Mitsubishi gave its 2022 Eclipse Cross an uptown redesign that added 5 inches in length, new styling front and rear, more standard safety features, and simplified infotainment systems

Table of Contents

Overview
Pricing and Warranties
Exterior and Interior Redesign
Safety Features
Interior Function
Back Seats and Cargo
Ride and Handling
Performance and Fuel Economy
Why Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Mitsubishi gave its 2022 Eclipse Cross an uptown redesign for it to be more relevant in the growing subcompact segment of SUV crossovers. The major midcycle update added 5 inches to accommodate new styling front and rear, more standard safety technologies, a new interior color, and simplified infotainment systems.

Most notable in the redesign is the “Dynamic Shield” face and tailgate styling, which eliminates the split-window hatch that was dramatically bisected by the taillight bar.

While Mitsubishi considers the Eclipse Cross a subcompact SUV, it is a tweener-compact in its size — but priced more as a subcompact. Competitors include Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, and VW Taos.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Overview

The Eclipse Cross is a thrifty SUV crossover powered by a 152 horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Its continuously variable transmission has an eight-step, manual-shift sport mode.

Starting prices range from about $25,000 to $31,000. Mitsubishi is not stingy with the standard features, and the comprehensive new-vehicle warranty is a convincing purchase incentive.

With the North American debut of the Eclipse Cross in 2018, there were a few updates for 2020. But the pandemic and resulting supply shortage canceled the 2021 model year. Mitsubishi is making up lost time with the 2022 major redesign, but more still needs to be done.

The extensive redesign of the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross added more than 5 inches in overall length, now measuring 178.9 inches long. The length provides about another cubic foot of cargo space.

Vehicle width and height carryover at 71.1 inches wide and 66.3 or 66.5 inches tall in 2WD or 4WD. And the wheelbase remains unchanged at 105.1 inches.

Eclipse Cross Pricing and Warranties

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is sold in four trim levels in standard front-wheel drive or optional Super All Wheel Control all-wheel drive. All models have one powertrain of a 152 hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter 4-cylinder, and continuously variable automatic transmission with eight-step sport mode and paddle shifters.

All MSRP pricing includes the $1,245 freight charge from Okazaki, Japan. Add $1,600 for all-wheel drive.

• ES 1.5T $24,940;
• LE 1.5T $26,290;
• SE 1.5T $27,690;
• SEL 1.5T $28,940.

(Since the 2022 model went on sale a year ago Feb. 2021, starting prices have increased by $300 and the freight charge by $50.)

Today’s Eclipse Cross SEL S-AWC tester was $34,425. Find options and accessories in the specifications box at the end of this story.

Find current Mitsubishi pricing and incentives here.

Mitsubishi New-Vehicle Warranties

Mitsubishi provides one of the most comprehensive new-vehicle warranties:

• 10-years/100,000-miles for the powertrain;
• 5-years/60,000-miles basic bumper to bumper coverage;
• 5-years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance;
• 7-years/100,000-miles anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty.

Interior and Exterior Redesign

Mitsubishi says the exterior makeover of the 2022 Eclipse Cross creates a sportier and more futuristic appearance.

At the front is a new bumper and the latest version of the brand’s Dynamic Shield grille. New bisected lighting features thin, high-mounted LED daytime running lights at the leading edge of the hood with integrated turn signal lamps just below. The stacked-and-recessed lighting combines headlamp and fog lamp in a low-mounted position for optimal visibility, Mitsubishi says.

The rear end has a completely restyled hatch and window — cleaning up the initial split window design. The single-piece rear window and new hatch design added almost 2 cubic feet of space. Available space now is still shy of some competitors, but there is a maximum of 50.1 cubic feet with the second row folded and 23.4 cubic feet behind the second row.

New Interior Design

The updated Eclipse Cross interior is now available with a light gray leather seat option with black accents. But the interior color choice is only available on the SEL trim.

Mitsubishi says that the gray trim package helps create a more refined interior aesthetic. Previously, black-on-black was the interior color theme. Also new is an optional power passenger seat, available on SEL models.

Driver and front passenger heated seats are standard on LE, SE, and SEL trims. In addition, a heated steering wheel is standard on the SEL trim, while the SEL with Touring package adds heated rear seats. The reclining rear seats have nine positions.

Redesigned Infotainment

Highlighting the upgraded interior is a new 8-inch Smartphone-link display audio system, available on LE, SE, and SEL trims. The touchscreen has been moved 2 inches closer to the driver and features volume and tuning knobs for easier use. The previous center console touchpad is gone.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are included with the 8-inch screen. ES trims have a 7-inch display audio touchscreen.

An onboard navigation system with embedded “what3words” integration is standard on Eclipse Cross SE and SEL. Mitsubishi says the 2022 Eclipse Cross is the first production vehicle to be offered with what3words embedded directly into its navigation system.

As a global addressing system, what3words divides the world into a grid of 3-meter-by-3-meter squares. Each square is assigned a unique what3words address. Mitsubishi says that the system allows pinpoint navigation, even in remote, unpopulated areas. The system allows greater accuracy than systems using street addresses.

The optional navigation system includes TomTom live traffic information and mapping.

Revised Suspension and Handling

The longer Eclipse Cross required some suspension finesse to maintain balance and control. As a result, the suspension was re-engineered with retuned shocks and springs, including larger rear shock shafts for better ride control. Engineers also addressed bounce and rebound control for more consistent ride quality.

Additional changes include connecting the rear suspension cross member to a double vibration insulator. Mitsubishi says that the more rigid connection provides a more planted feel than the previous bushing setup.

Eclipse Cross Safety Features

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross recently received the highest-possible 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

All 2022 Eclipse Cross models receive standard advanced driver assistance systems, including Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Warning.

Automatic high-beam-assist headlights and rain-sensing wipers are standard on LE, SE, and SEL trim levels. SE and above trims also include Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Other standard safety features include seven air bags, active stability and traction controls, and hill-start assist.

Eclipse Cross SEL Interior Function

The cabin space is quite tall and accessible. The doors open wide (wider than some economy vehicles), and headroom is a generous 39.5 inches with the panoramic roof.

Sightlines are good at the fenders and side mirrors but very cropped over the shoulder at the rear window pillars. Fortunately, the SEL includes a multiview camera system that takes the guesswork out of parking or backing up.

Both SEL front seats are eight-way power adjustable and heated, with a heated steering wheel.

The instrument panel and center console stack are tight on space, but most controls are intuitive to figure out. I found the optional head-up-display screen too much in my line of sight, but the screen can be switched off and lowered. The clear plastic panel rises from the back of the gauge array and highlights the speed and other elements. (The head-up display is part of the $2,100 SEL Touring Package.)

Eclipse Cross Back Seat and Cargo

The back seat space is upright with decent legroom of 35.3 inches. However, tall occupants in front will significantly cut the leg space. The transmission-exhaust tunnel is a low hump, which helps with three-across footroom. The broad fold-down center armrest is an asset, as are overhead grab handles with a coat hook. In addition, the SEL model includes heated window seats.

The new liftgate might be heavy for some to raise and the lift to the cargo floor is tall. Cargo space is broad and deep, but the sport-roof design crops space for large and square items. Bicycles and other such gear will have to be mounted on the roof.

Eclipse Cross Ride and Handling

The Eclipse Cross is more of a people-mover than a people play toy despite many new suspension adjustments. The ride quality for a weekend drive is smooth and comfortable, but it also can be bouncy. And sections of rough road can provoke the occasional clunk. Around town, there is some stiff head tossing when crossing speed bumps or pulling into driveways with an angled approach.

It is not the most soundproofed highway ride. Some of that is wind noise from the upright stance, but the tires have some harshness. The 18-inch Bridgestone Ecopia H/L all-season tires (235/55) have a wear-like-iron treadwear rating of 700. The higher the rating (UTQG), the harder the rubber compound, which here qualifies for about a 70,000-mile warranty.

The four-wheel disc brakes are large to handle the 1,500-pound tow rating: 11.6-inch front ventilated rotors and solid 11.9-inch rotors rear.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The Eclipse Cross has the power to cruise at 80 mph all day. And with 184 foot-pounds of torque from 2,000-3,500 rpm, there is adequate zip to get out of trouble, but with slight turbo and CVT delay. There are Normal and Eco performance modes, but the fuel-sipping Eco gives such slow CVT uptake that I resorted to flipping gears with the paddle shifters. It would have been more fun with more horsepower, but I was missing the point of eco-driving.

Official fuel economy estimates with all-wheel drive (S-AWC) are 25 mpg city, 26 highway, and 25 combined, on the recommended 87 octane fuel. My around-town mileage was around 20 mpg, and on the highway, I progressed to 30.3 mpg, but one stretch was a 6 percent downhill grade for more than 10 miles.

The 15.8-gallon tank is above average in size for the segment.

Why Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

The Eclipse Cross is easy to enjoy with a teacup turning circle of 34.8 feet. Its price and small footprint will appeal to younger, socially connected buyers who like to pack up friends and gear for a weekend outing. Buyers in high-density urban areas with limited parking will appreciate its nimbleness.

It might be of interest that the Eclipse Cross won AutoPacific’s 2021 Vehicle Satisfaction Award in the compact crossover SUV segment. Owners of the 2020 model-year Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rated their cars higher overall than owners of any other vehicle in the segment.

AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award measures owner satisfaction within individual categories ranging from driving performance and usability of features to seat comfort and interior design.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross equaled or surpassed competitors in 32 of the 36 measured attributes. In addition, it received strong praise for safety features and safety ratings, and owners’ perception of durability and quality.

While the AutoPacific award was for the 2020 model, the company believes the redesigned 2022 Eclipse Cross will repeat this success.

There are many critics of new vehicles, but no evaluation is so valued as that of an owner.

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL Specifications

Body style: subcompact, 5-seat, 5-door SUV crossover

Engine: 152 hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter 4-cylinder; 184 lb.-ft. torque from 2,000-3,500 rpm

Transmission: CVT with 8-step sport mode with paddle shifters; Super All-Wheel Control with yaw control

Fuel economy: 25/26/25 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane

BY THE NUMBERS

Towing capacity: 1,500 pounds.

Fuel tank: 15.8 gallons

Cargo space: 23.4 to 50.1 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.5*/40.9 inches *w/panoramic roof

Rear head/leg room: 37.3/35.3 inches

Length/wheelbase: 179/105.1 inches

Curb weight: 3,428 pounds

Turning circle: 34.8 feet

FEATURES

Standard SEL equipment includes: Fast-key entry system with push-button ignition, multiview camera system, dual front USB ports, 8-inch navigation system with smartphone link, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system with satellite radio and Bluetooth phone and audio, steering wheel controls for voice recognition, audio-phone leather-trimmed upholstery, micron air filter, extended front (lighted) sun visors with mirrors, black headliner and roof pillars, LED exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, fog lights, and running lights), automatic headlights, tilt-telescopic steering wheel, 8-way adjustable front seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-leather wrapped shifter, 60/40 folding back seat, 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 225/55 all-season tires

Standard safety features include: 7 air bags, active stability control, Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, hill-start assist, lane-departure warning,

PRICING

SEL base price: $30,540, including $1,245 freight charge; price as tested $34,425

OPTIONS ON TEST VEHICLE:

Popular Value Package $295, include metal-trimmed sport pedals, rear bumper step protector, and roadside assistance kit (includes jumper cables, tools, reflective triangle, and other items);

Hood nameplate in black $110;

Welcome Package $190 ;

SEL Touring Exterior Package $995, adds black front and rear corner extensions and side extensions;

SEL Touring Package $2,100, includes Forward Collision Mitigation with High Speed Braking capability with Pedestrian Detection, head-up display, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, 8-speaker Mitsubishi Power Sound System, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, body-colored front and rear bumpers with body-color side door trim, power panoramic sunroof, and black roof rails;

Tonneau cover $195;

Where assembled: Okazaki, Japan

Warranties: 5-years/60,000-miles bumper to bumper with unlimited mileage roadside assistance; 10-years/100,000-miles powertrain