“I love the look of the exterior design. The headlights are super bright. I don't love that the rear hatch doesn't have automatic open/close features and the rear seats are uncomfortable unless the headrests are up, which can make rear visibility difficult. The lack of cupholders for rear passengers is disappointing. I do wish my model was XM capable.”
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for 2018 is the Eclipse Cross itself: this was its first U.S. model year and the launch of an all-new compact SUV. Mitsubishi positioned it between the smaller Outlander Sport and the larger Outlander.
About the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
1st generation, first U.S. model year.
Mitsubishi pitched the 2018 Eclipse Cross as a compact SUV for shoppers who wanted sharper styling than a typical small crossover without giving up everyday usefulness. The brand leaned on its sloped-roof shape, turbo power, easy-to-use tech, and all-weather confidence from its all-wheel-drive system on most trims. In Mitsubishi's own lineup, it served as the more expressive, more tech-forward step between the simpler Outlander Sport and the larger Outlander.
Every 2018 Eclipse Cross uses a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission, while a sliding and reclining rear seat adds flexibility. The LE emphasizes black exterior details and smartphone integration, the SE adds heated seats and blind-spot monitoring, and the SEL tops the range with leather seating, LED headlights, a head-up display, and a multi-view camera.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Eclipse Cross debuted in the U.S. as an all-new compact SUV positioned between the Outlander Sport and Outlander.
Powertrain
Every trim uses a 1.5-liter direct-injection turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Styling
The launch introduced a sloped-roof body, a driver-focused cabin, and a sliding and reclining 60/40-split rear seat.
Tech
The LE and SE feature a 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a touchpad controller. The SEL features a head-up display and multi-view camera.
Safety
The SE features blind-spot warning, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 48.9 cu-ft | 48.9 cu-ft | 48.9 cu-ft | 48.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in | 35.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Top View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2018 the first year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
Yes. The 2018 Eclipse Cross was the model’s first U.S. model year and launched as an all-new compact SUV between the Outlander Sport and Outlander.
How does the 2018 Eclipse Cross compare with the 2017 model?
There was no 2017 Eclipse Cross in the U.S. lineup. The 2018 model launched the nameplate here with ES, LE, SE, and SEL trims.
What engine does the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross use?
Every 2018 Eclipse Cross uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Which 2018 Eclipse Cross trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 2018 Eclipse Cross LE and SE have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through a 7-inch touchscreen system with a touchpad controller.
What distinguishes the 2018 Eclipse Cross SEL?
The 2018 Eclipse Cross SEL is the premium trim, with leather seating, LED headlights, an eight-way power driver’s seat, a head-up display, a multi-view camera, and heated front seats.
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
4.2
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
(96 reviews)
“I love mine. It s a newer design but it is great. Has much better pickup than expected.”
“Love this make and model perfect size and safety features for my little family. So glad I made the decision to purchase this vehicle.”