2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review: Back Of The Class (2023)

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review: Back Of The Class

by Deiondre van der Merwe

Mitsubishi has the US wrapped around its pinky finger and is the fastest progressing Asian-badged automaker in the USA. For a good reason, too, with NHTSA and Kelley Blue Book awards being thrown at their vehicles from every direction. Mitsubishi as a whole is definitely something to write home about, but is the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? The compact crossover SUV looks great on the outside and offers functional practicality but seems to fall behind rivals in many areas, not the least of which is Mitsubishi's insistence on using a hallowed sports car name for a mainstream crossover SUV. Power comes from a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with 152 horsepower on tap with front- and all-wheel-drive available and a CVT automatic handling mundane chores like traffic. But in the compact realm, rivals like an all-new Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5 simply dominate, and the Eclipse Cross pales in comparison. Possibly the only benefit to owning an Eclipse Cross would be having a "remember that one mistake I made" story to tell at the barbeque in a few years.

Pros and Cons

What's the Price of the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

The most affordable model of the lot would be the front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES with its price of $22,995 that increases to $24,595 when it is equipped with all-wheel-drive. Climbing the ladder to the FWD LE sees an MSRP of $24,095, and adding AWD will bring the price up to $25,695. The sportier-looking SP trim will cost $25,295 when FWD-equipped and $26,895 when fitted with AWD. When you opt for the model just under the top of the range, the FWD SE will set you back by $25,645, and going for the AWD version will hike the price up to $27,245. The most premium SEL model equipped with FWD will come in at $27,145, and the range is rounded off nicely with the AWD SEL's $28,745 asking price.

Best Deals on 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Trims

See trim levels and configurations:

Handling and Driving Impressions

Verdict: Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross A Good car?

Almost everything that the Mitsubishi Eclipse does, a rival can do better. We gave the SUV the benefit of the doubt in many categories, but the Eclipse is simply a bran muffin amongst red velvet cupcakes. The interior is nicely put together, and Mitsubishi offers a fantastic array of class-leading warranties for its newest SUV. Still, aside from those positives, it was an arduous task to find any areas that the Mitsubishi outshined its well-respected rivals. That being said, if the Eclipse had a stand-alone evaluation, it would prove to be capable enough to live with, but putting it next to the competition sealed its fate. The SUV is outshined by rivals in terms of size, performance, and, most notably, its meager trunk space offering. Aside from its class-leading warranty and nice interior setup, perhaps the only other positive of the Eclipse would be that it's around $2,000 cheaper than rivals, but for an extra two thousand, you can get your hands on a CR-V that puts most rivals to shame.

What Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Model Should I Buy?

Although it's not something we'd recommend, if you insist on buying an Eclipse Cross, the AWD SE would be your best bet. It adds a host of features that aren't seen on lower models, including better upholstery and dual-zone climate control, as well as a six-speaker sound system. It also strengthens its safety with added blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, pedestrian monitoring and lane departure warning, along with lane change assist. It's the way to enjoy a close-to-fully-loaded Eclipse at an affordable price, and considering the SEL adds only subtle features for more money, the model just before the top is the best pick of the lot.

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Hyundai Kona

Nearly $3,000 cheaper than the Eclipse, the Hyundai Kona produces roughly the same power as the Mitsubishi and delivers better fuel consumption with EPA estimates of 27/23/30 mpg, outshining the Eclipse's 26/29/27 mpg figures considerably. Notably, the Kona is smaller than the Eclipse if you compare them on the outside, but it offers more space in the front, although rear seat and cargo volumes are smaller - the Kona is classified as a subcompact SUV, after all. The Kona offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the base upwards, along with a range of safety features, while on the Eclipse Cross you have to climb the trim ladder to get access to such features. If you're after a small family SUV and you're mindful of your budget, the Kona is the better choice, despite the spatial compromises made.

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs Jeep Compass

Pricing for the Jeep Compass comes in roughly $1,000 cheaper than the Eclipse. The Jeep offers more power out of the gate at 180 hp, but receives significantly lower EPA estimated figures of 22/31/25 mpg from the bigger 2.4-liter displacement motor. But the Jeep does offer more space than the Eclipse, including trunk measurements, and the infotainment suite is vastly superior to that of the Mitsubishi. The exterior of the Jeep isn't as sassy as that of the Eclipse, but the interior feels more premium in general, with higher quality materials used than its Japanese rival. We prefer the way the Jeep drives, too. Unfortunately, the Jeep's NHTSA crashworthiness rating doesn't quite match up to the Eclipse Cross's reviews, but, considering that for less money it offers more power, more space, and a better interior than the Eclipse, the Jeep is the better buy of the two.

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Popular Comparisons

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