2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross adds more style and function

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 5, 2021

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV is a bit of an anomaly in its class. Typically speaking, a two-row, five-passenger SUV tends to be more expensive. Most Eclipse Cross competitors such as the Nissan Murano, Chevrolet Blazer, Toyota Venza, and Ford Edge start at about $32,000 or a little higher. The Eclipse Cross is the exception with a starting MSRP of just $23,395. The value proposition is clear, but Mitsubishi has sweetened the deal even more with new styling and features for 2022.

The Eclipse Cross comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which is smaller than usual for most SUVs, but engines under two liters are becoming more common, and they do not impose much of a performance penalty these days. The Mitsubishi engine produces 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and the continuously variable transmission means that the engine can stay in its power band when needed. The transmission is programmed to simulate an eight-speed automatic, so you avoid that “rubber band” feeling that characterizes some CVTs.

The smaller displacement engine also returns 25 MPG in city driving, and 26 MPG on the highway. If you’re concerned about weather, Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive system, called Super All-Wheel-Control, allows the Eclipse Cross to go anywhere in Portland’s winter weather. This SUV is perfect for a trip to the ski area in winter, or to the beach in summer.

It’s a pleasure to drive the Eclipse Cross, with good visibility, and it’s easy to get into and out of. It’s small enough to be convenient around town, but big enough for camping or sports activities.

Mitsubishi updated the Eclipse Cross interior for the 2022 model year, gifting this reasonably-priced SUV with an impressive suite of tech and safety features. The base trim includes a seven-inch display screen, but an eight-inch screen is available with all the upgrade trims and the top SE and SEL trims include onboard navigation. Wisely, the screen is mounted high up on the dash. This allows you to check the screen without dropping your vision off the road ahead. The display also shows you the available multi-view camera system for excellent visibility. The interior upholstery includes cloth, synthetic suede, or real leather surfaces, and both the front and outboard rear seats can be heated.

Even without three rows, the Eclipse Cross is a family vehicle, and Mitsubishi is proud that the Eclipse Cross has earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

The full list of safety and convenience features are available. Depending on trim level you can have adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, head-up display, blind spot monitor, lane change assist, rear cross traffic warnings, and forward collision mitigation with high-speed braking. Standard equipment includes forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and hill start assist, among all the usual safety features.

The most basic Eclipse Cross ES starts at $23,395 with front wheel drive and a cloth interior. Adding the Super All-Wheel-Control is a good idea for Portland drivers, and that model in ES trim starts at $24,995. All trim levels are available with front- or all-wheel-drive. If you want the top trim with many of the goodies, that model costs $28,995. The SEL Touring option package delivers extras like the head-up display, heated rear seats, panoramic sunroof, high-speed forward collision mitigation, and adaptive cruise control for an additional $2,100.

In theory, the top trim 2022 Eclipse Cross is available for a little more than the starting price of other brands. However, Mitsubishi is offering a $1,000 rebate on the Eclipse Cross right now, and other credits can bring the final price of the Eclipse Cross well under the official MSRP. To find out more, you can test-build your own Eclipse Cross at or just visit our area Mitsubishi dealers.

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Base price: $23,395

Price as tested: $34,670

Type: Compact SUV

Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (152 hp, 184 lbs-ft)

Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 25/26

Overall length: 179 inches

Curb weight: 3,505 pounds

Final assembly: Okazaki, Japan