Test Vehicles MSRP: $32,610 (Base MSRP: $24,690)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; fog lights; heated power side mirrors; rear wiper; a rear view camera; a hill start assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a temporary spare tire
Standard Equipment (SEL Model): 18-inch wheels; all-wheel drive; LED headlights; chrome grille; paddle shifters; an 8-way power driver’s seat; heated front seats; a rear seat center armrest with cupholders; a leather wrapped shift knob; a 7-inch infotainment screen; SiriusXM radio; Apple CarPlay and android compatibility; automatic off/on headlight feature; a 360-degree camera; a heads up display system; power folding side view mirrors; illuminated visor vanity mirrors; a dual zone automatic climate control system; an electronic parking brake; an automatic hold brake feature; center console box compartment tray; and blind spot warning with a rear cross traffic alert system and a lane changing assist system
Options: Red Diamond exterior color; a tonneau cover; a dual pane power panoramic sunroof; a premium 9-speaker audio system; a forward collision mitigation system; a lane departure warning system; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision mitigation system; a lane departure warning system; a radar-activated cruise control system; automatic high beam headlights; a heated steering wheel; rear heated seats; automatic dimming rear view mirrors; and roof rails
Other Trim Levels:
LE
SP
SE
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
Apple CarPlay/Android Compatibility: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/152-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage:
26-city/29-hwy
What’s New: After joining the lineup last year, the vehicle is virtually a carryover for the 2019 model year. In 2018, the folks at Mitsubishi resurrected the Eclipse name, which was once a popular sports car.
Why:
The stylish compact
crossover is available in a variety of trims. The hatchback-like design mimics that of BMW's popular X4 and X6 models. The vehicle straddles the line between being called a compact and a midsize crossover The spacious Mitsubishi Eclipse
Cross is powered by a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.
With the exception of the base ES model, an all-wheel drive configuration is
standard on all of the trims.
We
spent time behind the wheel of the higher end SEL trim. The vehicle offered a
premium interior and loads of amenities normally reserved for pricier vehicles.
Our vehicle included everything from a touchpad controller to a power driver’s
seat to a dual panoramic roof, which included two power operated sliding
covers. However, the front roof is functional, while the rear roof is
fixed. The rear occupants also had access to heated seats and a center armrest.
The
vehicle, which also offers great road manners, rides more like a midsize
vehicle, as opposed to a compact crossover. The vehicle also incorporates the
latest driving safety aids. The safety devices range from electronic blind spot mirrors to a radar
activate cruise control system to a lane keep assist system to a 360-degree
camera.
Furthermore,
the optional 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate, 710-watt audio system, is one of the
best radios we’ve heard in a vehicle in this price point. The audio system was crystal clear and
reminiscent of being in a concert hall. In fact, the audio system could easily
rival those we’ve experienced in BMWs, Lexus, Mercedes-Benzs and Volvos, which offers
more speakers.
The
nicely equipped Eclipse Cross has a starting
price just shy of $25,000. A
well-equipped Eclipse Cross tops off at around $33,000. This is well below
the competition which in some cases tip
into the $40,000 price range.
Lastly,
Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties in the industry.
But:
The swanky design and the
flashy color did not translate into the engine department. The turbo powered vehicle
is underpowered, lacking the punch that should complement the design and
heritage of the Eclipse name. Mitsubishi should strongly consider adding more
horsepower or a GT version of this vehicle.
Also a
front wheel drive configuration is only available on the base model. This
configuration should be available on the other trims. Not every region of the
country requires continuous all-wheel drive. This could lower the price point
of the vehicle, making it a more eye-popping offer.
Moreover,
the touchscreen audio system should add knobs to the screen, making it easier
to change stations and the like. Ford had a similar knobless touchscreen a few years
ago and realized from a customer satisfaction standpoint it was better to
reincorporate it back into their system.
Lastly,
the horizontal rear bar (also known as a spoiler) which connects two widows could slightly impede the
driver’s view. And, in order to improve the driver's rear vision, the rear seat headrests should always be lowered, when not in use.
Verdict:
Since joining
the line up, the Eclipse Cross has become the brand’s third best-selling
vehicle. Its available in a variety of trims, at a price point that could
easily undercut the competition by close to $10,000.
However, while this is not a performance-oriented crossover that breaks speed
records, the Eclipse Cross is worth placing on one's shopping list!
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