2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Our VerdictThe Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a stylish compact SUV that offers standard all-wheel drive and a rock-solid warranty, but it trades exhilarating performance and space for everyday practicality.
Adventurers, Techies, Budget-minded buyers.
Speed enthusiasts, Cargo-haulers.
The Case For
- Standard AWD
- Excellent warranty
- Comfortable ride
- Modern infotainment
Considerations
- Modest 152-hp engine
- Tight rear seat
- Average fuel economy
- Weak resale value
Who It's For
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover SUV that blends a sleek, angular design with practical daily usability. It’s for buyers who want an affordable AWD vehicle with modern tech and strong warranty coverage. The Cross stands out with its bold styling and wide choice of colors (from vibrant red to refined gray). Under the hood, it packs a 1.5 L turbocharged I4 (152 hp) that feels smooth but adequate for commuting. Overall, the Eclipse Cross offers a roomy (though not class-leading) 5-seat cabin with standard conveniences like an 8″ touchscreen and smartphone integration. Its hybrid-like fuel economy (around 25–28 mpg) helps keep running costs in check.
Choose Your Specification
ES
$27,695Value Base
The ES comes with 16″ wheels, LED running lights, cloth seats, and an 8″ touchscreen. It includes key safety tech like lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. All-wheel drive is standard, making this a good pick for budget-minded buyers who need AWD traction and basic comfort (automatic climate, cruise control) without frills.
LE
$29,295Stylish Mid-Range
The LE adds more style and convenience. It rolls on 18″ black-painted wheels and gets push-button start, automatic high beams, heated front seats, and a keyless entry system. This trim is great for drivers who want upgraded looks and comfort – think Tech or Style seekers.
SE
$30,395Tech-Forward
Building on the LE, the SE focuses on advanced comfort. It adds an 8-way power driver’s seat, synthetic-suede upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free power liftgate. Critically, it also upgrades safety and convenience: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot/Rear Cross Traffic alerts, and a stronger AEB system. This “Most Well-Rounded” trim suits families or commuters wanting extra tech and amenities.
RALLIART
$31,245Blending Style With Substance
A sport-inspired edition with all the SE features plus exclusive styling bits. It gets black alloy wheels, mud flaps, side graphics, a rear spoiler, and Ralliart badge details. The Ralliart is for buyers who like the SE’s content but want a more performance-themed look. (Under the skin it’s mechanically identical to the SE.)
Black Edition
$31,545Stealthy Style
Similar to the SE but with unique accents. It swaps in black roof rails, black door trims, a special hood badge, and sport pedals. It’s essentially an SE with a sinister two-tone appearance. Ideal for style-conscious drivers who want standout looks without going to the top SEL trim.
SEL
$31,845Top Luxury Trim
Inside, the SEL adds leather seating (heated driver/passenger), an 8-way power passenger seat, a heated steering wheel, and a 360° surround-view camera. The SEL is for those who want a premium cabin or buyers wanting a near-luxury feel. It also offers the SEL Touring package (adds sunroof, HUD, 8-speaker audio, heated rear seats) for maximum comfort.
- The SE AWD strikes the sweet spot between affordability and features, adding key upgrades over the ES without pushing the price too close to the premium trims.
- It includes features such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, upgraded interior materials, and additional driver-assistance technology that most owners will appreciate every day.
- The SE AWD typically offers stronger resale desirability than the base ES while avoiding the higher purchase price of the SEL and Black Edition, making it the most balanced Eclipse.
Trim by Trim
Select your car trims and compare them instantly
| Specification | ES FWD | ES S-AWC | LE S-AWC | SE S-AWC | SEL S-AWC | Black Edition S-AWC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 | 1.5L Turbo Gas I4 |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp |
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 26 / 29 MPG | 25 / 28 MPG | 25 / 28 MPG | 25 / 28 MPG | 25 / 28 MPG | 25 / 28 MPG |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 5 passengers | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Capacity | 23.4 cu-ft | 23.4 cu-ft | 23.4 cu-ft | 23.4 cu-ft | 23.4 cu-ft | 23.4 cu-ft |
| Car Type | Compact SUV | Compact SUV | Compact SUV | Compact SUV | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
The Cost of Ownership
Estimated annual and monthly ownership costs
Assumptions: Based on average U.S. driver (12,000 miles/year, fuel price ~$3.75/gal, good driving record).
From Every Angle
Exterior
4.5Bold, angular, and modern design
The Eclipse Cross’s exterior is immediately eye-catching with its sharp creases, sloping roofline and two-tier rear window. Mitsubishi updated the grille and LED lighting for a fresh look, and the two-tone Black Edition adds even more flair. Body colors range from bright red or blue to classic white/gray/black, letting buyers personalize their style. The Ralliart trim includes sporty black side graphics and spoilers, while roof rails are available with the panoramic sunroof option. Overall build quality feels solid, and the crossover stance (8.5″ ground clearance) hints at some off-road capability.
Interior
4Comfortable, well-equipped cabin with a few entry-level materials
Step inside to find a roomy front row with plenty of head- and legroom. The dash feels uncluttered, centered on a user-friendly 8″ touchscreen. Controls are laid out logically (heated seats have straightforward knobs), and the driving position is easy to find. Rear seating is respectable but not cavernous – tall adults may find legroom and visibility limited. Materials are durable but mostly hard plastics; the SEL trim adds leather and a padded armrest. In everyday driving, the cabin stays quiet, and the insulation is good for the price. Storage cubbies include a practical glove box, large door bins, and a split-fold rear seat to expand cargo.
Safety
4Packed with modern safety tech; strong NHTSA rating.
Safety tech comes standard: forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera are on all trims. The SE and above add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. NHTSA awarded the Eclipse Cross a 5‑star overall safety rating, though IIHS crash scores are mixed (several “Poor” marks in overlap tests). On the plus side, Mitsubishi’s rigid chassis and multiple airbags mean good protection in front and side impacts.
Fuel Economy
3.5Decent mileage for AWD; not class-leading
With its small turbo engine, the Eclipse Cross returns about 25 mpg city/26–28 mpg highway (base ES is 28 mpg highway). That’s roughly 26 mpg combined for the ES trim and 25 mpg combined for all other trims. In real-world driving, expect mid-20s on mixed commutes. Car and Driver’s highway test yielded 26 mpg at 75 mph, matching EPA estimates. These numbers are okay but lag behind some rivals. For a gas-only AWD subcompact, the Eclipse Cross’s economy is satisfactory.
Tech & Infotainment
4Modern connectivity; basic sound system
Every trim sports an 8.0″ touchscreen that’s sharper than in last year’s base model. It has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard (wired connections), along with Bluetooth and a four-speaker stereo on base models. LE and higher trims get a six-speaker setup (and SEL Touring even adds an 8-speaker premium audio) for richer sound. A USB port (or two) and SiriusXM come standard. Wireless charging isn’t offered, but climate and infotainment controls are intuitive and easy to reach. The system responds quickly; occasional lag is rare.
Performance & Handling
4Comfortable ride, not sporty
The 1.5L turbocharged 152-hp engine delivers smooth low-end torque, making city merging easy. However, it’s not quick (0–60 mph takes about 8.6 seconds). On hills or highways, you’ll feel the need to downshift often. Steering is light and precise for parking, but offers little feedback, so cornering excitement is minimal. The suspension is tuned soft: potholes and rough pavement are absorbed well, giving a cushy ride. Body roll is noticeable in sharper turns, emphasizing comfort over agility. Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive system (S‑AWC) provides confidence in rain or light snow. In short: it’s pleasant for daily commuting but lacks the athletic edge of some rivals.
Warranty
5Long-term peace of mind
Mitsubishi offers an excellent warranty that outshines most competitors. Coverage includes a 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and a whopping 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. This means major components (engine, transmission) are protected for a decade. Additionally, 5 years/60,000 miles of 24/7 roadside assistance is included. In practice, this means fewer unexpected repair costs. The only gap is a shorter rust/perforation term (5
New This Year
- The base ES trim now gets an 8-inch touchscreen (up from 7″) with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Built-in GPS is dropped; all models rely on smartphone mapping.
- SEL and SEL Touring trims carry “Eclipse Cross” hood badges for a premium touch.
- The lineup adds a new Ralliart Black Edition trim with sporty black accents, as well as special Black Edition styling across models for added visual flair.
Cars Similar to 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
To put the Eclipse Cross in perspective, let’s compare it to two other popular small SUVs: the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. Below is a side-by-side look at how they differ in key areas:
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
2026 Volkswagen Tiguan
2026 Subaru Crosstrek| Aspect | 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 1.5L Turbo I4 offering 152 hp. Available S-AWC AWD. | 2.0L Turbo I4 offering 201 hp. Available AWD. Noticeably quicker acceleration. | 2.5L Boxer 4-cylinder offering 182 hp. Standard Symmetrical AWD. Better responsiveness than the Eclipse Cross. |
| Tech & Interior | Standard 8-inch touchscreen, leather seating, and premium audio on higher trims. | Larger available infotainment screens. Available panoramic roof. | Available 11.6-inch touchscreen, durable materials, and intuitive controls. |
| Practicality | 23.4 cu-ft cargo space behind rear seats; Suitable for groceries, luggage, and family errands. | 37.6 cu-ft cargo space behind rear seats; Easily accommodates large cargo items. | 20.0 cu-ft cargo space behind rear seats; Practical for outdoor gear while maintaining a compact footprint. |
| Comfort & Space | Seats 5 passengers. Comfortable front seats and adequate rear-seat room. | Seats 5 passengers. Offers the roomiest rear seat. | Seats 5 passengers. Supportive seating and excellent visibility, though rear-seat space is a bit tighter. |
| Who's It For? | Buyers wanting an affordable turbocharged crossover with AWD capability and strong warranty coverage. | Families prioritizing interior space, technology, cargo flexibility, and long-distance comfort. | Outdoor enthusiasts seeking standard AWD, rugged capability, and excellent safety credentials. |
| Best Choice For | Long-term value warranty coverage budget-conscious crossover shoppers. | Growing families, Buyers seeking a near-premium experience. | Individuals residing in snowy climates. Ones who appreciate advanced tech. |
Asked & Answered
What is the fuel economy of the Eclipse Cross?
EPA rates it about 25 mpg city / 26–28 mpg highway (26 combined for base ES). In real-world driving, expect roughly mid-20s.
Does the Eclipse Cross come standard with all-wheel drive?
Yes, every 2026 trim includes Mitsubishi’s AWD system as standard equipment. There are no front-wheel-drive versions in the lineup.
How powerful is the engine, and how does it feel in daily driving?
The turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder makes 152 horsepower. It delivers smooth, low-end power, but it won’t feel fast. 0–60 mph takes about 8.5 seconds. For most city and highway merging, it’s adequate, but heavy throttle won’t produce sports-car acceleration.
Is there a hybrid or plug-in version?
For 2026, the Eclipse Cross is gas-only (1.5L turbo). Mitsubishi’s hybrid/PHEV options are limited to other models (like the Outlander PHEV).
What about reliability and resale?
Mitsubishi has a solid reliability track record. The Cross comes with an industry-leading warranty (10-year/100k powertrain). Resale value tends to be low among compact SUVs, so if you plan to trade in or sell later, expect a bigger drop in value than, say, a Honda or Subaru.
How roomy is the cabin and cargo area?
It’s a true 5-seater with reasonable legroom up front. Rear seat space is okay for two adults on short trips but not as roomy as larger SUVs. Cargo is 23.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats (roughly enough for a couple of large suitcases), expanding to about 50 cu ft with the seats folded. It’s enough for daily errands or light road trips, but bulkier hauls (or taller passengers) might feel cramped.