Mitsubishi has revived the Eclipse name for an SUV that slots between the automaker's smaller Outlander Sport and larger Outlander. We found this SUV underwhelming due to its lackluster driving experience. To its credit, the rear seat is roomy, and getting in and out is easy.
The good news is that the 2022 freshening ditched the infuriating infotainment system in favor of a much simpler one. Still, the Eclipse's extroverted styling hurts outward visibility, which makes backing out of a parking spot difficult. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning come standard on upper trims.
The 152-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine moves the Eclipse Cross sufficiently around town, but it has to work hard when climbing hills or merging onto highways. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) tries to mimic a traditional automatic, but the faux "shifts" can be jolting, and the engine groans unpleasantly when drivers seek more power. Its fuel economy of 24 mpg overall isn't impressive for the class, either.
We didn't have much confidence taking corners because of pronounced body lean and overly light steering, which together make the Eclipse Cross feel ungainly. At least the suspension absorbed most bumps, but the ride can become unsettled on uneven roads, causing the body to rock back and forth. Road and wind noises were kept to a minimum, but the engine has a gritty, metallic sound under hard acceleration.
The cabin materials are basic, with just a few chrome elements to add flourish. Automatic climate control is standard--a nice upscale touch. The front seats are squishy and short on support, and adjustable lumbar isn't available at any trim level. The rear seat, which can slide forward or back, has plenty of room for adults, but the cargo space is small for the segment.
The driver sits high with a commanding view forward, but the car's rear styling causes compromises. The sloped rear hatch and thick roof pillars severely limit rear and side visibility when changing lanes or backing up.
Important advanced safety systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning are standard for the 2022 model year.