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The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review: The Eclipse Cross now comes with standard AWD. How does it stack up to the competition? Read our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
Slotting between the tiny Outlander Sport and mid-pack Outlander – a review of which you can read here – the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross now features standard AWD. Its bold (some might say overwrought) exterior design is its main method for standing out of a thickly populated segment and though it has the Eclipse badge, this is no sports coupe. Other changes versus the 2022 model that we discuss here, include a new 18-inch wheel design and revised exterior baubles on the SE and SEL model.
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Stand-out styling
Turbocharged AWD lineup
Solid warranty
Styling may be polarizing
Light on standard active safety
Smartphone tech not standard
A compact SUV with styling verve
2023 Eclipse Cross Specs
- 152 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 23.4 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 50.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Automated Emergency Braking with high-speed capability
- Heads-Up Display features a tiny plastic screen
- Warranty coverage that competes with Kia and Hyundai
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Powertrain
Every 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes fitted with a 1.5L inline-four engine breathing in turbocharged air and direct-injected fuel to make a reasonable 152 horses and 184 pound-feet of twist. It mates to a continuously variable transmission that offers a Sport mode if you want snappier “shifts”. Across the board, all four wheels are driven and controlled by not just any ol’ AWD system, but Super All-Wheel Control that Mitsubishi says harkens back to its World Rally Championship roots.
There was a time when Mitsubishi’s were feared all-wheel competitors, but in modern Eclipse Cross form, S-AWC is generally geared for preventing slippage when the supermarket parking lot is slick. You can dive into the details on how AWD differs from 4WD here. A nice feature of this system is that it includes six driver-selectable modes like Auto, Snow, and Gravel. The fully independent suspension features a multi-link rear configuration that is sure to provide composed handling and a comfortable ride, but the crossover part of its name is a more apt expectation of what its like to drive than the Eclipse portion.
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Fuel Economy & MPG
With ratings of 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, the Eclipse Cross ranks well for an AWD compact SUV. Looking at a VW Tiguan with AWD, it is rated for 22 and 29 mpg, respectively, so the Mitsubishi is right in there. Though the Eclipse Cross is turbocharged, it runs on 87-octane, an important note for anyone buying a new car these days. Also, it has a near 16-gallon gas tank, which translates to an ample 464 miles of range on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
It would seem the designers at Mitsubishi waved all their design magic on the outside of the Eclipse Cross because the inside is straight up dull in comparison. You might say the interior has been eclipsed by the exterior (insert my daughter’s eye roll here). An all-black cloth affair, the only way to obtain a bit of contrast is with the top-spec SEL fitted with gray leather. Fear not, it does come in black too.
A five-seater, the rear bench on a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can flip down to open up 50 cubic feet of space for hauling gear. When upright, backseat passengers will find 37 inches of legroom and 52 inches of hip room, which is so-so relative to the 39 inches of legroom found in a Tiguan’s back seat. Creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats and dual-zone automatic climate can be found on higher level models.
Entertainment & Technology
As the crossover space has heated up, it’s becoming more common to see Apple CarPlay and Android Auto fitted as standard equipment. That is not the case with the 2023 Eclipse Cross, which seems like a miss given its $27,000 starting price. Base models do feature a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant physical knob controls, but you’ll need LE trim or higher to access smartphone mirroring, navigation, and a larger 8-inch display.
The other area that smells of cost-cutting is the “premium” sound system, which only has eight speakers and is a Mitsubishi-branded unit. Boasting of a Bose or Harman/Kardon stereo is an easy way for competitors like Mazda to justify up-charging a customer, particularly when it has 10 speakers as found on the CX-5.
Safety Features
With seven standard airbags and Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection as well as Lane Departure Warning fitted to every 2023 Eclipse Cross, it’s certainly a safety-minded SUV. In fact, NHTSA gave it their highest 5-star rating. As you move along the trim ladder, active driver-aids like Automatic High Beams and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert make themselves available. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is on tap, but you’ll need the top dog SEL model with the $2,100 Touring package to access it.
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Trims & Pricing
ES – $27,040
Fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, and heated side mirrors, the entry-level ES Eclipse Cross comes nicely equipped for $27,000. You can get an idea of what incentives the automaker might offer with our 2022 breakdown here. Other features include automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth connectivity.
LE – $28,290
LE trim is dressed in black with the color featured on the mirrors, hood badge, door handles, and 18-inch rims. Rain-sensing wipers add convenience and the cabin picks up leather upholstery along with heated front seats. From here on up, an 8-inch infotainment interface is fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
SE – $29,290
Stepping up the SE unlocks access to the Lightning Blue Metallic paint color and panoramic roof package that includes black roof rails for $1,000. This model also boasts a power-adjustable driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, navigation and six stereo speakers.
SEL – $30,540
Sitting atop the Eclipse Cross trim tree, SEL models are punched up visually with body-color ground effects and an exclusive Bronze Metallic finish option. Inside, paddle shifters and a black headliner add some sizzle as does the leather upholstery. Tack on the $2,100 Touring package for ACC, the HUD, heated rear seats, and the more potent 8-speaker sound system. It is a nicely loaded little SUV, but at this price point, don’t expect to find it on this list of best compact crossovers under $20,000 any time soon.
Warranties
Mitsubishi doesn’t make as much noise about it, but their powertrain warranty matches Kia with a 10-year/100,000-mile term. Basic vehicle coverage runs five years or 60,000 miles and the anti-corrosion protection is good for seven years or 100,000 miles. There is no complimentary maintenance but there is a 5-year window of roadside assistance with no limit on mileage.
What we think
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross – mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross on Carsforsale.com
Would I buy a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross were I in the market for a compact crossover? Probably not. In the face of competition like a Hyundai Tucson, it has a notable dearth of available features and the latest tech. The wacky styling is also not for me, however, that doesn’t make it a bad car. It will get you from Point A to Point B with no fuss and if it does act up, there is a solid warranty backing you up. The best value proposition would be the LE model. It comes with the larger infotainment screen and smartphone tech all while stickering for under thirty grand.
