOS and request roadside assistance during emergencies. It has a remote tracker, too. Moreover, it lets the user manage the climate settings, door locks, vehicle settings, horn lights, and parental controls using a smartphone. The SEL S-AWC is eqipped with all the tech elements found in the lower trims. It adds full LED headlamps, power-adjustable driver's seat, head-up display, and surround-view parking camera. The optional Touring Package for the SEL includes automatic high beams, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control auto-dimming rearview mirror, and Rockford Fosgate premium nine-speaker audio.

Safety

There is no available information about the 2018 Eclipse Cross in NHTSA, but IIHS gave it -Good- ratings in all safety aspects, except the Structure and Safety Cage category that only earned it -Average- rating. The crossover is equipped with airbags in its key areas in the front, rear and sides. Furthermore, it has knee airbags in front. The other safety features mentioned by IIHS is its rollover sensor that activates the side curtain airbags when the vehicle is about to rollover, electronic stability control (ECS), anti-lock brakes, and DRLs. Add to these the driver assistance systems of the compact SUV that help the driver avoid collisions, and mitigate blindspots.

Appearance

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an all-new model. Its maker boasts that the compact SUV's design earned it a Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. The styling of the four-door 2018 Eclipse Cross is highlighted by its sharp, sculpted lines that give it a strong presence. The overall form of the crossover has a lot of similarities with its rivals, particularly the Honda CR-V. The Eclipse Cross brings the game up with its front grille and bumper design as well as the styling of its lighting and body lines. The alloy wheels of the crossover's base trim measures 16 inches. Upgrading to the LE S-AWC fits it with black 18-inch wheels. SE S-AWC provides the unit with illuminated vanity mirrors. The optional Touring package for the top-of-the-line SEL S-AWC installs a panoramic sunroof. On the other hand, the towing package equips the auto with a tow hitch and wiring harness.

Comfort

The 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can accommodate five adults in its two row seats. The driver's seat is height-adjustable while the rear seats has a 60/40 folding configuration and they can be reclined or made to slide. The quality of the upholstery in the vehicle's cabin is upgraded as the trim goes higher. Along the way, we noticed that the ride quality of the crossover can be uncomfortable during bends on the road. The interior can get noisy too at highway speeds. We do appreciate the capability of rear seats to recline though, which at least improves its level of comfort.

Cargo

The 2018 Eclipse Cross is below average in its segment when it comes to cargo. It only offers 22.6 cu-ft of space behind the second row seats while folding the rear seats will net you 48.9 cu-ft.