Flash Drive

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

May 30, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Mitsubishi Cross SE 1.5T S-AWC

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the newest member of the company’s SUV lineup.

Engine:1.5-liter turbocharged I-4, 152-horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 26-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $26,695

As Tested: $28,065

Performance:

Decent acceleration especially for such a small engine

Smooth transmission

Pleasant highway ride

A large moonroof greatly lightens the interior.

Confident off-road

Short rear overhang for good departure angles

Moderate front overhang for OK approach angles

Good fuel economy—our best was 28.5-mpg mixed driving

Eco mode button

Comfort:

Ample front row legroom, but not quite stretch-out

Very good headroom

Excellent rear seat knee and shoe room

Front seat legroom and overall comfort are very good. The seats are heated.

Large adults fit well in back seat

Center rear position fits adults, but very hard uncomfortable cushion

Low floor hump

Heated front seats

Medium thick leather wrapped steering wheel

Utility:

Good cargo space

Split, folding seats have noticeable slope

Design of rear window impedes bulky cargo

The rear seat is adult friendly, but the center cushion is quite firm.

Flat floor

Rear hatch opens high for tall people

Substantial recessed handle for closing hatch

Power folding side mirrors on entry/exit

Rain sensing wipers

Pretty simple to use touchpad for infotainment controls

Fair steering wheel audio controls

Medium size front door bins; small rear bins

WOW Factors:

The cargo deck is flat and capacity is OK, but the stylish roof slope limits cargo size.

Crisp styling

Good fuel economy

Attractively priced

Solidly built

Comfortable, handsomely styled interior

Whines:

Sharp angle of rear window hampers cargo capacity

Inexpensive carpet on cargo deck

Much better than most radio touchpad, but knobs would work as well

Single dim lamp in cargo area

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross handles all types of road conditions thanks to the excellent All Wheel Control system.

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the most recent addition to the Mitsubishi SUV lineup positioned between the less expensive Outlander Sport and the three-row Outlander. There isn’t much to complain about the Eclipse Cross and it’s a solid value, but it competes with segment heavy hitters such as the Mazda CX-5, Jeep Compass and the Subaru Crosstrek.