2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Pros: Crisp handling; well-equipped for the price; good cargo capacity

Cons: Awkward control layout; poor rear visibility

CG Says: The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers wider availability of 2-wheel drive and some safety features. Previously, all-wheel drive was standard on models except the base ES. Now all models offer 2WD as well as AWD. Last year forward collision warning and mitigation were only available on the top-line SEL, but are now standard on both SE and SEL. Introduced for 2018, Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover that slots between the subcompact Outlander Sport and compact Outlander in Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup. While the Outlander offers three-row seating and is one of the largest compact crossovers, the 5-passenger Eclipse Cross is on the small side of the compact-SUV class. The sole powertrain is a 152-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with a CVT automatic transmission. All models offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Available safety features include forward-collision warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Available comfort and convenience features include a head-up instrument display, heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, panoramic sunroof, keyless access and starting, automatic high-beam headlights, and 360-degree camera display. The Eclipse Cross has a sporty nature thanks to its aggressive looks, compact dimensions, and good handling, and it stands out in its class by offering generous levels of equipment at a reasonable price. Mitsubishi isn’t the first name to come to mind when compact SUVs are discussed, but the Eclipse Cross might offer enough off-the-beaten-path appeal to make it a fine alternative for some shoppers.