“The Eclipse cross is the most exciting car I have ever owned and it is also the safest car for the money you can buy today.”
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact SUV known for bold styling, turbocharged power, and a manageable size. Since 2023, every U.S. trim has come with all-wheel drive as standard.
The Eclipse Cross has paired distinctive styling with the everyday usefulness of a small SUV since its 2018 U.S. debut. A major 2022 update added more cargo room, cleaner front and rear styling, and a simpler touchscreen layout. Its enduring formula is a turbo engine, approachable technology, and, in recent years, standard all-wheel drive across the lineup.
Strengths
- Every U.S. trim from 2023 onward has standard all-wheel drive, which simplifies shopping for extra traction in rain or snow.
- The 1.5-liter turbo engine has been standard throughout the model's U.S. run, so even base versions share the same core powertrain.
- The 2022 refresh made the SUV longer and increased cargo room while keeping it in the compact class.
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning became standard across the lineup with the 2022 refresh.
- Its sloped profile and bold front-end styling help it look different from more conventionally shaped compact SUVs.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a five-seat SUV for commuting, errands, and bad-weather driving without stepping up to a larger vehicle. It is especially worth considering for a used-SUV shopper who wants all-wheel drive without having to hunt for a higher trim in 2023 and newer models.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lineup
ES is the straightforward entry point, while LE adds a little more convenience and style without moving far up the range. SE is the step to consider for more technology and everyday convenience, and SEL serves as the upper trim for shoppers who want the most upscale version. Black Edition and RALLIART are mainly appearance-focused choices for buyers who want a more distinctive look. These special-edition names have come and gone across model years, so their exact place in the lineup depends on the year.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross generations
From 2018 to 2026, the Eclipse Cross spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2018.
1st Generation (2018–2026)
The first Eclipse Cross arrived as a compact SUV with sloped-roof styling, a 1.5-liter turbo engine, and a continuously variable automatic transmission. A major 2022 refresh reshaped the front and rear, added cargo room, and simplified the cabin technology; all-wheel drive became standard for 2023.
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2026New generation
The new LE trim joins the lineup, and the RALLIART trim returns. Built-in navigation is dropped, while SEL gains standard hood badging.
2025
Rear Seat Alert becomes standard across the lineup. Black Edition moves to the better-equipped SE trim and gains new rear spoiler pieces.
2024Trim changes
Several trims gain equipment. Updates include push-button start, adaptive cruise control, and a hands-free power tailgate on selected trims.
2023Trim changes
All-wheel drive becomes standard across the lineup, replacing the previous mix of two-wheel-drive and AWD models. The limited-run RALLIART trim joins later in the year.
2022Mid-cycle update
The Eclipse Cross returns after skipping 2021 with redesigned front and rear styling, more cargo room, retuned suspension, and a simpler touchscreen layout.
2020
Two-wheel drive expands beyond the base trim to the full lineup. SE and SEL gain more standard driver-assistance features.
2019Trim changes
The new SP appearance trim joins the lineup between LE and SE. Other changes are minor.
2018New generation
The all-new Eclipse Cross launches in the U.S. with a 1.5-liter turbo engine, an automatic transmission, and compact SUV proportions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a coupe or an SUV?
It is a compact, four-door SUV despite the coupe-inspired name and sloping roofline. It has seating for five and sits between Mitsubishi’s smaller Outlander Sport and larger Outlander in the brand’s lineup.
Does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross come as a hybrid?
No. The U.S. Eclipse Cross covered here uses a gasoline 1.5-liter turbo engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. No hybrid version appears in its U.S. model history.
Does every Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have all-wheel drive?
No, not every used example. All-wheel drive became standard across the U.S. lineup for 2023. Earlier Eclipse Cross models also included two-wheel-drive versions, so check the individual vehicle.
Is the Eclipse Cross a good fit for commuting in bad weather?
Yes, especially a 2023-or-newer model if standard all-wheel drive matters to you. Its compact size suits daily driving, while the turbo engine and all-wheel-drive system are shared across the newer trim lineup.
How much passenger and cargo room does the Eclipse Cross have?
It seats five. In the newest lineup, rear legroom is 37.1 inches and maximum cargo space is 50.1 cubic feet. That makes it useful for everyday errands and small-family duty without moving up to a larger SUV.
Are older and newer Eclipse Cross models noticeably different?
Yes. The major 2022 update brought redesigned front and rear styling, a single-piece rear window, more cargo room, revised suspension parts, and a simpler touchscreen layout. Models before that update have the original design.
What fuel economy does the Eclipse Cross get?
The newest gasoline AWD version is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 26 to 28 mpg on the highway, depending on trim. Ratings for older two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models may differ.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
4.1
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
(590 reviews)
“Only thing I dislike is that the vehicle is not a push start. A 2022 vehicle should have been a push start vehicle. I have a 2013 that's a push start vehicle.”
“Provides a more quiet drive than my previous vehicles and provides the cargo space I needed for my business.”
“It looks and drives great. Lots of room for the kids and fits golf clubs in the back. Great car!!”
“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.”
“The Eclipse Cross is a great small SUV that has enough interior room for 5 or extra storage. And gets you where you want to go safely, with extra ground clearance. And gets great mileage.”