I wouldn’t say the Eclipse Cross gets my pulse racing in the looks department, but I’ve seen sleepier designs, and I like the fact that it’s a bit different.īy the way, if you were wondering why someone would buy this over an Outlander Sport (especially since the Eclipse Cross is just 2″ longer), we asked Mr. After all, that’s just one syling component. I can see why some people would say that, but I also think it’s a bit of a stretch. Others, however, have said more unkind things, including it reminds them of a Pontiac Aztek. Personally, I like the back-end treatment and the looks of the double-panes of glass on the hatchback. From its chrome two-bar grille and angular lines, to it’s high-mounted taillights and two-pane rear windscreen, people aren’t going to mistake this for a Ford Escape. That being said, I’d say the Eclipse Cross’s looks are familiar but also unique. May not be the fastest or most beautiful, but is loyal, dependable, and just a bit different. A crossbreed that’s versatile and intelligent. But first: The Crankshaft Culture Checklist:Īftermarket Support (1-5): 1.5 we assume Outlander Sport suspension bits will work, but not much engine stuff yet. Let’s look at what the vehicle has to offer. But let’s not get hung up on the vehicle’s naming convention. Mitsubishi simply integrated the name of one of its best-known vehicles into this CUV, likely because people remember the Eclipse. Let’s just get something straight: The Eclipse Cross has nothing to do with the former Eclipse coupe offered from 1990–2011. There’s been a focus on new technology, such as the Outlander PHEV small cars, such as the frugal subcompact Mirage and of course, crossovers. When many companies’ sales are going down, Mitsubishi is bucking the trend. 2017, and the company had its best August in 10 years. Current year-to-date sales are up 21% vs. In fact, Mitsubishi sales continue to grow. With new models, new strategies, and the Nissan-Renault alliance, things are starting to look up. The last several years haven’t been great for Mitsubishi, but business has picked up over the last couple years. Oh, you don’t remember what they were? They looked like this. Heck, you could argue the old 1992 Expo and Expo LRV were crossovers ahead of their time. “Outlander Sport was one of the original compact CUVs and we’re very proud of the fact that we led the charge to essentially help create the category,” says Jeff Holland, Director of Public Relations & Events for Mitsubishi Motors North America.

The company was also one of the early adopters of the crossover platform. There have been scads of AWD Mitsubishis for years. Mitsubishi is no stranger to AWD vehicles. For 2018, Mitsubishi added a third CUV to its lineup, the Eclipse Cross. Mitsubishi has offered a crossovers for years including the Outlander and the compact Outlander Sport (or RVR in Canada). Part car, part SUV, these hatchbacks are possibly the hottest segment in the automotive market today, and pretty much all manufacturers sell them. Crossovers are money makers for car companies these days.

Mitsubishi crossover