Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Offers a Host of Features at a Reasonable Price

Mitsubishi’s entry into the small SUV market provides five versions of its Eclipse Cross, ranging from the ES-S-AWC model with a $27,998 price tag to the top-of-the-line GT S-AWC model tested here which costs $35,998. All versions are all-wheel drive, powered by the same 152-horsepower in-line four-cylinder coupled to an eight-speed constant-velocity transmission.

LIKES
The Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC comes with all the convenience and comfort options you will ever need. While it sits on a 105-inch wheelbase, the GT version is well-proportioned with tasteful styling cues and its overall appearance is a balanced one.

WHAT’S BEST
The front seats in the GT are quite comfortable and would sustain driver and passenger on a long trip. The infotainment screen is low enough to not be bothersome for front vision, and the overall location and usage of the dashboard controls and switches works well, as do the functions on the steering wheel. On the road, sightlines are good, although the bar housing the tail lights on the rear hatch will take some getting used to.

WHAT’S WORST
While the GT provides low wind noise at speed, it does get rocked around at bit during a head wind. Power is adequate, but that’s all, and the vehicle could use more horses. The info screens are a little dated and not the most intuitive to use, and there is a lack of headroom for rear seat passengers.

OVERALL
Mitsubishi is known for providing vehicles with value and features at a respectable price, and this theme continues with the Eclipse Cross. For its price the GT offers a large array of amenities including front and rear heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, and a heads-up display in an all-wheel-drive package suitable for Canadian winters. And the company’s ten-year or 160,000-kilometer powertrain warranty cannot be overlooked.

DETAILS
Price as tested: $35,998
Engine: 1.5-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged.
Power/Torque: 152 horsepower, 184 lb-ft.
Fuel Mileage: 9.6 L/100 km highway, 8.9 L/100 km city, 9.3 L/100 km overall
Drivetrain: Eight-speed CVT, MacPherson struts on front, multi-link on rear, both with stabilizer bars, front brakes 294 mm ventilated rotors, rear brakes 302 mm solid rotors, 225/55/R18 all-terrain tires.
Specifications: Wheelbase 2670 mm (105.1 in), weight 1590 kg (3505 lbs), cargo area behind front seat 1385 cubic litres (48.9 cubic feet), cargo area behind rear seat 640 cubic litres (22.6 cubic feet), fuel tank capacity 60 liters (13.2 gallons).