Is a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a good buy?
It's finally the day of the total solar eclipse, a rare phenomenon that we won't have the chance to observe again in Canada until... 2106!
Obviously, we're not astronomy specialists here. Instead, let's take this opportunity to talk about another eclipse, that of Mitsubishi. No, not the coupé abandoned in the early 2010s, but its modern utility alter ego: the Eclipse Cross. After all, a lot more people are interested in small SUVs, right?
Introduced to the market in 2018, then upgraded for 2022, this model suffers from being sandwiched between the subcompact RVR and the compact Outlander, as evidenced by sales. In truth, is it a good buy or a bad buy? Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're considering a used model...
First, since we're talking about a Mitsubishi product, the initial 5-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty may still be valid. The 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty certainly will. Understand, too, that durability is one of the brand's strengths, and the Eclipse Cross goes a long way to proving it. And you don't have to worry about recalls.
Other reasons to choose this vehicle include Mitsubishi's AWC (All-Wheel Control) all-wheel drive system, which can be locked with equal torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The S-AWC (S for Super) version benefits from more advanced programming for superior cornering dynamics.
On the other hand, the Eclipse Cross boasts a barely more generous load volume than the RVR, with a trunk capacity ranging from 640 to 663 liters depending on the model year. A similar observation can be made when the bench seat is folded. What's more, rearward visibility is restricted by the vehicle's streamlined silhouette, as well as by the light bar in the middle of the tailgate window. Mitsubishi has wisely corrected the latter for 2022.
As for the engine, its 184 lb-ft of torque is interesting on paper, but it really doesn't make the Eclipse Cross a fast vehicle, while its meagre 152 horsepower complains of pain when moderately solicited. And despite the continuously-variable transmission, fuel consumption is not to your liking: expect an average of 9.3 L/100 km.
As for the cabin, more or less well soundproofed compared to other SUVs of the same type, it must be admitted that the seats are comfortable, but ergonomics are spoiled in 2018 to 2021 models by a touchpad on the console to control the central screen. Regardless of the year, the multimedia system is neither attractive nor intuitive, which affects day-to-day use.
In conclusion, when it comes to price, you can pick up a used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in good condition for around $20,000 or less, but it would be wiser to pay $22,000 for an updated 2022 model. That said, it's strongly to your advantage to consider all the competition's options, in both the sub-compact and compact segments.
