Likes
- Decent turbo engine
- Sporty design, but that’s where the sportiness stops
- Great features as standard
- Handy safety features
Used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review
2017 - 2020
Dislikes
- Average fuel efficiency
- Poor rear visibility thanks to the split tailgate
- A handful of reliability concerns
- 5yr warranty lags behind competitors like Hyundai and Kia
Stuff you should know
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, introduced to the Australian market in 2017, brought with it a fresh design and modern features, positioning itself in the competitive compact SUV segment.
Over the years from 2017 to 2020, the Eclipse Cross was made available in a range of variants to cater to different customer needs and preferences. The lineup typically included the ES, LS, Exceed, and later, the Black Edition.
In terms of updates, the 2018 model saw the introduction of the Black Edition, which offered sportier aesthetics with black alloy wheels and other black-themed exterior accents. Over the years, Mitsubishi also refined the Eclipse Cross’s design elements, notably the rear, and enhanced its infotainment system for better user experience. By 2020, the Eclipse Cross received further tweaks in its styling, making it look more modern and streamlined than its predecessors.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, particularly in its higher-end variants like the Exceed, was equipped with a plethora of technological features. The car came with a touchscreen infotainment system, which later models improved upon with a more intuitive interface and better smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, ensuring seamless smartphone connectivity. The audio system, especially in the higher trims, offered premium sound quality, making the driving experience even more enjoyable.
Safety was paramount in the Eclipse Cross’s design. Standard across the range were features like seven airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock braking system. The higher-end models, such as the Exceed, took safety up a notch with features like forward collision mitigation (which warns the driver of a potential collision and can apply brakes if necessary), lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The inclusion of these advanced safety systems aimed to ensure the well-being of both the occupants and other road users.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for the Australian market underwent considerable evolution, ensuring it remained competitive in its segment. Its blend of design, technology, and safety features made it a compelling choice for those in search of a compact SUV.
What goes wrong
Interior:
- Some owners have noted that the infotainment system can sometimes be non-intuitive, with the touchpad controller being particularly finicky. It may require more effort to navigate than some competing systems.
- Some critics and users felt that the interior materials, especially in the base models, weren’t up to the mark when compared to some of the competition. There were reports of rattles and creaks developing over time.
- While the Eclipse Cross is decently spacious for front passengers, the rear can be a bit tight, especially for taller passengers. The sloping roofline might also compromise headroom for some.
- The split-rear window design, while stylish, has been a point of contention. It can compromise rear visibility, making it a bit challenging for some drivers, especially in tight parking scenarios.
- Faulty components can cause the AC system to blow warm air or fail.
Mechanically:
- There have been occasional reports about the Eclipse Cross’s engine feeling underpowered, especially during overtaking on highways. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can also feel unresponsive at times, leading to a lacklustre driving experience for some.
- While the Eclipse Cross offers reasonable fuel efficiency, some owners have reported real-world consumption figures that are higher than the official claims.
- On rougher roads, the suspension setup might feel a bit firm for some occupants, leading to a less-than-ideal ride comfort.
- Poor Fuel Economy, often caused by issues like a faulty oxygen sensor, fuel pump, or clogged air filter.
- Issues like faulty wiring, battery, or alternator can cause difficulty starting the engine among other problems.
- Owners have reported brake squealing, excessive brake pad wear, and a clunky suspension.
- Transmission issues in the vehicle can lead to slow acceleration, rough idling, and other performance issues.
Recalls:
- March 2023 – Mitsubishi’s Mirage, ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero, Pajero Sport, Triton, and Express (2020 – 2022) were sold without necessary button/coin battery warnings, affecting 7,468 units.
Interior:
- Some owners have noted that the infotainment system can sometimes be non-intuitive, with the touchpad controller being particularly finicky. It may require more effort to navigate than some competing systems.
- Some critics and users felt that the interior materials, especially in the base models, weren’t up to the mark when compared to some of the competition. There were reports of rattles and creaks developing over time.
- While the Eclipse Cross is decently spacious for front passengers, the rear can be a bit tight, especially for taller passengers. The sloping roofline might also compromise headroom for some.
- The split-rear window design, while stylish, has been a point of contention. It can compromise rear visibility, making it a bit challenging for some drivers, especially in tight parking scenarios.
- Faulty components can cause the AC system to blow warm air or fail.
Mechanically:
- There have been occasional reports about the Eclipse Cross’s engine feeling underpowered, especially during overtaking on highways. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can also feel unresponsive at times, leading to a lacklustre driving experience for some.
- While the Eclipse Cross offers reasonable fuel efficiency, some owners have reported real-world consumption figures that are higher than the official claims.
- On rougher roads, the suspension setup might feel a bit firm for some occupants, leading to a less-than-ideal ride comfort.
- Poor Fuel Economy, often caused by issues like a faulty oxygen sensor, fuel pump, or clogged air filter.
- Issues like faulty wiring, battery, or alternator can cause difficulty starting the engine among other problems.
- Owners have reported brake squealing, excessive brake pad wear, and a clunky suspension.
- Transmission issues in the vehicle can lead to slow acceleration, rough idling, and other performance issues.
Recalls:
- March 2023 – Mitsubishi’s Mirage, ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero, Pajero Sport, Triton, and Express (2020 – 2022) were sold without necessary button/coin battery warnings, affecting 7,468 units.
Interior:
- Some owners have noted that the infotainment system can sometimes be non-intuitive, with the touchpad controller being particularly finicky. It may require more effort to navigate than some competing systems.
- Some critics and users felt that the interior materials, especially in the base models, weren’t up to the mark when compared to some of the competition. There were reports of rattles and creaks developing over time.
- While the Eclipse Cross is decently spacious for front passengers, the rear can be a bit tight, especially for taller passengers. The sloping roofline might also compromise headroom for some.
- The split-rear window design, while stylish, has been a point of contention. It can compromise rear visibility, making it a bit challenging for some drivers, especially in tight parking scenarios.
- Faulty components can cause the AC system to blow warm air or fail.
Mechanically:
- There have been occasional reports about the Eclipse Cross’s engine feeling underpowered, especially during overtaking on highways. The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) can also feel unresponsive at times, leading to a lacklustre driving experience for some.
- While the Eclipse Cross offers reasonable fuel efficiency, some owners have reported real-world consumption figures that are higher than the official claims.
- On rougher roads, the suspension setup might feel a bit firm for some occupants, leading to a less-than-ideal ride comfort.
- Poor Fuel Economy, often caused by issues like a faulty oxygen sensor, fuel pump, or clogged air filter.
- Issues like faulty wiring, battery, or alternator can cause difficulty starting the engine among other problems.
- Owners have reported brake squealing, excessive brake pad wear, and a clunky suspension.
- Transmission issues in the vehicle can lead to slow acceleration, rough idling, and other performance issues.
Recalls:
- March 2023 – Mitsubishi’s Mirage, ASX, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero, Pajero Sport, Triton, and Express (2020 – 2022) were sold without necessary button/coin battery warnings, affecting 7,468 units.
Should you buy it?
Buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might appeal to those who are after a well-equipped, decent driving sporty aesthetic. The Eclipse Cross comes with a great set of standard features and safety tech and a number of owners have positive feedback about their experience. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The fuel efficiency is below average, despite Mitsubishi’s claims, and the split tailgate design significantly hampers rear visibility.
There’s also a few reliability issues to consider, which could require visits to the mechanic. Additionally, the 5-year warranty offering falls short when stacked against the more competitive warranties offered by Hyundai and Kia.
Buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might appeal to those who are after a well-equipped, decent driving sporty aesthetic. The Eclipse Cross comes with a great set of standard features and safety tech and a number of owners have positive feedback about their experience. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The fuel efficiency is below average, despite Mitsubishi’s claims, and the split tailgate design significantly hampers rear visibility.
There’s also a few reliability issues to consider, which could require visits to the mechanic. Additionally, the 5-year warranty offering falls short when stacked against the more competitive warranties offered by Hyundai and Kia.
Should you buy it?
Buying a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might appeal to those who are after a well-equipped, decent driving sporty aesthetic. The Eclipse Cross comes with a great set of standard features and safety tech and a number of owners have positive feedback about their experience. However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The fuel efficiency is below average, despite Mitsubishi’s claims, and the split tailgate design significantly hampers rear visibility.
There’s also a few reliability issues to consider, which could require visits to the mechanic. Additionally, the 5-year warranty offering falls short when stacked against the more competitive warranties offered by Hyundai and Kia.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Oct 04, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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