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The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross went on sale in 2018 and lasted until the brand ceased new car sales in the UK in 2021. It was Mitsubishi’s entrant into a particularly competitive sector, and that tough competition is why you probably haven’t seen as many on the road as cars like the Toyota C-HR and Skoda Karoq.
It was actually a decent enough car, with a generous level of equipment as standard, a pretty sophisticated four-wheel drive system in some models, and impressive motorway refinement. In the demerit column, with just a single engine to choose from and cabin space that lags the best in the class, it didn’t quite have the breadth of talents of some rivals.
As well as the C-HR and Karoq, others in this class include the SEAT Ateca (largely identical to the Skoda under the skin), Peugeot 3008 (one of the more stylish options in the class), and the evergreen Nissan Qashqai - less rugged than the Mitsubishi but a better all-rounder.
One thing may deter you right away from buying an Eclipse Cross, which is that in 2021, Mitsubishi ceased selling new cars in the UK. Don’t be put off though, as the brand is still around in an aftersales capacity - this isn’t like buying a Saab or a Rover, with no dealer network left to support it.
With that out of the way, it’s all down to the car. The Eclipse Cross isn’t our favourite family SUV but it does have some things going for it: It’s well-equipped in any trim level, comes with a genuinely useful 4x4 option (Mitsubishi has been a 4x4 specialist for decades, after all) and it’s pretty refined too, especially in higher-spec models with an acoustic windscreen that further cuts noise.
The cabin’s quite a nice place to be, and all models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The layout is driver-focused and front-seat passengers get plenty of space. The sloping roof means a little less for those in the rear, but it’s more than suitable for kids, while boot space depends on whether you slide the rear bench backwards or forwards, or recline it. The 448-litre maximum is decent enough, the 341-litre minimum less so.
It drives well enough, riding a little firmly but being easy to nose around, even if the steering is a bit light and remote and it leans more in corners than several rivals. It doesn’t quite tow as much as some either, with a 1600kg rating. The sole engine, a 1.5-litre turbo, has enough pace though, and it’s reasonably refined.
Rivals include the Volkswagen Group trio of the VW Tiguan, Skoda Karoq, and SEAT Ateca, while if you want more style, consider a Peugeot 3008 or Mazda CX-5. There’s always the Nissan Qashqai too - still one of the UK’s best-selling cars, and for good reason thanks to its easy-going nature and practical cabin.
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Just as we recommended when the Eclipse Cross was new, we’d aim for Dynamic trim and above. The Verve and Design SE below it are decently equipped in their own right, but Dynamic’s front and rear parking sensors help mitigate the restricted rearward visibility, and dual-zone climate control, keyless go, and heated seats are all nice to have too.
It’s also the lowest trim that gives you access to the 4x4 drivetrain, if that’s a must-have, though otherwise, all models get the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, so there isn’t much choice in that department. You’ll get the best performance and economy sticking with the front-drive manual, though.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 1.5: The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in the Eclipse Cross developed 163PS, and economy and performance varied slightly depending on whether it was front-wheel drive and manual, front-wheel drive with a CVT automatic, or four-wheel drive with the CVT. Front-drive models all did 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, with a 10.4-second time for the 4x4. Combined economy meanwhile was up to 37.7mpg for the front-drive manual, and dropped to 32.5mpg for the CVT 4x4.
The Eclipse Cross offered a range of trim levels, going from the pretty well-equipped entry-level Verve, to the top-end Exceed with kit that still wouldn’t look out of place on an SUV launched today. Some models came with limitations as to which transmissions you could opt for, so if you need a 4x4 model, then you’ll need to look for either the Dynamic or Exceed, as the Verve and Design SE were only offered in front-wheel drive form.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Verve came only in manual, front-wheel drive form, and got 16-inch alloy wheels, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto lights and wipers, climate control, cruise control, electric heated door mirrors, privacy glass, a rear spoiler, and a reversing camera.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Design SE added the option of the CVT automatic, and extra equipment included 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Dynamic now had manual and CVT front-wheel drive and a CVT 4x4 option, with spec as per the Design SE, plus dual-zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, an electric handbrake on CVT models, front and rear parking sensors, a head-up display, heated front seats, and keyless go.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed added to Dynamic specification with a 360-degree parking camera, adaptive cruise control on the CVT, a black leather interior with orange stitching, blind spot warning and lane change assist functions, LED headlights, a power panoramic roof, and 9-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’s dimensions are:
Length: 4405mm
Width: 1805mm (without mirrors)
Height: 1685mm
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’s boot size is:
448 litres
1140 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)
The Eclipse Cross was launched after VED or ‘road tax’ was adjusted to a flat rate, which means you’ll currently pay £180 per year regardless of which model you go for. That’s exactly the same as almost all the Mitsubishi’s rivals - apart from those using hybrid power (£10 less) or fully electric vehicles, which are currently free.
Insurance group ratings are par for the course with the Eclipse cross, starting at group 18 for a Verve (and remember, there’s only one engine), and rising just a single group for the top-spec Exceed. Some alternative vehicles are a little lower - a Skoda Karoq starts in group 16 - but it’s unlikely to differ too much in your annual premium.