2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross review

What We Like  

• Turbo four-cylinder: The 152-hp turbo four-cylinder does a fine job of getting the Eclipse Cross down the road. It’s also reasonable in terms of fuel economy, with the base model posting an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined in a mix of city and highway driving.

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  Adding all-wheel drive knocks this down by only 1 mpg, and it’s worth noting the Eclipse Cross is happily running on regular-grade gasoline. 

• Sporty design: Mitsubishi has done a great job of giving the Eclipse Cross a shape that stands out among small SUVs. This could appeal to younger car shoppers who want something practical that doesn’t fade into the background.  

• Cabin quality: We’ll be the first to admit interior quality has not always been a strong suit of Mitsubishi vehicles. Credit is due for the improvement seen in the Eclipse Cross, however. The materials used throughout the interior are attractive and feel robust.   

What Needs Improvement 

• Wayward steering: When puttering around at city speeds, the Eclipse Cross has light steering that makes it agile and easy to place. But at higher speeds, the handling feels increasingly vague and the uneven ride quality doesn’t help matters. Unfortunately, the racy shape of the Eclipse Cross promises more than the driving dynamics offer.