Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (200 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a sharp divide between pragmatic buyers and enthusiasts.
7 problems reported · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Sluggish, unresponsive powertrain
1.5L turbo engine with CVT described as asthmatic, with laggy throttle response, poor acceleration, and a dimwitted transmission tuning. Very frequent.
- Excessive road noise and harsh ride
Noted as transmitting every bump and crack into the cabin, with inadequate sound deadening, leading to a generally rough and unrefined ride quality. Very frequent.
- Cheap, low-quality interior
Interior materials feel cheap and are reported to fall apart or degrade with minimal use; hard plastics and a generally primitive design. Very frequent.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- Oil consumption and engine issues
Reports of abnormal oil burning (e.g., 3.5-4 liters added between services), leading to low oil pressure warnings, timing-related trouble codes (P0014), and potential for severe engine damage if neglected. Recurrent.
- CVT transmission reliability concerns
While some owners report trouble-free operation with strict maintenance, there are widespread concerns and preemptive recommendations for frequent fluid changes to avoid failure. Recurrent.
- Ergonomic and design flaws
Noted issues include a sloping rear roof that impedes entry for tall passengers, a small cargo area due to the rear design, and a generally controversial exterior styling. Recurrent.
- Electrical/electronic gremlins
Isolated reports of random beeping noises with no dashboard warning, infotainment connectivity issues with specific phones, and limp mode episodes potentially linked to gas cap issues. Isolated.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. Higher trims (e.g., SEL with Touring Package, GT in Canada) are noted for offering desirable features like leather seats, sunroof, adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, and a 360-degree camera system, which improve the value proposition when priced competitively against base trims of rivals. The Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variant is mentioned for its electric driving capability and tax advantages but with noted compromises in fuel economy when the battery is depleted.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Hyundai Kona, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a sharp divide between pragmatic buyers and enthusiasts. The vehicle is frequently described as a competent, practical, and reliable point-A-to-B vehicle, particularly valued for its standard or available all-wheel drive (S-AWC), high ground clearance, strong warranty (often cited as 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain or bumper-to-bumper), and aggressive dealer discounts that improve its value proposition. Owners seeking basic transportation with these features report satisfaction, especially when purchased at a significant discount. However, the Eclipse Cross receives very frequent and severe criticism from driving enthusiasts and reviewers for its uninspired driving dynamics, including a sluggish and unresponsive 1.5L turbocharged engine paired with a poorly tuned CVT transmission, excessive road noise, a cheap-feeling interior with materials that degrade quickly, and overall lack of refinement. It is widely panned for its styling and for appropriating the historic Eclipse nameplate. The consensus indicates it is a rational choice for budget-focused, non-enthusiast buyers who prioritize warranty and AWD utility over driving pleasure, refinement, or resale value.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a value-oriented compact crossover with a focus on warranty strength and available AWD at a competitive price, often through negotiation. It is consistently viewed as inferior to mainstream competitors like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5 in terms of driving dynamics, interior quality, refinement, and resale value. Compared to the Hyundai Kona, it is seen as offering more standard AWD capability and sometimes more features for the price, but often with a less polished driving experience. It is not considered a contender in the enthusiast or premium segments. Its primary competitive advantages are its lengthy warranty and the potential for deep transaction discounts.
Recommended configurations
All-wheel drive (AWD/S-AWC) is frequently recommended for its competence in snow and adverse conditions and is considered a core strength of the vehicle. The lengthy factory warranty (10-year/100,000-mile) is a critical purchasing factor. Owners strongly advise negotiating aggressively for dealer discounts, as the model often has high inventory and slow sales. For long-term reliability, meticulous maintenance is emphasized: CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30,000-45,000 miles is strongly recommended, alongside regular oil changes. An extended warranty is suggested if buying used, as the powertrain warranty may be reduced for second owners.
General recommendations
Suitable for pragmatic buyers who prioritize a long warranty, competent AWD for weather, and low purchase price after negotiation. Ideal for non-enthusiasts, older drivers, or those using it strictly as basic transportation. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts, those sensitive to cabin noise, or buyers who value interior refinement, engaging dynamics, or strong resale value. Essential to test drive extensively, focusing on highway merging, passing power, and ride comfort over bumps. Verify warranty status and negotiate price aggressively, as transaction prices can be significantly below MSRP. Prioritize models with a documented service history, especially for CVT fluid changes.
Remarks
The intense negative sentiment is heavily influenced by the vehicle's use of the "Eclipse" name, which invokes expectations of sportiness that this crossover does not meet. Owner satisfaction is highly correlated with purchase price; those who secured deep discounts report much higher satisfaction. The powertrain, while Mitsubishi-designed, is paired with a Jatco CVT also used by Nissan, though owners note it appears better tuned and more reliable in this application when properly maintained. The model's future is uncertain, with discussions indicating Mitsubishi's lineup is becoming stale and may share platforms with Renault/Nissan. Analysis based on approximately 42 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2022Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 0 | engine |
| 2024 | 7 | 0 | air bags |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | exterior lighting |
| 2022 | 7 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 5 | 0 | engine |
| 2019 | 13 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2018 | 19 | 2 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices3 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2019 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 18V620000
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
2018 · electrical system:softwarecampaign 18V620000
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
2018 · forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise controlcampaign 18V621000
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
Specifications
1.5 MIVEC S-AWC
1.5L 4-cylinder · 152 hp · AWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2021–2026