2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Better but not good enough

After seven straight years of increased annual sales, Mitsubishi followed the industry trend in 2020 and stumbled nearly 28 percent, 12 percent more than the industry average. It was a mighty fall for the underdog manufacturer. It annually has the county’s lowest sales among major carmakers.

But just when Mitsubishi’s misfortunes in 2020 (about 88,000 yearly sales nationwide) seemed likely to further dim the brand’s reputation, good fortune arrived. The vehicle didn’t have a 2021 edition, but the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has provided hope.

A modernized exterior design, including a streamlined one-window liftgate and bold new lettering (Range Rover-like) have eliminated the staid look of yesteryear.

The revamped exterior look includes an increased length by 5.5 inches (including 4 in the rear). It increases the SUV’s overall length to 173.4 inches. It’s the still smallest among competitors. The Nissan Rogue is 183 inches long, followed but the Honda CR-V (182.1) and Ford Escape (180.5).

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Handsome Inside, Outside

Improvements extend to the interior. There’s a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, and it’s been repositioned forward for easier use. The touchpad controller is gone, replaced by tuning and volume dials. Gray leather upholstery is also new.

Improvements aside, the Eclipse Cross is positioned in a segment of increasingly popular SUVs, including the Kia Sportage, Subaru Crosstrek as well as the CR-V, Escape and Rogue. Mitsubishi didn’t adjust its compact all-purpose vehicle’s guts. It has the same 1.5-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower. It defines underpowered.

Gas mileage is disappointing, ranging from 25 miles per gallon in city driving and 26 mpg on the freeway in some models to 26/29 averages in other trims.

The reviewed top-line SEL model has large metal paddle shifters. It gives the driver an option to “shift” the continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel or all-wheel drove are available.

A multi-view camera, heated steering wheel, leather seating and eight-way power passenger are included in the most expensive Eclipse Cross (starting MSRP $28,995).

Besides the healthy list standard feature on all trim levels, the SEL’s Touring Package is highlighted by an upgraded audio system, power panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation with high-speed braking, roof rails and a head-up display. Unlike higher grade front window head-up systems, the Eclipse Cross utilizes a small, static plastic shield. It’s flimsy at best.

A new gray leather seating option is offered on the top line SEL trim. All trims improved shiny metal cabin trim, further removing the Mitsubishi from its former staid appearance. Front-seat comfort is satisfactory, the rear seating for standard-sized adults.

Also disappointing: The Eclipse Cross has 23.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats (23.2 in models with a sunroof). It has 50.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down (49.7 cubes in models with a sunroof). As in other areas, the numbers can’t match competitors’ tallies. An SUV with subpar cargo space is missing the concept of the vehicle type, right?

As a small manufacturer, Mitsubishi enduringly suffers. The Eclipse Cross and its Outlander sibling are the country’s two slowest-selling new vehicles, averaging almost 200 days before being purchased. Used models don’t take as long, but the manufacturer also suffers from low resale values.

With its lowly status, Mitsubishi tries harder to entice buyers with one of the industry’s best warranties. It covers five years or 60,000 miles for its bumper-to-bumper status. The powertrain component is 10 years or 100,000 miles and there’s and a seven-year or 100,000-mile corrosion warranty.

The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is satisfactory overall. Its exterior is handsome; its interior improved. But the compact SUV market is brutal competition and Mitsubishi just can’t compete.