2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse improves But little SUV still struggles
After seven straight years of increased annual sales, Mitsubishi followed the industry trend in 2020 and stumbled nearly 28 percent, 12 percent more than the industry average. It was a mighty fall for the underdog manufacturer. It annually has the county’s lowest sales among major carmakers.
But just when Mitsubishi’s misfortunes last year (about 88,000 sales nationwide) seemed likely to further dim the brand’s reputation, good fortune arrived. The vehicle didn’t have a 2021 edition, but the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has provided hope.
A modernized exterior design, including a streamlined one-window liftgate and bold new lettering (Range Rover-like) have eliminated the staid look of yesteryear.
The revamped exterior look includes an increased length by 5.5 inches (including 4 inches in the rear). It pushes the SUV’s overall length to 173.4 inches. It’s still the smallest among competitors. The Nissan Rogue is 183 inches long, followed by the Honda CR-V (182.1) and Ford Escape (180.5).
Improvements extend to the interior. There’s a new 8.0-inch infotainment
touchscreen, and it’s been repositioned forward for easier use. The touchpad controller is gone, replaced by tuning and volume dials. Gray leather upholstery is also new.
Improvements aside, the Eclipse Cross is positioned in a segment of increasingly popular SUVs, including the Kia Sportage, Subaru Crosstrek as well as the CR-V, Escape and Rogue. Mitsubishi didn’t adjust its compact all-purpose vehicle’s guts. It has the same 1.5-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower. It defines underpowered.
Gas mileage is disappointing, ranging from 25 miles per gallon in city driving 26 mpg on the freeway in some models to 26/29 averages in other trims.
The reviewed top-line SEL model has large metal paddle shifters. It gives the driver an option to “shift” the