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2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL Review by John Heilig +VIDEO


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SEE ALSO: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Content library

THE AUTO PAGE
By John Heilig
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Mid-Atlantic Bureau
The Auto Channel


REVIEWED MODEL: 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL

ENGINE: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4

TRANSMISSION: CVT with step sport mode

HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 152 hp @ 5,500 rpm/184 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm

WHEELBASE: 105.1 in.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 173.4 x 71.1 x 66.5 in.

TIRES; P225/55R18

CARGO CAPACITY: 22.6/48.9 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down)

ECONOMY; 25 mpg city/26 mpg highway/24.6 mpg test

FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 15.8 gal.

CURB WEIGHT: 3,516 lbs.

TOWING CAPACITY: 1,500 lbs.

COMPETITIVE CLASS: Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape

STICKER: $32,720 (includes $1,095 delivery, $3,030 options)

BOTTOM LINE: The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is nothing like the Eclipse sporty coupe, but as a small SUV it does the job.

Mitsubishi introduced the Eclipse Cross small SUV in 2018 to go along with its Outlander and Outlander Sport SUVs. The choice of name is interesting, because the Eclipse Cross is nothing like the Eclipse sporty coupe that had been a halo vehicle for Mitsu for years, since the demise of the sportier 3000 GT that was a twin to the similar Dodge model.

The Eclipse Cross (henceforth known as the Cross) is a comfortable driver with decent power from the 1.5-liter turbocharged four. Our tester was equipped with all wheel drive and multiple drive modes - eco, auto, snow, gravel. We drove in Eco primarily, including during a long trip to Atlantic City when we averaged 30.0 mpg.

Front seats are comfortable and heated and offer very good side support, much like the Eclipse half to the Cross name.The other half is the crossover part that provides very good cargo capacity, even with the rear seat backs up. I still had to lower the rear seat backs to get my golf clubs in the back.

Rear seat legroom is tight. However, they can slide back a few inches for increased, and much better, legroom. The rear seats, like the front are heated.




I had one major complaint with the Cross, and I might as well get it out of the way in the beginning. The high-mounted stoplight is a bar set right in the middle of the rear window, obstructing the view. Granted, you get accustomed to its being there after a while and it “disappears,” but if you’re uncertain if the constabulary is following you, it’s good to have a full view.

In reverse, you get the standard back-up camera view plus an “overhead” 360-degree view. You can also turn these cameras on by using a switch on the wheel. This is convenient for checking in front when you’re parking.

The infotainment screen is clear with the usual menu of choices. Unfortunately, the navigation system is difficult to program, so difficult that I used my phone’s navigation app instead. Maneuvering around the infotainment screen required a touch pad in the center of the console. You can use the touch screen as well.

The air conditioner worked well. Although autumn is rushing in, we didn’t need the heater. Soon….

Interior storage consisted of a nice cubby at the base of the center stack with 12-volt and two USB outlets, the Eco mode switch and heated wheel switch. There’s also a good sized console/arm rest and room for water in all the doors. Four assist handles aid entry and exit, and there’s a dual sun roof for those who like ‘em.

Overall, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a good entry in the small SUV/CUV segment, except for that bloody high mounted stop light.

(c) 2019 The Auto Page Syndicate