To stand out in a crowded market, especially in the family SUV segment, you need a distinctive look. Take the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, for example. In a space where nearly every car manufacturer has something to offer, making a bold design choice is crucial—and that's likely why the Eclipse Cross has its unique appearance.
Currently, the Eclipse Cross is available with just one engine option, whereas many of its competitors offer both petrol and diesel choices. However, its 161bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine does provide a decent amount of power. That said, the accelerator response is sharp, which can make smooth starts challenging, and the engine tends to be noisy during acceleration.
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Eclipse Cross feels like a typical tall SUV. It exhibits noticeable body lean in corners, and the steering, which is vague and slow, doesn't inspire much confidence or provide a clear sense of what the front wheels are doing. On the plus side, the steering is light, making parking easier.
Inside, the Eclipse Cross has one of Mitsubishi's best interiors in years, though it's still marred by hard, scratchy plastics that detract from its overall appeal. The infotainment system has seen some improvements, with a touchscreen that’s positioned somewhat far from the driver. To compensate, there's a touchpad on the centre console for control. However, the touchpad's sensitivity might lead you to prefer using the touchscreen directly, especially if you’re not particularly patient.
Equipment, options and extras
We recommend the 3 trim as the best value for money. It adds front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a head-up display to an already impressive list of standard features, all without significantly increasing the price.
Costs, insurance groups, mpg and CO2
Although the Eclipse Cross is affordably priced, its turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine isn't particularly fuel-efficient compared to other family SUVs. The official NEDC economy figure is 42.8mpg, but in real-world driving, you'll likely see a lower number. Road tax will cost £140 annually.
Mitsubishi provides a fixed-price service plan for up to three years, which can be transferred to the next owner—something to keep in mind when shopping for a used Eclipse Cross. Insurance costs should be reasonable for this class of vehicle.
The Car Planet verdict
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross certainly stands out with its distinctive design as a family SUV, but its driving performance lags behind more capable rivals.
Car Planet are experts in used cars in Watford and Hertfordshire. Our virtual viewings mean you can check out a car from the comfort of your own home, or you can come in and view our cars in person. Every car goes through a thorough 150-point check to ensure it’s totally roadworthy. We’re transparent, too: we always display the details of a car’s imperfections. We care about sustainability, which is why we plant a tree for every car we sell, and we provide a 7-day money-back guarantee to any customer who isn’t absolutely satisfied with our service. With our competitive finance deals and part exchanges, you’re sure to find what you need, so check out our selection of secondhand Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross today and let’s get the ball rolling!
