Small car makers like Mitsubishi don't roll out new models very often, but they managed it last year with the Eclipse Cross's introduction, which sticks a name that might be familiar to fans of coupes and convertibles name on a compact crossover.
There are no changes for 2019.
A four-door crossover that resembles more conventional models like the Honda CR-V from certain angles, the Eclipse Cross wears what Mitsu calls coupe-like styling that lends its back end an unfortunate resemblance to the Pontiac Aztek of the early 2000s.
Mitsubishi is among the first to bring to the entry-level crossover crowd a form-over-function aesthetic more commonly seen on upscale models like the BMW X4 and X6 and Mercedes-Benz’s GLC and GLE Coupe variants.
Powering the Eclipse Cross is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that can emulate the performance of an eight-speed gearbox. All Eclipse Cross trims come standard with Mitsu’s Super All-Wheel Control AWD system.
Trims begin with ES, which comes with heated side mirrors, rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, colour driver information display, Bluetooth, 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration support, backup camera and automatic climate control.
The move up to SE brings blind spot warning with cross traffic alert and lane change assist, electric parking brake, power-folding side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter and rain-sensing wipers.
An SE Tech package adds forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise, automatic high beams and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
At the top of the range, the GT trim adds a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, head-up display, multi-view backup camera, 710-watt sound system, leather seating, power driver’s seat adjustment, heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.
As of our putting this buyer's guide together, Mitsubishi had yet to publish 2019 fuel consumption estimates for the 2019 Eclipse Cross, but those figures should be the same as the 2018 model's 9.6/8.9 L/100 km (city/highway).
