I’m not sure how I feel about the name that Mitsubishi chose for its new compact crossover SUV. I mean, Eclipse Cross makes me think way back to better times when personal 2+2 sports coupes like the…

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC Road Test

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The new Eclipse Cross, shown here in top-line GT S-AWC trim, takes a striking pose. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

I’m not sure how I feel about the name that Mitsubishi chose for its new compact crossover SUV. I mean, Eclipse Cross makes me think way back to better times when personal 2+2 sports coupes like the Japanese brand’s own Eclipse, Honda’s Prelude and Toyota’s Celica, amongst others, roamed city streets, highways and winding byways in wild abandon, but now all of these low-slung two-door fastbacks are gone and we’re left with a gaggle of two-box SUVs. 

Fortunately some of these car-based crossovers are oddly contorted, making this practical sector a bit more interesting than it might otherwise be, with the sporty new Eclipse Cross high on the list of unusual newcomers. It’s an especially good choice for those not needing all of the Outlander’s cargo space and wanting more performance than an RVR can muster, plus its edgy SUV-coupe styling pulls some of the premium flair down from luxury mega-brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz that offer similarly sized upper-crust variants in their respective X4 and GLC Coupe models. I’m not pretending for a minute the lowly Mitsu measures up to these pricey Germans, but it’s got a swagger all its own and therefore deserves a certain amount of respect for being boldly different in a compact SUV segment that all too often plays it safe. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Based on the larger Outlander, the Eclipse Cross provides a much shorter, coupe-like profile. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Most automakers choosing to get funky gravitate to the smaller subcompact SUV segment, where Mitsubishi offers its comparatively straightforward RVR against oddities like Kia’s Soul and Toyota’s C-HR (Nissan’s Juke, the strangest of them all, having finally departed a couple of years ago, replaced by the much more conservative Kicks), while (size aside) Mazda’s CX-3 is probably closest to the Eclipse Cross as far as mainstream acceptability combined with sportier than average styling and performance goes, but alas this considerably larger model is the lone coupe-like SUV in its larger compact class. 

The Eclipse Cross measures 4,405 mm (173.4 in) end to end with a 2,670 mm (105.1 in) long wheelbase, while it spans 1,805 mm (71.1 in) in width and sits 1,685 mm (66.3 in) tall, making its wheelbase identical to its 290 mm (11.4 in) longer Outlander sibling, yet its width just 5 mm (0.2 in) narrower and height 25 mm (1.0 in) shorter. In other words, it’s much the same size as the Outlander excepting length, which together with its sloped rear roofline makes for a much sportier looking ride. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Its very distinctive LED rear lighting splits dual-pane back glass. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

As far as the Eclipse Cross design goes, Mitsubishi’s dramatic new “Dynamic Shield” frontal styling works much better on this new utility than with any other application it’s been used for, other than the latest 2020 RVR that I find quite attractive. The drama continues around each side where a deeply sculpted cutline emerges about a third of the way through the front door panels before slashing through each handle and meeting up with the bottom edge of an even more intriguing set of LED taillights, these tied together by a thin strip of lighting that divides two panes of rear glass a la Honda’s second-generation 1988-1991 CRX or more recent 2011–2016 CR-Z, not to mention the automaker’s also defunct Accord-based mid-size 2010–2015 Crosstour, although those three sporty coupes never incorporated the Eclipse Cross’ extra lighting element. More rocker panel body sculpting tapers upward before wrapping around the rear fenders, these mimicking the front fenders as they pay some subtle homage to the sporty 2004–2011 Endeavor (a previous long-term tester that I thoroughly enjoyed back in the day – RIP). 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
LED headlamps get added in top-line GT S-AWC trim. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Hidden behind a slick looking standard set of 18-inch alloy wheels on 225/55 all-season tires is a fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup featuring stabilizer bars at both ends, which all combines for more than enough grip to keep its turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine in control. The little mill makes just 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and puts that output through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s engineered to emulate an eight-speed automatic gearbox via some of the nicest magnesium column-mounted paddle shifters in the industry. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
These sharp looking machine-finish 18-inch alloys with black painted pockets come standard. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Unlike most vehicles in the industry, these elongated paddles are actually fixed to the steering column instead of attached to the steering wheel, just like with the fabulous Evo X MR (RIP once again), making it easy to locate the correct paddle no matter how many times you’ve rotated the steering wheel. 

My Eclipse Cross GT tester really moved along nicely when pushed, feeling much more potent than its claimed horsepower rating, no doubt because of its substantive torque. Its steering was a bit firmer than most others I’ve tested in this class, albeit light enough for easy control, while its ride was slightly stiffer, but never uncomfortable or harsh. That firmness helped it handle well in corners, feeling really planted when pushed hard (Mitsubishi’s renowned chassis expertise pays off once again), but I wouldn’t have guessed it to be so good when tooling around town or otherwise driving normally, because the powertrain feels as if it’s in Eco Mode even when it’s not, meaning there’s plenty of Eco Mode still available by pressing the big green button on the centre stack. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
We love these LED taillights, that make an especially unique statement at night. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

This said there is no Sport button, your right foot being the only way to coax more out of the powertrain, and despite those lovely paddle shifters just noted, the CVT is not very sporty (I’m being kind). It’s smooth and linear, exactly how most compact SUV buyers like it, and it’s highly efficient, not only saving fuel, but also allowing more of the engine’s power to get down to the road. 

Some of its straight-line performance and handling prowess comes down to standard Super All-Wheel Control, this being Mitsubishi-speak for all-wheel drive, an advanced torque-vectoring system honed from years of Lancer Evolution rally car breeding. Yes, it’s hard to stomach the thought that this wannabe performance SUV is now the hottest model in Mitsubishi’s once proud lineup, which previously anted up the aforementioned Evo X, an all-wheel drive super sedan that easily outmaneuvered the Subaru WRX STI and most every other compact of the era, but Mitsubishi now has its limited funds (despite being part of Mitsubishi Group, which also owns a top-10 banking institution and so much more) focused on practical SUVs that more people will potentially purchase, not to mention plug-in electrics that give it a good green name if not many actual buyers, at least when comparing the Outlander PHEV’s sales to those of the conventionally powered and milder hybrid compact SUV rivals it’s up against. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The Eclipse Cross cabin’s refinement will surprise you in a good way. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

We can get glossy eyed over the loss of the Evo, but should commend Mitsubishi for the Eclipse Cross’ fuel economy that’s rated at just 9.6 L/100km in the city, 8.9 on the highway and 8.3 combined, which is quite good in comparison to the segment-sales-leading RAV4 that only manages 10.5 city, 8.3 highway and 9.5 combined, but then again it’s not quite as thrifty as the CR-V’s 8.7 city, 7.2 highway and 8.0 combined rating. 

The aforementioned powertrain is the same no matter which of its three trim levels is chosen. As usual, Mitsubishi supplied this Eclipse Cross tester in top-line form, this GT model going for $35,998 plus freight and fees (go to CarCostCanada for all pricing details, including dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that could save you thousands). This meant it came loaded up with LED headlamps, a head-up display, a multi-view backup camera with dynamic guidelines, a superb 710-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch audio system with nine speakers including a 10-inch subwoofer, a heatable steering wheel rim, two-way heated rear outboard seats, leather upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof, and more. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
A nice modern design provides everything you’ll need in a logical layout. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The top-tier GT also features everything from the second-rung SE model’s optional Tech Package that includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian warning, lane departure warning, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated Homelink garage door opener, roof rails, and a nice silver painted lower door garnish. 

Mid-range SE features pulled up to GT trim include the previously noted paddle shifters, proximity-sensing keyless access and ignition, an electromechanical parking brake (the base model gets a regular handbrake), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto on/off headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control (an upgrade from the base model’s single-zone auto HVAC system), blindspot warning, and more for $29,998, while features from the $27,998 base ES model that are still incorporated into the GT include LED DRLs, fog lamps, LED turn signals integrated within the side mirror caps, LED taillights, tilt and telescopic steering, a colour multi-information display within the gauge cluster, an “ECO” mode, micron filtered automatic climate control, two-way heated front seats, and more. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The attractive, easy to read instrument cluster gets a reasonably sized colour trip computer at centre. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

I like the quality inside, thanks to a full soft-touch dash top that curves all the way down to the mid portion of the instrument panel, plus nice pliable synthetic front door uppers, even nicer door inserts, and contrast-stitched armrests side and centre. These match the seat bolsters that also boast contrast stitching in the same orange hue, and unlike the near overwhelming orange overload found in a Subaru Forester Sport I previously tested, Mitsubishi’s subtler colour treatment should appeal to more people. 

The primary instrument cluster is nicely organized and well laid out, with a decent size colour trip computer at centre, while the 7.0-inch tablet-style infotainment touchscreen display is especially good, sitting up high atop the centre stack and controlled by the usual tap, pinch and swipe finger prompts. Even better for those who don’t like reaching so far to input commands, Mitsubishi also included a brilliantly designed touchpad on the lower console. That this is all standard kit is most impressive, rivaling some premium brands and outdoing others, such as Lexus that only offers a joystick-like controller or similar touchpad depending on model, not the convenience of both. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
This powered head-up display is helpful if a bit distracting. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

The infotainment system also includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, an excellent rearview camera with dynamic guidelines (although the multi-view one on my tester was even better), Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, satellite radio (that I listened to most often), and control of devices hooked up to two USB charging/connectivity ports, located right on the centre stack above a rubberized phone tray below. With all of this included as standard, it makes me wonder why Mitsubishi didn’t bother making the electromechanical parking brake standard as well. 

The driver’s seat is very comfortable, featuring ample powered adjustability for what I found to be an ideal driving position, thanks to enough rake and reach from the tilt and telescopic steering column, but unfortunately the seatback offered no lumbar support adjustment at all. Again, its good inherent design makes additional lower back support less critical, but as learned from many long road trips it’s always nice to make periodic adjustments in order to appease pressure pain points. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The tablet-style fixed touchscreen infotainment system is impressive. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Back to that steering wheel, it’s nicely shaped with a fairly thick leather rim and heatable, which came in handy as summer’s warmth dissipated and evening temperatures delved into single digits. The front seat heaters warmed up nicely too, but with only two temperatures my driver’s seat was often too hot or too cool. 

The rear passenger compartment is very roomy and comfortable too, with a folding centre armrest that includes the usual dual cupholders within. The seat heaters are easy to reach on the backside of the front console, and my tester’s rear sunroof complemented the Eclipse Cross’ good rear window visibility for an open and airy passenger experience. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
If you’d rather not reach too far, Mitsubishi provides a superb console-mounted infotainment touchpad controller. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

There’s no powered liftgate for accessing the cargo compartment, which would be fine by me, and it’s finished as nicely in back as most any other vehicle in this class too. I would’ve preferred more accommodating 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks than the 60/40 divide Mitsubishi provides, or at least a centre pass-through so I could load skis down the middle while rear passengers enjoyed those aforementioned derriere warmers on the way back from the hill, but as it is only a few mainstream volume-branded competitors offer such premium-like convenience anyway, so it’s not like the Eclipse Cross breaks rank with any compact SUV practicality norms. 

Pragmatism in mind, even this sportier SUV needs to measure up when it comes to load hauling capability in order to achieve market acceptance, so it’s good the Eclipse Cross delivers a reasonable amount of cargo space to go along with its generously proportioned passenger compartment. The hard numbers reveal 640 litres (22.6 cu ft) behind the rear seatbacks, and 1,385 litres (48.9 cu ft) aft of the front row when the rear seats are folded down, making it a mere 26 litres (0.9 cubic feet) more accommodating for cargo than the subcompact RVR with both SUVs’ seats upright and 17 litres (0.6 cubic feet) less so when said seats are laid flat. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The driver’s seat is inherently well designed, but adjustable lumbar would make it better. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Comparing it to the larger Outlander that it comes closer to measuring up to externally, the Eclipse Cross loses 328 litres (11.6 cubic feet) behind its rear row and 407 litres (14.4 cubic feet) when both models lower their rear seatbacks. Mitsubishi also includes a heavy-duty removable cargo floor with a hidden compartment below, which is handy for storing dirty items you may not want the nice carpeting above coming in contact with, or for keeping pricier belongings away from prying eyes. 

What’s more, when putting those rear seats back into use, their headrests were almost impossible to pull up from their lowered positions. It took all the strength I had, and while I’m no Ben Weider, the level of effort required was ridiculous. I’m guessing these would loosen over time, but that presupposes the owner has ample strength to muscle them up and down enough in order to ease the process. I recommend prospective buyers check this issue before signing on the dotted line, and also that dealers have their service departments add this test to each model’s pre-delivery inspection regimen. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Enough overhead light for you? The double sunroof’s powered sunshades can be opened and closed separately. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Now that I’m complaining, I heard a disconcerting number of creaks, groans and annoying squeaking sounds emanating from the rear seating area while driving. This might have something to do with the previously mentioned removable cargo floor, but it’s more likely fitment of the second sunroof in back or the rear seats themselves, because some of the creaking noises sounded like leather (or something similar) rubbing together. This said I’d like to test this SUV with cloth seats to find out if that sound disappears. 

On the positive, I appreciated having separate power-sliding sunshade controls for the front and rear portions of the panoramic moonroof. This can provide rear passengers with a more fully lit experience, while those up front can have shade drawn if wanted. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Rear seat roominess is generous and comfort very good, plus Mitsubishi added rear seat warmers. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

Another positive is a rear window wiper that turns on automatically when backing up if the wipers are on up front, and the aforementioned head-up display system was a nice touch too, providing vital information right in front of the driver where it can be seen easily. This is just like the head-up display used by Mazda, in that it powers up a small transparent plastic screen atop the instrument cowl instead of projecting images directly on the windshield, with the only problem in this case being that it’s a bit distracting in some ways, not really blocking the view, but certainly interrupting the mind’s eye. I eventually got used to it to the point that it didn’t bother me one bit, but I’d understand if some complained about it getting in the way. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Cargo space is merely ok, and we would’ve appreciated a centre pass-through. (Photo: Karen Tuggay)

To leave this review on a more uplifting note, I need to point out one of Mitsubishi’s best attributes, its industry-best five-year or 100,000-km basic (mostly bumper-to-bumper) warranty and 10-year or 160,000-km powertrain warranty. Nothing comes close to this, with most competitors coming up two years or 40,000 km short in their basic warranties, and five years or 60,000 km less generous for their powertrain coverage. Considering Mitsubishi is one of the most well respected brands in other markets around the world, thanks to exceptionally good engineering and better than average reliability, this impressive warranty is a major selling point that any new car buyer should factor in when making a decision. 

Overall, Mitsubishi should be commended for establishing the compact SUV-coupe niche within the mainstream volume-branded sector, and while year-to-date 2019 sales numbers of 4,159 units put the Eclipse Cross dead last in its class, when it’s combined with second-to-last Outlander deliveries of 8,568 units, the brand’s 12,727-unit compact SUV total puts it ahead of Subaru, GMC and Kia, which is quite a feat for one of the newest automotive brands in Canada (Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. was established in 2002). This, together with the Outlander PHEV, the only plug-in hybrid in the segment, shows that innovation remains key to the company’s continued progress, and while some of us might lament the loss of sportier models like the Evo, as well as the Eclipse this SUV was named after, times have changed and only those that adapt survive.

The RVR was early into the subcompact crossover SUV market, arriving way back in 2010 when its only competitors were the Honda Element, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Kia Soul, Nissan’s Cube and Juke, plus…

Mitsubishi gives dramatic refresh to 2020 RVR

2020 Mitsubishi RVR
The new 2020 RVR certainly looks fresh, with its four-lens LED DRLs providing unique appeal. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

The RVR was early into the subcompact crossover SUV market, arriving way back in 2010 when its only competitors were the Honda Element, Jeep Compass and Patriot, Kia Soul, Nissan’s Cube and Juke, plus the Scion xB. It initially did very well, managing third in segment sales in its first full year and reaching top spot in 2013, but nine years of mild updates, other than a redesigned grille and lower front fascia for 2016, have caused middling results since. 

Enter the 2020 RVR, a much more thorough refresh that not only revises the front end design to a near copy of the larger Eclipse Cross, but adds new standard LED headlamps and some really distinctive standard four-lens LED daytime running lamps, plus a stylish chrome front fender “vent” butting up against the front doors at each side, while modified rear end styling includes a fresh set of standard LED taillights over a fancier bumper treatment in back. All said, the highlight of the upgrades include a refreshed interior featuring an 8.0-inch centre touchscreen. 

2020 Mitsubishi RVR
New standard LED headlamps and taillights make the 2020 RVR stand out. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

The new RVR, dubbed Outlander Sport in the US and ASX in Europe as well as some other global markets, was first introduced at the Geneva motor show last March before arriving in Canada now, and along with the more eye-catching design is actually a better value than last year’s model. 

First off, the base ES FWD model’s price of $22,998 plus freight and fees is identical to last year’s entry-level RVR, yet the just-noted 8.0-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio infotainment interface comes standard and includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration plus a large backup camera. 

2020 Mitsubishi RVR
The 2020 RVR gets a refreshed cabin as well. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

What’s more, all 2020 RVRs come equipped with heated power-adjustable side mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, heatable front seats, Bluetooth, an anti-theft security system, a rear rooftop spoiler, hill start assist, traction control, active stability control, a brake override system, and more. 

Additionally, Mitsubishi now makes its advanced All Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive system easier to afford by including it as part of a new ES AWC trim starting at just $25,498. 

In total, Mitsubishi offers seven trim levels for 2020, with the $25,298 second-rung SE FWD adding blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, this combination previously only offered on pricier trims. 

2020 Mitsubishi RVR
This new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen comes standard, and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a large backup camera. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

The SE AWC, which starts at $27,998, swaps out Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for a larger 2.4-litre mill, upping output from 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque to a formidable 168 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque, while also including LED fog lamps. Of note, all RVR trims include a standard fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Next in line is SEL AWC trim at $29,798, which ups the wheels from 16-inch alloys to new 18-inch aluminum rims while adding soft, plush microsuede to the upholstery. Alternatively, the $30,798 Limited Edition AWC (previously called Black Edition) adds a black headliner, a heatable steering wheel, and a centre console kneepad with red stitching. 

2020 Mitsubishi RVR
The 2020 RVR will come standard with a 148-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and offer an optional 168-hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while a CVT is standard. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

The black headliner and heated steering wheel are also included with the top-tier $33,998 GT AWC (the “GT Premium” name has been discontinued), plus a new chrome beltline moulding. 

Lastly, new standard colour choices include Oak Brown and Sunshine Orange, joining carryover colours Sterling Silver and Titanium Grey, while new Red Diamond paint becomes a $450 option along with $300 Labrador Black, Octane Blue, and Pearl White. 

“RVR is our number one selling nameplate,” commented Juyu Jeon, president and CEO, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc. “As an entry-level SUV, RVR has done the important job of introducing new customers to the brand and these customers are staying and growing with Mitsubishi Motors. We believe with its new bold, rugged look, Canadians will want to revisit why RVR has become a Canadian favourite for Mitsubishi.”

Remember the Eclipse? It was a 2+2 sports coupe along the lines of the Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX and Toyota Celica, and like those classics it’s no longer available, having been discontinued in 2012…

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Mitsubishi brings four-door coupe styling to the mainstream compact SUV segment with the eye-catching new 2019 Eclipse Cross. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Remember the Eclipse? It was a 2+2 sports coupe along the lines of the Honda Prelude, Nissan 240SX and Toyota Celica, and like those classics it’s no longer available, having been discontinued in 2012 after four generations. 

The list of sporty grand touring hatchback models was as numerous as there were mainstream automakers to build them back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and Mitsubishi not only offered the Eclipse, along with multiple badge-engineered models it coproduced with Chrysler group, but the larger and more powerful 3000GT that went up against pricier sports coupes like the Mazda RX-7, Nissan 300ZX and Toyota Supra. Those were the sports car glory days, and while we’ve seen a tepid renaissance in recent years, times ain’t what they used to be. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
A raked rear liftgate provides sporty coupe-like styling to this otherwise practical little SUV. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

This is the crossover SUV era after all, so along with small sporty GTs that few are buying, sedans and wagons are yesterday’s news too. Enter the Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi’s answer to a question no one was asking within the mainstream volume sport utility sector, or at least a question no one has asked for a few years. 

The Eclipse Cross marries a crossover SUV with a sports car, or that’s the general idea. Most of us are well aware that such sloped-back five-door concoctions have been running around in the premium class for quite some time, having started with the BMW X6 and more recently followed by the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe and now the all-new Audi Q8 that shares underpinnings with Lamborghini’s new Urus, plus we should give a respectful shout out to the now discontinued Acura ZDX that I happen to still love, while that latter defunct model was based on the only five-door sport CUV to attempt such contortions amongst regular mainstream brands up until now, the somewhat ungainly Honda Crosstour. On the smaller side are the BMW X4 and new M-B GLC Coupe, these models closer in size to this new Eclipse Cross, but of course in another price, luxury and performance league altogether. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
The Eclipse Cross’ most dramatic design detail might be its unique LED taillight. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Premium rides aside, I must admit the new Eclipse Cross is much better looking than the ill-fated Crosstour, but instead of being backed by one of the strongest names in the industry it hails from one of Canada’s least popular brands. This means that its already very slim niche market will be skinnier still, proven by 2,140 sales from February 2018, when it went on sale, to the close of August, compared to 7,265 Outlanders sold during the same seven months. No doubt Mitsubishi didn’t expect it to rocket out of the showroom door in comparison to its most popular model, but it’s a sobering thought when factoring in that 34,055 Honda CR-Vs and 32,947 Toyota RAV4s were sold over the exact same seven months, not to mention the 28,218 Ford Escapes and 26,525 Nissan Rogues. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
LED headlights are standard in top-line GT S-AWC trim. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Just the same, Mitsubishi is trying to do something different and deserves our respect for a worthy effort, while the new model is quite good at what it needs to do for the most part. I’ll elaborate in my upcoming review, and like usual will only give you a few buyers’ guide-like details during this garage piece. 

For starters, behind Mitsubishi’s dramatic new “Dynamic Shield” frontal design that I think works much better with this Eclipse Cross than with any other application it’s been used for, resides a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine good for 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It combines with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that’s engineered to emulate an eight-speed automatic gearbox via some of the nicest magnesium column-mounted paddle shifters in the industry. All three Eclipse Cross trims come standard with Super All-Wheel Control in Canada, Mitsubishi-speak for all-wheel drive, an advanced torque-vectoring system honed from years of Lancer Evolution rally car breeding. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Come back for the road test review to find out how the new Eclipse Cross compares to its compact SUV competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Yes, it’s hard to stomach the thought that this wannabe performance SUV is now the hottest model in Mitsubishi’s once proud lineup, which previously anted up the fabulous Evo X MR, an all-wheel drive super sedan that easily outmaneuvered the Subaru WRX STI and most every other compact of the era, but Mitsubishi now has its limited funds focused on practical SUVs that more people will potentially purchase, not to mention plug-in electrics that give it a good green name if not many actual buyers, at least when comparing the Outlander PHEV’s sales to the aforementioned conventionally powered compact SUVs. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
No fully digital display here, just some good honest analogue dials and a small colour trip computer. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

We can lament the loss of the Evo, but should commend Mitsubishi for the Eclipse Cross’ fuel economy that’s rated at a cool 9.6 L/100km in the city, 8.9 on the highway and 8.3 combined, which is quite good in comparison to the aforementioned RAV4 that only manages 10.5 city, 8.3 highway and 9.5 combined, but not quite as thrifty as the CR-V’s 8.7 city, 7.2 highway and 8.0 combined rating. 

Hidden behind a slick looking standard set of 18-inch alloy wheels on 225/55 all-season tires is a fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup featuring stabilizer bars at both ends, which I’ll report on in my upcoming review. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Yes, that’s a powered head-up display unit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

I mentioned earlier there were three trim levels, and as usual Mitsubishi supplied this Eclipse Cross tester in top-line GT guise for $35,998 plus freight and fees (go to CarCostCanada for all pricing details, including dealer invoice pricing and rebate info that could save you thousands), which meant came loaded up with LED headlamps, a head-up display, a multi-view backup camera with dynamic guidelines, 710-watt Rockford Fosgate Punch audio with nine speakers including 10-inch subwoofer, a heatable steering wheel, heated rear outboard seats, leather upholstery, a six-way powered driver’s seat, a dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof, and more, not to mention everything from the second-rung SE model’s optional Tech Package that includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian warning, lane departure warning, auto-dimming rearview mirror with an integrated Homelink garage door opener, roof rails, and a nice silver painted lower door garnish. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Find out how this tablet-style touchscreen display performs when compared to its main challengers in the upcoming review. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Standard SE items pulled up to GT trim include the previously noted paddle shifters, proximity-sensing keyless access and ignition, an electromechanical parking brake (the base model gets a regular handbrake), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, auto on/off headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, blindspot warning, and more for $29,998, while features from the $27,998 base ES model that are still used by the top-tier GT include LED DRLs, fog lamps, LED turn signals integrated within the side mirror caps, LED taillights, tilt and telescopic steering, a colour multi-information display within the gauge cluster, an “ECO” mode, micron filtered automatic climate control, heated front seats, a lower console-mounted touchpad controller for the standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, two USB charging/connectivity ports, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, satellite radio, and more. 

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross GT S-AWC
Comfortable seats? Come back for our review to find out answers to this question and more. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Last but hardly least in this practical class is passenger and cargo space, with the former needed to be expanded on experientially in my review and the latter measuring 640 litres (22.6 cu ft) behind the standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks and 1,385 litres (48.9 cu ft) behind the front row, making it more accommodating for cargo than the subcompact RVR and less so than the compact Outlander. 

I’ve said more than enough for a garage story, so make sure to come back to read all of my notes reiterated into some sort of readable road test. I can tell you now the Eclipse Cross suffers from a few issues, or at least this specific tester certainly does, and therefore you won’t want to miss what I have to say. Until then, enjoy our shortened photo gallery (more will accompany the review)…

The subcompact SUV class is one of the industry’s fastest growing vehicle segments, and Mitsubishi’s RVR was one of the first to stake it out. Despite a 7-year-plus product run that’s only included…

2017 Mitsubishi RVR 2.4 SE AWC Black Edition Road Test

Honestly, I'm not a big fan of the latest trend toward special blacked out versions of new cars and SUVs, at least not normally. Fortunately, Mitsubishi didn't go so far as to darken the new RVR SE AWC Black Edition's signature chrome detailing up front, and left its tailpipe finisher and various emblems in bright metal as well. Instead, this Black Edition gets an all-black exterior paint treatment, the usual matte black lower body cladding, a sweet looking set of glossy black painted 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, and similarly shiny black roof rails. That, and all its protruding trim bits (a.k.a. mirror caps, door handles, rooftop antenna, and rear spoiler) painted body colour as well, and it's a wrap, figuratively and literally.

Mitsubishi wouldn't have needed to go to great measures in order to make the interior all black too, but instead followed the usual sporting theme by adding plenty of red highlights, including stitching inside the top half of the leather-wrapped steering Read Full Story
Want a cheap car? Mitsubishi’s Mirage just might fit the bill. Want a nicer cheap car? Ante up for the Mirage G4 SEL. We tested this fully loaded sedan and came away surprised at its standard features…

2017 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 SEL Sedan Road Test

Remember when Mitsubishi had a full lineup of exciting sports models? When first arriving on the Canadian market in late 2002 for the 2003 model year I attended their all-model launch in Montebello, Quebec and was impressed by much of what they had on offer. In fact, I reviewed every single car and SUV available that year, which included compact, mid-size and full-size sedans, compact, mid-size and full-size SUVs, plus a sports coupe and convertible.

Mitsubishi continued adding models to most every mainstream market niche possible in the years that followed, and I attended nearly every launch program they put on, including the fabulous 2005 Lancer Evolution VIII MR rally-bred sport sedan that wasn't offered in Canada, the '06 Lancer Evolution IX (also not offered here), the ill-fated Dodge Dakota-based '06 Raider pickup truck (at which point I was asked if they should bring it to Canada, and I recommended not as I didn't think they'd sell enough), the much-improved '06 Eclipse Read Full Story