Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2020 Review

The new-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross may represent a small portion of the sales volume achieved by its sibling equivalent, the aging, segment-leading ASX, but that barely disguises the fact that there’s a gulf of technological advancement separating the two small Mitsubishi SUVs.

In 2019, the still-appealing ASX ruled the small SUV category with 20,806 sales, putting it comfortably ahead of Mazda’s CX-3 (14,813 sales), Hyundai’s Kona (13,342) and Honda’s HR-V (11,731) – and significantly in front of the 6,998 sales recorded by the Eclipse Cross.

In fact, at 9.3 per cent up on 2018 figures, the ASX was one of only three top-10 small SUVs to improve sales over 2018, including the Hyundai Kona (up 8.0 per cent) and Suzuki Vitara (up 4.6 per cent).

But the fact that the Mitsubishi ASX is still in there swinging while its more contemporary Eclipse Cross stablemate lags well behind is due to not only one thing – the significant pricing differential between the two.

You can buy an ASX for $23,990 while the entry-level ES Eclipse will cost you $29,990 – both before on-road costs.

And while the decade-old ASX scores quite well in terms of contemporary safety technology (and, in top-spec Exceed form, actually out-points the LS-spec Eclipse Cross in some ways) it doesn’t take much to appreciate that the newer car is a product almost of a different age.

With some reservations concerning the selective availability of safety functions depending on model level, safety tech runs to high and low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and the engine is a new 110kW/250Nm direct-injection 1.5-litre turbo four that is torquier than the ASX’s 123kW/222Nm 2.4-litre and the 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre.

The 2020 Eclipse Cross’ engine is also more economical, with fuel consumption/CO2 output figures of 7.3L/100km and 165g/km, compared to respective figures of 7.9L/100km and 185g/km, and 7.6L/100km and 176g/km for the ASX’s 2.4-litre and 2.0-litre engines.

To convincingly strut your stuff as a safety-minded car-maker though, every variant of a particular model, from entry upward, should get the full benefit of technology. For example the top-rung Eclipse Cross Exceed adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert to the LS model’s more basic safety spec.

In $32,190 mid-spec, front-drive LS trim as reviewed here, the Eclipse Cross seems a bit paltry with only AEB, lane-departure warning and rear parking sensors to its credit.

And although it comes with climate-control, self-dipping headlights, folding and heated rear-view mirrors and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, it’s not really that sumptuous with cloth trim (albeit attractively patterned with contrasting stitching), manual seat adjustment, a pretty basic six-speaker audio system and a lack of air venting to the rear-seat passengers.

For all the shortfall of standard safety tech that seems to conspires against it, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS is still appealing.

The modern cabin features generally-intuitive controls and there’s a decent centre screen sitting tablet-style atop the dash centre. It’s a pity though that the touch-pad on the centre console doesn’t prove to be all that useful in avoiding the need for touch-screen operation for some functions. And, like many Mitsubishis, sat-nav just doesn’t make it onboard.

Dynamically, the Eclipse Cross is capable, pretty quiet on the open road and, though a bit abrupt in certain circumstances, rides well too. The steering is relatively quick (2.6 turns from lock to lock) and nicely weighted for easy manoeuvring in supermarket carparks.

The 1.5-litre turbo is responsive and smooth, although hampered at times a by a typically invasive CVT system that has no qualms revving out to maintain a sweet spot in the torque band.

On the credit side it at least tries to mimic a conventional auto by offering eight ‘ratios’ that are accessible manually via king-size paddle shifters either side of the multi-function steering wheel.

Our front-drive Eclipse Cross matched the ADR 7.3L/100km combined fuel consumption figure which contrasts with the much-thirstier AWD version driven recently, which rarely managed better than 10L/100km.

Of course, all this is underscored by the small SUV’s generously-proportioned interior and a boot that we’d describe as competitive.

Ranging from a seats-up 341 litres to a total, seats-folded capacity of 1143 litres, the Eclipse Cross will carry more paraphernalia than a Mazda CX-3, much the same as a Hyundai Kona, but less than Honda’s HR-V. And, surprisingly, not quite as much as its ASX sibling.

Because the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross tends to straddle the gap between small and mid-size SUVs, there’s plenty here that will appeal to young families, or younger-generation buyers attracted to the sharp styling and techno-savvy fittings.

A bonus is that its size does not compromise its easy-handling characteristics around town. But the comfort, performance and fuel economy make it pleasant to live with on the open road too.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard roof rails will carry up to 50kg and, better than other small-class SUVs which generally come in well below, it will tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1600kg. The Hyundai Kona will tow 1300kg, the Mazda CX-3 1200kg and the Honda HR-V 800kg by comparison.

The ownership deals are pretty much industry-standard too. Although there’s the odd offer out there from time to time, the warranty is five years/100,000km and the servicing intervals are at 12-monthly, or 15,000km intervals, whichever comes first.

Capped-price servicing runs at $199 per service for up to 45,000km or three years, and roadside assist is in place for the first year.

Those not overly dictated-to by price considerations will find plenty of allure in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Not only is its styling on the attractive side of merely distinctive but its contemporary interior with ample stretch-out space also tends to separate it from many of its competitors.

It’s worth remembering though, if price is more of a consideration, that the top-spec Mitsubishi ASX Exceed, at $33,240 before on-road costs, not only comes close to matching the LS-spec Eclipse Cross for price, but also out-points it on safety tech.

The ASX Exceed’s standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert not only add extra security: there are also cabin comforts including heated front seats – powered on the driver’s side – sat-nav and an up-spec nine-speaker sound system, all in a package of equivalent size.

Frankly though, if I was in the market for a new small SUV I would have no hesitation choosing an Eclipse Cross over its cosmetically-revised but undeniably-dated stablemate.

With more refined dynamics, smoother road performance and the unquestionably comfortable and spacious cabin, the Eclipse Cross is definitely a winner here.

How much does the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS 2WD cost?
Price: $32,190 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 7.7XL/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 174g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)