2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport 1.5T S-AWC

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL 1.5T S-AWC
“Iconic Name continues for Sporty Crossover”

OVERVIEW

For those who may not remember, the Mitsubishi Eclipse first appeared on the automotive scene as a pretty well thought of compact sports car built through a joint venture, that was formed between Mitsubishi Motors and the Chrysler Corporation. Four generations of the Eclipse were produced from 1989 to 2011. It was originally only a two-door liftback coupe body style until a two-door convertible was added to the lineup In 1996. The joint venture was known as Diamond Star Motors and vehicles were produced in a plant in central Illinois and were sold under Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Dodge, and Eagle and Plymouth brand names.

Ignoring the concept of paying homage to brand equity, Mitsubishi, who no longer had anything to do with what was Chrysler (now operating as FCA for Fiat, Chrysler automobiles) decided to add another model to their product line – an all-new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for the 2018 model year, a small Crossover or SUV that fell nicely between their larger Outlander and smaller Outlander Sport SUVs.. Mitsubishi’s latest association is with Renault/Nissan.

FOUR TRIM CHOICES

By no means a compact sport liftback, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross continues as an aggressively styled and sporty five passenger Crossover that is available in four levels of trim: a base ES 1.5T; an LE 1.5T; an SE 1.5T and the top-of-the-line SEL 1.5T each available in either 2WD or S-AWC (Super AllWheel Control).

PROPULSION

All are powered by a transversely front mounted 1.5-liter L4 MIVEC DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with Direct Injection that produces 152 horsepower and 184 pound feet of torque. Energy is transmitted to either the front wheels, in the case of the ES model, or to all four with Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) in all other trims via an 8-speed CVT with a Sport mode and paddle shifters. All models have Electric Power Steering, and the towing capacity for all trim levels is 1,500 pounds.

AGGRESSIVE EXTERIOR STYLING


The overall design displays a more aggressive and youthfiul image that the rest of the Mitsubishi family, with sharply angled and sculpted lines. Forward is a two-plane Black mesh upper grille section that connects to the upswept, wrap-around headlamps. Uniquely outward-angled bright trim pieces bracket the directional and fog lamps, flanking a lower dark grille panel separated by a body-colored finish piece just above a bottom metal finishing diffuser.

In profile, the wheel wells are pronounced and connected by an upward sweeping, sculpted character line featuring a chiseled accent just below the rising shoulder. The Greenhouse “B” and”C” pillars are blacked out and surrounded by bright trim rendering a coupe-like effect.

The aft end showcases a wide stance, tapered from top to bottom, with an integrated spoiler atop the gate with a light bar connector to the taillamps. Metallic inserts are fitted into a Black lower diffuser with dual integrated exhaust outlets.

INTERIOR ARRANGEMENT

Entering the Eclipse Cross’s cabin, the IP features a split cockpit effect with user friendly switchgear and controls with tasteful brightwork trim accents. Upper trim models come with a head-up display that disappears when not in use, and the infotainment system in all but the base ES includes a 7.0-inch display that sits atop the dash in tablet-like form, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is readily intuitive. The touchpad control in the center console on the other hand takes some getting used to.

AS TESTED

My test 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was in SEL trim and sported a Red Diamond metallic exterior finish and a Black cloth interior with satin chrome trim accent elements. The base price was set at $28,995. With the Red Diamond paint, SEL Touring Exterior Package, accessory Tonneau Cover, Black Hood Badge, Welcome Package, Popular Value Package and the Destination and Handling charge bumping the final count and ampunt to $34,670.

PERFORMANCE

There will be those who will no doubt question the need for the existence of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, but when push comes to shove, it actually fills a niche in the model lineup, and does it quite nicely.

The engine delivers smooth acceleration, which comes on readily without strain, with the sweet spot settling in around 2,500 rpms. The CVT allows selecting one of 8 preset gear ratios for a somewhat old school gear changing experience. An ECO button limits acceleration resulting in improved driving efficiency.

Steering is both responsive and precise for controlled and stable tracking and the S-AWC’ stability-control systems feature Gravel and Snow modes along with 8.5-inches of ground clearance.

Ride quality is satisfactory, but don’t expect the sports car-like road-holding ability of the Eclipse’s now defunct namesake coupe. The Eclipse Cross borders on sporty, but the bulk of its sportiness is in its appearance.

OUR FINAL TAKE

Functionality is asset of the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, as it provides seating space for five and cargo-carrying practicality. Its 60/40 split-folding rear seat can slide up and back with roughly eight inches of travel to adjust space between rear legroom and luggage space, and the rear seatback’s rake is adjustable. There’s adequate rear headroom for two adults, but with three, it can be on the cramped side.

Bottom line, the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a likeable crossover that fills its role quite nicely.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL 1.5T S-AWC

Base Price: $28,995.
Price as Tested: $34,670

Engine Type and Size: 1.5-liter L4 MIVEC DOHC, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder turbocharged with Direct Injection.

Horsepower (bhp): 152 @ 5,500 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 184 @ 2,000-3,500 rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed CVT with Sport mode and paddle shifters

Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / S-AWC (All-Wheel Control).

Suspension: Front – MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar.
Rear – Multilink with stabilizer bar.

Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs (vented front) with ABS, EBD, BA, TCL, ASC and HSA.

Tires: Bridgestone Ecopia H/L 422 Plus grooved – 225/55 R18 mounted on 5 machine face spokes with outer short wings and Black painted inners and TPMS.

Wheelbase: 105.1 inches
Length Overall: 179.0 inches
Width: 71.1 inches
Height: 66.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 8.5 inches
Curb Weight: 3,505 lbs.
Turning Circle: 34.8 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 15.8 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 25 mpg city / 26-mpg highway
CD: Not given
0-60 mph: Not tested

# # #

More from Our Auto Expert

OAE TV