Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2021 Review

We’re testing the mid-spec, front-wheel drive Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Aspire model, which comes with an impressive array of standard equipment for a not-too-expensive $34,990 plus on-road costs.

The Aspire hits a sweet spot by delivering a blend of sophistication and technology, the heated suede-and-leather seats (with power adjustment) feel great while four external cameras deliver an excellent overhead surround-view parking display coupled with a split-screen reversing view.

Right across the range, the MY21 Eclipse Cross has plenty of attractive kit, from the stylish 18-inch alloy wheels and effective LED tail-lights to a bigger 8.0-inch central touch-screen with Apple CarPlay standard.

Amenity levels are par for the course in this segment, with two standard USB ports up front, a pair of cup holders, really large door pockets with bottle holders, and a small central bin with a padded box that holds a pair of sunglasses. The dual-level glovebox is a nice touch too.

Interior space has increased with a 140mm-longer body (now 4545mm in overall length), which opens up a little more legroom for rear seat passengers, although there’s no air vents or USB ports back there.

The Mitsubishi’s stretched body also creates extra boot space, rising from 341 litres to 405L. With the 60/40-split folding rear seats down, total cargo space rises from 1122L in the previous model to 1149L now, making it big enough to swallow loads of grocery shopping or one small and two large suitcases.

There’s a space-saver spare wheel in the cargo compartment, along with four tie-downs points, a shopping bag hook and one of the better cargo blinds you’ll find in this class.

Very much an SUV designed for urban duties and city capers, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross makes a strong first impression via its resculpted exterior design headlined by ultra-slim LED daytime running lights and a new grille pattern up front.

It’s the sort of SUV you’ll feel proud about parking in the driveway, and while the radical split rear glass has been replaced with a conventional single window, it improves rearward vision significantly.

Prices for the 2021 Eclipse Cross start at $30,290 plus on-road costs and top out at $40,790 plus ORCs, which makes it between $300 and $1000 more expensive than the pre-facelifted models.

Our separate pricing and specs story covers the entire range in detail, but bear in mind that the Eclipse Cross – and all other models in the Mitsubishi stable – has an industry-leading 10-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty (when serviced at an authorised dealer), which makes the proposition all that more attractive.

While some aspects of the cabin of the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Aspire look and feel very low tech, including (but not limited to) the cheap and chintzy steering wheel controls, the all-important safety systems are pretty good for a $35K SUV.

On top of seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) offered across the range, the Aspire adds rear cross traffic alert, a blind spot warning system plus front and rear parking sensors.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-go traffic assist gets a lot of use automatically controlling braking and acceleration, and works well in both high- and low-speed scenarios with sparse and dense traffic alike. The ‘multi around monitor’ – or 360-degree parking camera – also works a treat.

Along with wired smartphone mirroring, it’s all displayed through the new 8.0-inch central touch-screen which is located closer to the driver and therefore easier to read and reach. However, the menu system looks drab and the plastic volume/tuning dials feel cheap and nasty.

An upgraded audio system with eight speakers and a 510W amp delivers impressive bass but distorts a little at higher volumes. It’s no Bang & Olufsen. A self-dimming rear-view mirror and dual-zone air-conditioning are also welcome additions not offered on lower grades as well.

Automatic functionality for the headlights (including high beam) and wipers is included, as is an electric park brake with auto-hold function.

So the Eclipse Cross ticks all the boxes for tech, it’s just the execution feels half-hearted.

Until the plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV arrives in Australia from around September 2021, offering 57km of electric-only driving capacity, the traditional 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/250Nm) remains the only powerplant available.

The good news is the turbocharged engine is spritely, delivering good thrust at full throttle. It can be a punchy little unit which works in its favour in busy urban areas and in city traffic while adding a little confidence for the driver on the highway too.

But like a damaged stereo speaker that emits an annoying frequency when you turn up the volume, the weak link in the powertrain is the automatic transmission.

When you mash the throttle for more than a couple of seconds, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) makes an irritating droning, slurring sound that turns an otherwise calm and quiet SUV into a nostrils-flaring, road-raging beast.

There are paddle shifters that reduce the droning but they feel like an afterthought and don’t feel nailed-down enough, with some ‘clutch’ slippage leaking through.

These issues are pretty standard with many CVTs and, in hindsight, the pros probably outweigh the cons with the transmission keeping things efficient. Our week-long test saw 7.7L/100km in mostly urban driving, which is a strong result and not too far away from the claimed combined-cycle fuel economy figure of 7.3L/100km.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has always been tuned to offer a sportier drive than the brand’s other SUVs, its coupe-like design signalling dynamic intent.

Tweaks to the suspension and steering in the facelifted 2021 model deliver a confident drive, and although it’s no Mazda CX-5 it’s still a fun little runabout.

It’ll blast through roundabouts with only mild body roll and feels planted and predictable through most corners. The brakes are up to the task of decelerating its 1499kg mass and the light steering makes parking manoeuvres a cinch.

Mitsubishi has done a good job crafting a city-savvy SUV here, the Eclipse Cross performing well in the cut-and-thrust of metropolitan traffic.

It’s an easy vehicle to just get in and drive too, the keyless entry (via buttons on the door handles) and push-button engine start saving time whenever you hop in.

While the updated Eclipse Cross doesn’t feel quite as choppy and rigid as its predecessor over deeper potholes, craggy roads and those evil sharp speed bumps, we wouldn’t describe ride comfort as supple.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross trades on its stylish design and rock-solid 10-year warranty and based on these elements alone it should win plenty of attention from new car buyers.

While prices are up slightly compared to the previous model, they’re more than warranted given the upgrades.

Although the cabin feels a bit old and tired in some respects with low-quality materials and bland execution, there’s far more positives than negatives.

It’s easy to drive, has almost all the highly-desirable features expected in modern vehicles and offers low running costs. Capped-price servicing costs are $299 per year (or every 15,000km) for the first five years, which isn’t class-leading but still reasonable.

Despite a few shortcomings, the updated 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a tidy machine tested in isolation, but I get the feeling things would start to falter when tested against newer, more sophisticated rivals.

How much does the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Aspire cost?
Price: $34,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Fuel: 7.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 165g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)