The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, a compact crossover SUV, has been on the market since 2018, offering a blend of style and practicality. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, ensuring you get the best features, reliability, and value. This guide will delve into the best and worst years of the Eclipse Cross to help you make an informed decision.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Model Year Comparison
| Feature/Year | 2018-2021 | 2022-Present |
|---|---|---|
| Styling | Distinctive, coupe-like roofline, controversial rear design. | More conventional rear design, updated front fascia. |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (152 hp, 184 lb-ft torque). | 1.5L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (152 hp, 184 lb-ft torque). |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). |
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen (base), 8-inch touchscreen (higher trims). | 7-inch touchscreen (base), 8-inch touchscreen (higher trims), standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. |
| Safety Features | Available Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning. | Standard Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning available. |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG (FWD), 25 MPG (AWD). | 26 MPG (FWD), 25 MPG (AWD). |
| Common Problems | CVT issues (reported), infotainment system glitches, minor electrical problems. | Fewer reported issues, improved CVT performance. |
| Cargo Space (Rear Seats Up) | 22.6 cubic feet (2018-2021), 23.4 cubic feet (2022-Present) | 26.3 cubic feet (2022-Present) |
| Cargo Space (Rear Seats Down) | 48.9 cubic feet (2018-2021), 50.1 cubic feet (2022-Present) | 62.6 cubic feet (2022-Present) |
| Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2018-2021) | Varies, some years below average. | Improved ratings starting in 2022. |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5 Stars (most years). | 5 Stars. |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick | Yes (certain years with specific options). | Yes (certain years with specific options). |
| Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain. | 5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain. |
| Key Changes/Updates | N/A | Significant redesign in 2022, improved interior, increased cargo space. |
| Resale Value | Lower than average. | Potentially better due to the redesign and improved reputation. |
| Overall Recommendation | Consider with caution, research specific model year. | Recommended, especially 2023 and 2024. |
Detailed Explanations
Styling: The initial Eclipse Cross design (2018-2021) featured a distinctive, coupe-like roofline and a controversial split rear window. The 2022 redesign eliminated the split window and adopted a more conventional and arguably more appealing rear end. This change significantly improved rear visibility and overall aesthetics.
Engine: All Eclipse Cross models are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate performance for daily driving.
Transmission: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the only transmission option available. Early models (2018-2021) had some reported issues with CVT performance and reliability. Mitsubishi has made improvements to the CVT in later models (2022-present), resulting in smoother operation and better responsiveness.
Infotainment: The base models come with a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offer an 8-inch touchscreen. The 2022 redesign made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims, a welcome addition for smartphone integration. The infotainment system itself is generally user-friendly but can sometimes feel laggy in older models.
Safety Features: All Eclipse Cross models offer a range of safety features, including available forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning. The 2022 redesign made forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning standard, enhancing the safety proposition.
Fuel Economy (Combined): The Eclipse Cross achieves an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined for front-wheel-drive models and 25 MPG combined for all-wheel-drive models. These figures are average for the compact crossover segment.
Common Problems: Earlier models (2018-2021) were reported to have issues with the CVT, infotainment system glitches, and minor electrical problems. The 2022 redesign and subsequent model years have shown a decrease in reported problems, indicating improved reliability.
Cargo Space: The 2022 redesign significantly increased cargo space. With the rear seats up, cargo space increased from 22.6/23.4 cubic feet to 26.3 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space increased from 48.9/50.1 cubic feet to 62.6 cubic feet. This makes the 2022 and newer models significantly more practical for hauling cargo.
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating: Consumer Reports reliability ratings for the Eclipse Cross varied in its early years, with some years scoring below average. However, the ratings have improved significantly since the 2022 redesign, reflecting the improvements made to the vehicle.
NHTSA Safety Rating: The Eclipse Cross has consistently earned a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), indicating a high level of crash protection.
IIHS Top Safety Pick: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the Eclipse Cross the Top Safety Pick designation in certain years, but only when equipped with specific options, such as LED headlights.
Warranty: All Eclipse Cross models come with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This provides owners with peace of mind knowing that major mechanical components are covered for an extended period.
Key Changes/Updates: The most significant update to the Eclipse Cross was the 2022 redesign. This included a revised exterior design, improved interior materials, increased cargo space, and enhanced safety features.
Resale Value: The resale value of the Eclipse Cross has historically been lower than average compared to other compact crossovers. However, the 2022 redesign and improved reputation may lead to better resale values for newer models.
Overall Recommendation: While the early years of the Eclipse Cross (2018-2021) offer a more affordable entry point, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues and carefully research specific model years. The 2022 and newer models are generally recommended due to the significant improvements in design, reliability, and features. The 2023 and 2024 models are particularly desirable as they benefit from the refinements made in the 2022 redesign and have fewer reported issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross year is the most reliable? The 2023 and 2024 models are generally considered the most reliable due to the improvements made in the 2022 redesign and subsequent refinements.
Are there any specific years of the Eclipse Cross to avoid? The 2018-2020 models are generally considered less desirable due to reported issues with the CVT and infotainment system.
Did the Eclipse Cross change its design in any year? Yes, a significant redesign occurred in 2022, which included a revised exterior, improved interior, and increased cargo space.
Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have good fuel economy? The Eclipse Cross achieves average fuel economy for its class, with around 26 MPG combined for FWD models.
What is the warranty on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? The Eclipse Cross comes with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What kind of engine does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have? All models are equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross safe? Yes, the Eclipse Cross consistently receives high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all models starting with the 2022 redesign.
Are there known issues with the Eclipse Cross CVT transmission? Earlier models (2018-2021) had reported issues with the CVT, but improvements have been made in later models.
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a good car to buy? The 2022 and newer models are generally recommended due to their improved design, reliability, and features, making them a good option in the compact crossover segment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross model year requires careful consideration of factors such as styling, reliability, features, and budget. While the earlier models offer a more affordable entry point, the 2022 and newer models, particularly the 2023 and 2024 versions, represent a significant improvement and offer a more compelling ownership experience. Opting for a newer model will likely result in greater satisfaction and fewer potential headaches down the road.