Refreshing or Revolting: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

This week, we learned that Mitsubishi will soon launch the new Eclipse Cross compact crossover in the U.S. With the car’s new turbocharged engine, coupe-like profile, and small footprint, Mitsubishi hopes the Eclipse Cross will quickly become the brand’s top seller. But Mitsubishi also decided to bring back the Eclipse nameplate for this vehicle despite the fact that it’s a CUV, not a sports coupe. Interestingly, the Outlander Sport that Mitsubishi already sells is almost exactly the same size. So how does the Eclipse Cross’s design compare?

Up front, the Eclipse Cross gets what initially looks like its own grille and headlight design. But if you look at the Outlander Sport next to the Eclipse Cross, it’s clear the latter has evolved from the former. We’re not sure we’d call the Eclipse Cross attractive, but it’s at least distinctive. When you see one on the road for the first time, you’ll know for sure you’re looking at a Mitsubishi. In profile, the roofline isn’t nearly as coupe-like as it looks in some photos. Still, the C-pillar does a lot to give the Eclipse Cross a sportier look. We do wish the rear overhang wasn’t so short, though, since the resulting look is, at least visually, very front-heavy.

Out back, Mitsubishi used the taillights to give the Eclipse Cross a split rear window. The result is a look that’s certainly unique, but again, it’s not necessarily attractive. But hey, at least the rear end is a lot more memorable than the Outlander Sport. There’s nothing wrong with that car’s look, but the conventional taillights and rear window do feel kind of generic. Again, when you see a new Eclipse Cross in traffic, you’ll definitely notice. Somewhat surprisingly, there’s no quirky split opening. Instead, the tailgate opens like normal.

Inside, the Eclipse Cross offers a cabin that’s more attractive than the Outlander Sport. No one’s going to mistake it for a luxury car, but at least Mitsubishi put some effort into designing the center console. Two of the biggest changes are to the infotainment system. Instead of being integrated into the console like the Outlander Sport’s, the screen is mounted up on the dash. It also looks like Mitsubishi has given the Eclipse Cross a Lexus-like trackpad for controlling the system.

Under the hood, the Eclipse Cross gets a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, but Mitsubishi still has yet to release exact power figures. Pricing is also still up in the air. But if you’re interested in this new coupe-like Eclipse CUV, the international rollout has already begun, and it should be available in the U.S. soon.

 

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