2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The one thing we do not know about automotive manufacturers is that they actually listen to their customers.
In the case of Mitsubishi, they listened to the feedback on their Eclipse Cross SUV. While it is a good vehicle and, as we found, it is one of the leading products in its class. Customers pointed out several things they did not like about that vehicle. They ranged from the infotainment system to the rear liftgate design.
Mitsubishi took all of this feedback and went back to the drawing board. The result is the 2022 Eclipse Cross and its long list of updates.
We had the chance to see these updates on the 2022 Eclipse Cross for ourselves. What we wanted to know was whether they made a good small SUV even better.
From the start, Mitsubishi redesigned both the front and rear ends of the Eclipse Cross. For 2022, they aligned a new front end design language with a bolder grille, new headlamp and driving lights/turn signal units. Compared to previous model years, the front end is bolder with a significant presence.
In the rear, the “lower” pane of glass on the liftgate has been removed. The body panel has been expanded upward to the fold, giving it a new signature. New rear taillights have been added to complete to updated look.
The rest of the Eclipse Cross remains the same. It’s coupe-like profile is angular, while the side sculpting gave it more personality. Our SEL tester adds 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, along with an appearance package adding black extensions to lower parts of the front, side, and rear ends with red striping.
There are also significant updates to the interior, especially on the center console and the stack above it. The track pad controller for the infotainment system has been removed. Instead the small-ish tablet-like screen has been replaced by an eight-inch touchscreen which dominates the center of the instrument panel.
The rest of the driving environment remains untouched. The analog instrumentation is easily readable. Our tester had a good head-up display, as well. All other controls are easy to the touch and logical.
You still get comfortable seating for up to five people. There is plenty of support for front seat passengers through solid bolstering. The new liftgate design created an increase in cargo space to 23.2 cubic feet behind the second row of seats; 49.7 cubic feet with those seats folded down. If you get an Eclipse Cross without the panoramic roof, your maximum cargo capacity goes up to 50.1 cubic feet.
The Eclipse Cross continues to be powered by a 152-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The main attraction to this engine is its strong low-end performance at 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission with our tester’s Super All-Wheel Control system.
Driveline performance is quite good, with solid feedback from the CVT transmission. Highway maneuvers, including passing, is done without much drama from the driveline. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 24.8 MPG.
From our previous experience with the Eclipse Cross, I found that it offered one of the best driving experiences in its class. Handling is very good with superb cornering control. Ride quality is pretty decent with enough absorption from rougher road surfaces.
A tight turning radius helped the Eclipse Cross to maneuver effectively. On-center feel was fine, as was road feel from the steering wheel. The brake pedal offered a solid feel with great response to the system itself. In normal, panic, and wet situations, the Eclipse Cross brakes provided linear and solid stops.
Pricing for the updated 2022 Eclipse Cross starts at $23,395. Our SEL tester had the Touring package, adding a few other luxury and safety features. Our tester came with a sticker price of $33,670.
The Eclipse Cross became a strong contender in a segment that just gained traction in the past few years. Consumers often compare the Eclipse Cross with the Jeep Compass, Nissan Rogue Sport, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taos.
Even in this segment, Mitsubishi needed to refresh the Eclipse Cross to make it more competitive. They have done so by addressing consumer feedback by updating key pieces of this small SUV. The result is a worthy and fun-to-drive entry in a growing segment.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
