When you find a barn you have to stop for a photo with the Mitsubishi . Photo: Scotty ReissEclipse Cross
Mitsubishi wants to make you look, and the Eclipse Cross will do the trick.
Here’s the thing about Mitsubishi: these are inexpensive work horses that get the job done and last practically forever. For the price, they are hard to beat.
But their competitors have largely been doing just that—on design, price, features and more. So, for the 2022 year, Mitsubishi came to the market with redesigned SUVs that are ready to take on the competition.
The first to make its debut is the 2022 Eclipse Cross, a compact SUV with seating for 5, all wheel drive and in our test model, premium features like leather seats, a panoramic sun roof and head up display. Shoppers who are looking at the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 will need to take a pause to consider the Eclipse Cross.
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Mitsubishi Eclipse before (left) and after (right) the 2022 redesign. Photo: Scotty Reiss
More Modern and Classic Design Details for 2022
In the redesigned Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi did three key things: First, the design team smoothed out the lines of the rear tailgate, giving it a more conventional SUV look. Then, they added premium features. Last, they updated the front of the SUV with Mitsubishi’s new design language: a bold grille framed by stacked lights and accented by running lights that wrap around the front corners of the car. The effect is distinct, and while it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I found the look grew on me throughout my test drive.
They also added a head up display and a dual panel sun roof, each panel with its own retractable screen so that rear seat passengers can open or close it as they please. Swipe to see how this works.
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Priced to Compete, Too
Starting at about $24,500 and topping out at about $34,000 including destination charges, this 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo AWD with 152 horsepower packs a lot of details for the price.
The 2022 model was only partially made over, adding popular features and responding to customer feedback on others. The overall look isn’t radically different, but the Eclipse Cross has been a classically shaped SUV for a while and has always included some nice features for the price.
The changes in the lift gate include adding two distinct tail lights and a solid gate, removing the glass panel below the tail light bar. The company hopes this look will have more universal appeal.
Here is what we discovered during our test drive:
The view of the front cabin in the Mitsubishi Eclipse. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The front cabin has a classic compact SUV look. Technology includes a touch screen, Apple CarPlay that is accessed via one of the two USB ports, a drive mode selector and steering wheel controls.
The drive mode selector lets you pick normal, gravel or snow. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The drive mode selector is front and center next to the gear shifter, and allows you to choose between normal, gravel and snow. I liked the traditional iconography, the locking differential symbol that lets you know you can get traction with all four wheels.
The command center includes a cubby for a phone, two USB ports and eco mode. Photo: Scotty Reiss
For Eco mode, push a button on the console under the climate control panel. Our test model also included a heated steering wheel, a must in Michigan winters.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse’s head lights are stacked with the fog lights for a new look. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The new look of the Eclipse Cross’s front end includes a more hourglass-shaped grille, stacked head lights and fog lights and daytime running lights that wrap from the front to the sides of the car, drawing your eye along the car’s silhouette. And it looks especially pretty in the Diamond Red paint color.
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The rear seat is pretty roomy in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The rear seats are roomy enough to be comfortable. Rear seat passengers have cup holders in the arm rest, climate control and a 12V power port.
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The light gray leather and dual pane sunroof give the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a refined feel. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Oh, this light gray leather! The first time you open the door to climb in you’ll be smitten. It’s really pretty and gives the cabin a light, airy feel. Unfortunately it’s only available on the top of the line SEL edition.
The cargo area in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The Eclipse Cross is 5” longer than its predecessor, which gives it an additional cubic foot of cargo space, and under the cargo floor is a full size spare tire.
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Mitsubishi calls its AWD super all wheel control. Photo: Scotty Reiss
The AWD system, called Super All Wheel Control, a $1,600 upgrade, is good to have no matter what name they give it.
Yes, I went to Hell to test drive this car. It was worth it. Photo: Scotty Reiss
My trip took me to Hell, Michigan. No joke. And while I thought it was funny, I was really surprised to see it through the sunroof!
Disclosure: I was Mitsubishi’s guest for this test drive; all Covid protocols were followed, masks were worn, tests were negative, interactions were done safely and opinions are my own.
Scotty Reiss
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