Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 2021 Review

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV rolls into Aussie showrooms in three flavours – ES, Aspire and Exceed – priced at $46,490, $49,990 and $53,990 respectively, before on-road costs.

That’s a hefty increase over conventional-engined Eclipse Cross small SUV models across these three trim levels – between $13,000 and $16,000 – but there are plenty of advantages brought with plugging in.

Naturally, the headline act is the PHEV powertrain, which consists of a petrol engine and two electric motors, allowing for all-wheel drive and different driving modes, including as a zero-emissions EV. But more on that later.

Rivals include the larger MG HS PHEV (from $46,990 drive-away) and the box-fresh Kia Niro PHEV (from $46,590 plus ORCs), while the larger Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is currently priced at $47,990 plus ORCs ahead of a new-generation model arriving early next year.

There’s also a growing number of more conventional hybrid options in the small SUV class, such as the Toyota C-HR and the mild-hybrid Subaru XV and Mazda MX-30.

From the outside, the Eclipse Cross PHEV looks great, although the only differences compared to regular versions – which received a significant facelift late last year – are unique 18-inch alloy wheels and ‘Plug-in hybrid EV’ badges.

It’s much the same inside, where Mitsubishi’s smallest SUV still feels dated. Apart from a new gear shift lever and instrument display, the interior looks identical to the cheaper (and not particularly exciting) turbo-petrol models.

All three Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV model grades are equipped with an 8.0-inch central touch-screen, twin USB ports up front, an electric park brake with auto-hold function, LED daytime running lights and automatic climate control.

We’re testing the mid-spec Eclipse Cross Aspire which adds LED headlights, suede and synthetic leather heated front seats and an up-spec eight-speaker stereo. You also get a power-operated driver’s seat but there’s no lumbar adjust.

Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera are added, both of which received a big workout on test and proved to be very effective systems.

However, compared to modern SUV rivals from Korea and, increasingly, China, the standard features list is underwhelming. See our detailed pricing and specs story for full details.

Yes, there is scope to drive this vehicle in silent EV mode, but given the price premiums involved at the point of purchase, you’ve really got to be committed to the plug-in hybrid cause to find top value here. You could buy a lot of fuel – or plant a lot of trees – with an extra $13,000 or so in your pocket.

Arguably the most impressive element of the Eclipse Cross PHEV package is the thing that’s common to all new Mitsubishi vehicles – a 10-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that applies beyond the standard five-year term if you stick with an authorised dealer for logbook servicing.

The EV drive battery on the Eclipse Cross PHEV is covered for eight years/160,000km.

You also get 10 years of capped-price servicing, but given its complex powertrain the average price of an annual service (or at 15,000km) is $479, which is quite high compared to regular SUVs.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating that dates back to 2017 and is based on the regular model’s testing by Euro NCAP.

Seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) are fitted standard, and in overall terms the safety and tech equipment levels are acceptable, but not what you’d call comprehensive.

For example, the 8.0-inch central screen is relatively small compared to rivals pushing to 10.25” and the infotainment interface is dated and basic. You do get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility (wired only), but there’s no wireless phone charger.

Semi-autonomous driving features like active lane keeping and lane centring assist are also nowhere to be found.

Rear cross traffic alert and adaptive cruise control are included, and work well, but aren’t offered on the base model.

As its rivals take up architectures that provide for high-tech features such as digital instrument clusters, the Eclipse Cross PHEV feels a generation behind, its analogue dials and a primitive-looking digital trip computer wedged between the speedo and energy dials not helping.

That said, Mitsubishi’s PHEV does bring with it some unique advantages.

Using a dedicated smartphone app, the battery charge can be checked remotely and there’s even scope to help charge other vehicles, appliances and, eventually, entire homes, thanks to built-in bi-directional charging.

Vehicle-to-home (V2H) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) protocols are yet to be rolled out in Australia, but Mitsubishi’s PHEVs are ready and waiting.

It’s worth noting the Eclipse Cross PHEV is also fitted standard with two different charging cables and sockets for home (AC) and fast-charging (DC) applications.

A development of the Outlander’s plug-in hybrid system that dates back to 2013, the PHEV tech lurking underneath the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is far from cutting-edge. But it is effective and offers high levels of functionality.

The diligent 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine found in regular models is swapped out for a 2.4-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine (94kW/199Nm) driving the front wheels, and is tuned for efficiency rather than high performance.

This is joined by front (60kW/137Nm) and rear (70kW/195Nm) electric motors that can operate independently or in tandem with the petrol engine.

Drive is directed through a single-speed multi-mode reduction gear, similar to those used by battery-electric vehicles.

In EV mode, the twin electric motors provide adequate thrust and can reach speeds of up to 130km/h. Acceleration is adequate from standstill to 100km/h up a freeway on-ramp, but heavy work on the throttle automatically kicks the petrol engine into action for extra thrust.

You have to learn to be gentle on the throttle to keep this PHEV in zero-emissions mode, but it’s not impossible to achieve.

With a full charge – said to take seven hours via a typical household outlet, 3.5 hours with a wallbox or 25 minutes with a DC fast-charger – the 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack is good for around 35km of highway cruising at triple-digit speeds by our measure.

You’re better off flicking the vehicle to battery charge mode on the freeway.

We found the EV mode would offer around 45km of slow, stop-start urban cruising when driven normally, but Mitsubishi’s 55km claim should be possible if driven carefully.

There are various driving and battery modes available, including ‘series hybrid’ mode, where the engine buzzes away at higher revs to act as a generator for the battery. The ‘parallel hybrid’ mode engages all motors above 70km/h and prioritises the e-motors below 70km/h to keep things efficient.

The reality of driving this vehicle is fairly straightforward though – mash the accelerator and the petrol engine quickly chimes in. Accelerate softly and slowly and you can maximise its electric motors.

With a full tank of fuel and a full battery charge, the Mitsubishi’s trip computer claimed we had a total range of 679km.

There’s also ‘save battery’ and ‘charge battery’ modes but if your drive goes beyond the EV range of the SUV, it can become quite thirsty.

Mitsubishi claims a 1.9L/100km combined-cycle fuel consumption figure, which is probably about right if you’re commuting 20km each way per day or only taking shorter journeys.

But during our launch drive we recorded 6.2L/100km because once the battery was depleted the petrol powertrain is essentially hauling around 300kg of dead weight.

On one hand, you could argue this vehicle is a clever blend of both traditional and emerging vehicle propulsion systems, with the drawbacks of neither.

But on the other hand, it also carries the less desirable traits of combustion and electric powertrains – CO2 emissions, regular battery charging and heavy vehicle weight.

Where the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV shines brightest is in the driving and comfort department, delivering an experience that feels more like a premium car than a mainstream Japanese small SUV.

The artificial leather and suede seats look and feel great, and the digital climate controls deliver upmarket tactility. But it’s the quiet cabin and supple suspension that make the biggest impact.

Ride comfort is arguably its trump card, the suspension smoothing out bumpy sections of road with almost flippant ease.

This ride comfort combines nicely with the vehicle’s quiet, refined nature, and although there’s a subtle whine from the electric motors in EV mode, it’s a peaceful machine for cruising.

Even the petrol engine is fairly muted in operation, with very little harshness or vibration.

While comfort levels are very good, the retuned suspension also endows the vehicle with reasonable handling dynamics.

Even with its almost two-tonne mass, the plug-in hybrid Eclipse Cross traces through corners with resolve and displays more dynamic initiative than anticipated.

Curiously, it rides on taller suspension than regular Eclipse Cross models, boosting ground clearance from 175mm to 188mm, yet there’s still a hint of sportiness to the way it drives and the AWD set-up delivers impressive roadholding.

There’s plenty of room for two adults up front, and rear seat space is better than expected, with sufficient headroom and legroom for adults.

On the flipside, rear seat amenity is generally poor, with no air vents and no USB ports.

Boot space shrinks from 405 litres to 359L in the PHEV version but should still be enough room for most weekly shopping runs and the odd weekend getaway.

However, due to the fitment of a secondary charge plug under the floor and some hybrid componentry, there’s no spare tyre, just a puncture repair kit.

Another consideration for many buyers will be state-based EV taxes, which are already running in Victoria. Given that PHEV owners are also hit with a fuel tax whenever they buy petrol – something the EV tax is designed to replicate – plug-in hybrid drivers are essentially being taxed twice for trying to reduce their carbon footprint.

It turns out where you live is probably going to influence what you buy.

The 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV fuses a striking exterior design with a flexible powertrain and impressive ride quality to deliver an intriguing package.

It certainly has showroom appeal, especially for buyers who want both zero-emissions commuting and hassle-free longer-distance driving.

But it also has a few rough edges, particularly in the cabin, and it’s not a cheap proposition by any means compared to conventional petrol SUVs. It also doesn’t significantly undercut increasingly more affordable battery-electric vehicles.

If it was closer to $10,000 cheaper we’d be whistling a different tune.

As it stands now, some buyers will still find sufficient value in the Eclipse Cross PHEV – even at $50,000 in AWD Aspire guise, and even if you can buy a conventional 2WD Aspire for $35,000.

But it will do little to convince a legion of fence-sitters to jump on the PHEV bandwagon just yet.

How much does the 2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire cost?
Price: $49,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric plug-in hybrid
Output: 94kW/199Nm (electric motors: 60kW/137Nm – front, 70kW/195Nm – rear)
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Fuel: 1.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 43g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)