The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a little better but still not great

Say what you’ll about Mitsubishi, however this firm is slowly however absolutely making enhancements throughout the board. Nonetheless, most of the automaker’s merchandise nonetheless have room for enchancment and — regardless of its streamlined appears to be like, easier-to-use tech and zippy engine — the 2022 Eclipse Cross continues to fall behind extra well-rounded compact SUVs.

The 2022 Eclipse Cross is 5.5 inches longer than earlier than with a extra aggressively styled entrance fascia. The higher LEDs perform as daytime operating lights and the dimples under home the headlights and fog lights. The stable lightbar that spanned the rear of the outdated model is gone, changed by two separate taillights. I really most popular the older design, however the brand new taillights are fairly distinctive and provides the compact crossover some presence on the street.

The Eclipse Cross retains the identical 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 engine as earlier than, pushing out 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The low-end torque makes the Eclipse Cross really feel fairly peppy off the road and there’s a shocking quantity of mid-range punch. A repeatedly variable transmission does not essentially do that engine any favors, nonetheless — it is a little bit loud beneath stress, although I suppose that is par for the course with most CVTs.

New suspension components are fitted for 2022, partly to accommodate the Eclipse Cross’ longer general size, but additionally to enhance upon the earlier mannequin’s predilection for physique roll. The retuned shocks and is derived do a greater job, certain, however the Eclipse Cross remains to be a little bit too roly-poly for my style. This factor actually leans in turns, which does not encourage a lot in the way in which of driver confidence. Weirdly, the Eclipse Cross’ steering manages to be each fast and sloppy on the similar time, making it a little bit tough to maintain the crossover centered throughout a flip. Mixed with the physique roll, this Mitsubishi is not actually enjoyable to drive.

Essentially the most fuel-efficient Eclipse Cross is EPA-estimated to return 26 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 29 mpg freeway and 27 mpg mixed. My loaded SEL AWD tester knocks these numbers all the way down to 25, 26 and 25, respectively. That is higher than an equal Hyundai Tucson however nonetheless falls under different compact CUVs.

Inside, the Eclipse Cross’ expertise will get a bump with a newly accessible 8-inch display screen with embedded navigation. Frankly, I feel Mitsubishi might have left a local nav system on the desk since all however the lowest trims get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simple entry to Google Maps and Waze. Mitsubishi at the least makes its navigation a bit extra particular by incorporating What3words tech, which divides your complete world into 3-meter squares and assigns three phrases to every sq.. One in every of my favourite locations to eat is at “steepest, baffled, witless.”

The multimedia display screen is positioned two inches nearer to the motive force and is now operated solely by contact. Earlier fashions had a touchpad that was a complete ache within the neck to make use of, so I am all about this improved performance. The display screen responds fairly shortly to inputs and the icons are good and enormous. Mitsubishi’s flimsy little head-up show display screen carries over, nonetheless, which is one thing I might most likely simply forgo.

Ahead-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning are normal on all 2022 Eclipse Cross trims. LE fashions and above get computerized excessive beams and rain-sensing wipers, whereas the higher two trims get blind-spot warning, lane-change help and rear-cross visitors alert. Adaptive cruise management is reserved for the best SEL trim solely. These are nice options, certain, however the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 supply many of those as normal throughout the board. Mitsubishi actually should do the identical.

Inside, the SEL trim’s new gray leather-based goes a good distance towards making this cabin extra inviting. Even so, the Eclipse Cross’ inside is nothing to write down residence about, however there are just a few good facilities sprinkled all through. Heck, the highest SEL trim even has heated rear seats.

Cargo house is improved for the 2022 mannequin because of its bigger footprint. There’s now 50.1 cubic ft of house, or 23.four cubes with the second row upright. Sadly, that is nonetheless far under what you get from Honda, Mazda and Toyota.

The Eclipse Cross begins under $25,000, however my SEL tester is optioned to the hilt — with $1,600 for all-wheel drive — and involves $34,075 together with $1,195 for vacation spot. Whereas I may give the awful steering, floaty suspension and lackluster a cross for $25Okay, it is powerful to justify this mid-$30Okay worth after I might get a lot nicer choices like a Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 or Toyota RAV4.

The refreshed Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross takes a step ahead for 2022, but it nonetheless performs behind a extremely aggressive class of crossovers. It is a good worth, do not get me improper, however as they are saying: You get what you pay for.