2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV evaluation

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was the primary plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) within the small SUV class, making it an particularly vital mannequin in Australia consequently.

It might need been among the many first auto manufacturers to commit the sin of recycling a traditionally sporty nameplate for a crossover SUV, however Mitsubishi struck gold with its recipe for the Eclipse Cross.

Now the MG HS Plus EV is on hiatus as we await the arrival of its mid-sized PHEV SUV alternative, Mitsubishi is just about alone in providing a PHEV within the reasonably priced SUV segments – however that doesn’t imply there isn’t extra convincing competitors elsewhere.

Mitsubishi’s personal bigger Outlander PHEV has progressed and the present era is now a strong possibility, even whether it is dearer. The Eclipse Cross, in the meantime, is essentially the identical because it was when it launched in 2018.

It has since acquired a light-weight facelift inside and outside, however its inside stays very 2010.

WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV

There’s additionally a collection of gear that’s solely out there on the very prime quality, though the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire on check right here is the primary of two variants to value greater than $50,000 earlier than on-road prices.

Which means it’s up towards robust competitors from the likes of a number of non-hybrid SUVs bought by different legacy Japanese producers, and it’ll possible obtain a wake-up name when the next-generation MG HS PHEV arrives.

Nonetheless, plug-in hybrid SUV patrons might do rather a lot worse, particularly when tax exemptions are thought-about and the value of certainly one of these Eclipse Cross PHEVs begins to look extra interesting – even when its inside does the alternative.

Is the Eclipse Cross PHEV nonetheless a sensible choice in at present’s market, or has Mitsubishi sat on it for only a bit too lengthy?

How does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross towards equally sized automobiles.

Mitsubishi

Eclipse Cross

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross value?

There are three Eclipse Cross PHEV variants out there to buy proper now, and the Aspire sits proper within the center.

At $51,740 plus on-roads, it’s practically $15,000 dearer than the front-wheel drive non-hybrid Aspire on which it’s primarily based. However you could possibly stand to avoid wasting hundreds on a novated lease for a automotive like this, as house owners is not going to need to pay Fringe Advantages Tax (FBT) till April 1, 2025.

In the meanwhile, plug-in hybrid variations of the Eclipse Cross don’t have any direct funds rivals. That can change in mid-2025 although, when the next-generation MG HS PHEV arrives, for the reason that outgoing HS is now not out there.

Commonplace Eclipse Cross fashions, nonetheless, have a packed record of opponents. The brand new petrol HS is certainly one of them, and it ranges in worth from $34,990 to $40,990 drive-away.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross like on the within?

The Eclipse Cross is getting lengthy within the tooth, and nowhere is that higher demonstrated than its inside.

Being the Aspire, it advantages from some nicer cabin supplies just like the ‘mi-suede’ and artificial leather-based upholstery discovered on the seats, however for probably the most half it’s struggling to maintain up with the occasions.

The infotainment system leaves rather a lot to be desired. At 8.0 inches it’s comparatively small alongside the competitors, and it pokes out of the dashboard awkwardly as if it was an afterthought, though that’s not unusual nowadays.

It’s additionally outdated graphically and its decision isn’t as crisp as we wish, nevertheless it’s at the very least simple to navigate. Its house display screen options 5 giant tile icons for the varied menus out there, whereas touch-capacitive buttons and two knobs are included alongside the display screen’s backside bezel.

We don’t thoughts the combination of the touchscreen and bodily controls, and related setups in different vehicles – Skoda specifically – are helpful to maintain issues clear and easy. Positive, this can be one other product of its age, however that is one which works.

By way of presentation, a number of the materials selections are additionally telling of the automotive’s age. The laborious silver plastic is one giveaway, and the fake carbon-fibre trim items on the central panel and door armrests have been at all times a bit iffy.

The inside of the Eclipse Cross has hardly modified in any respect for the reason that automotive launched, and that’s a giant a part of the issue. It means those that may have check pushed different new vehicles with cleaner, screen-heavier setups could also be underwhelmed, however after all there are various completely different purchaser varieties.

When you’re coming from an older automotive, the setup of this automotive will really feel a lot much less alien than one thing like a brand new Hyundai Tucson, for instance. That’s helped by the continued inclusion of bodily controls which, as talked about, is one thing that advantages useability.

The place others have shifted to successfully screen-only multimedia approaches, the Eclipse Cross nonetheless has a standard local weather management interface that’s clear and straightforward to make use of.

It’s made up of an LCD show surrounded by an array of buttons, whereas under that you just’ll discover clearly marked switches and buttons for issues like entrance seat heating and drive modes.

All of the buttons are clearly labelled too, which suggests these unfamiliar with the automotive are unlikely to really feel overwhelmed when leaping in for the primary time. Once more, its age helps make the Eclipse Cross be extra approachable.

Whereas that’s all positive, there’s nonetheless an odd mixture of themes occurring in right here. Across the surprisingly formed gear selector is a great deal of gloss black trim, which is then damaged up by some laborious, boring plastic switches for the seat heating.

Extra silver trim seems on the centre console too, and all of which means there’s merely an excessive amount of occurring. Some simplification right here might go a good distance for each cleansing issues up and modernising its look.

A pet peeve is the usage of extra gloss black on the steering wheel, which is only a magnet for fingerprints and smudges. The remainder of the wheel is leather-wrapped, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel like the identical high quality of leather-based we’ve skilled in different vehicles.

The tiller rim feels comparatively small within the arms too, which provides to the old-school really feel. Even whether it is primarily based on the non-hybrid Aspire, we’d need one thing a bit nicer for the cash.

You continue to get the usual steering wheel buttons for infotainment and driver help controls, and at the very least they’re completed in additional sturdy laborious plastic as an alternative of something shiny.

Forward of the steering wheel is a standard two-gauge cluster, with the digital acreage restricted to a smaller show within the center. Whereas the entire unit could also be easy and a little bit clunky in look, it’s completely practical and straightforward to learn.

We’ve mentioned the infotainment display screen is missing in comparison with the competitors, however we will’t ignore the actual fact you continue to get some helpful options right here. Commonplace on this grade of Eclipse Cross is a reversing digital camera, in addition to a helpful surround-view digital camera.

Neither digital camera could also be of notably excessive decision, however we’d somewhat have each views even when it means sacrificing some legibility. All of it helps make this automotive simple to dwell with.

A draw back of the ageing inside is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired solely, and join by way of certainly one of two USB-A ports up entrance, however you’ll at the very least have the reliability of a hardwired hyperlink.

As such, we had no points with smartphone mirroring throughout our week with the automotive. Different energy sources are restricted to the 12V outlet close by, and sadly there’s no wi-fi cellphone charging pad to be discovered right here.

Entering into the again generally is a squeeze, because the opening angle of the doorways is comparatively restricted. There’s not numerous room on the ground to step in both, and the door sills are wider than what chances are you’ll count on.

When you’re in although, you’ll discover the rear seats are upholstered in the identical suede and artificial leather-based as up entrance, and so they’re comfy to sit down in for longer intervals of time. There’s a great deal of head and legroom, nevertheless it’s a reasonably barebones expertise.

The cabin presentation is definitely simpler to digest than it’s up the entrance, as there’s a lot much less variation in supplies and all of it stays comparatively coherent. There’s none of that silver trim again right here, the place every part is dull-finished laborious plastic.

Facilities are restricted to a fold-down armrest, a USB-A and USB-C port, and that’s it. There aren’t even any rear-facing air vents, which is disappointing for anybody spending time within the rear.

The boot of the Eclipse Cross is certainly one of its strengths. Whereas it’s quoted as lower than the smaller Volkswagen T-Roc (392L) and Nissan Qashqai (429L), you continue to get a great deal of ground area as much as the second-row seatbacks.

The sharply sloped roofline does imply vertical area is compromised. The wheel-arches additionally eat into area both aspect, and the ground sits comparatively excessive due to the storage for charging-related gear beneath.

Being the Aspire, it additionally misses out on an influence tailgate, which is one other a type of issues we expect a mannequin variant one rung down from the prime quality ought to function.

A minimum of as a result of it’s a PHEV you do profit from a 1500W V2L outlet, nevertheless it misses out on a spare tyre. General, whereas it might all be practical, the Eclipse Cross inside is desperately in want of a refresh, even when it’s only a minor replace to maintain up with the occasions.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What’s beneath the bonnet?

All Eclipse Cross PHEVs utilise a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, supported by electrical motors on the entrance and rear axles.

Our week with the automotive primarily concerned freeway driving, with a while additionally spent on slower roads in built-up areas.

The upper-than-claimed gasoline economic system determine we recorded is a results of the PHEV powertrain’s limitations, primarily its electric-only vary. Extra on that under.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

How does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross drive?

The Eclipse Cross is classed as a small SUV, nevertheless it doesn’t actually really feel like one on the highway.

In fact, it’s nowhere close to as giant because the Pajero Sport and even the Outlander, however the PHEV powertrain most likely has a big half to play in the way in which this specific Eclipse Cross feels on the highway.

For one, it’s greater than 400kg heavier than the usual non-hybrid Aspire, which is front-wheel drive solely. Whereas this AWD PHEV doesn’t really feel heavy because of its appropriately peppy throttle response, you do discover the additional weight being lugged round.

Its kerb weight is listed at practically two tonnes, which for a ‘small SUV’ is nothing to sneeze at. The compromise is its dealing with dynamics, which we’d cease wanting calling sloppy nevertheless it’s under no circumstances nimble.

The automotive’s suspension is ready up nicely sufficient to deal with its further mass, and at no level does the Eclipse Cross PHEV really feel unwieldy. It doesn’t clatter over bumps nor wallow over softer undulations both.

It’s a strong experience/dealing with steadiness that we will’t actually knock. The added weight could even assist it to really feel extra planted than the usual Aspire, and also you get the added safety of all-wheel drive in case you determine to move off-road or to the snow.

In fact, the the primary drawcard of this automotive is its PHEV powertrain. Whereas 55km of electric-only vary doesn’t appear to be rather a lot, there isn’t the rest at this worth that gives the identical zero-emissions driving functionality – not to mention extra.

The Eclipse Cross’ tried-and-tested method to plug-in tech really works in its favour on this case.

When you think about the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV – which after all is a a lot greater, heavier and extra succesful car – is anticipated to have an electric-only vary of 45km and can possible be significantly dearer, this all of the sudden doesn’t appear so unhealthy.

And, to its credit score, the Aspire PHEV was in a position to match or higher its 1.9L/100km gasoline economic system declare in regular circumstances, that means commonplace city site visitors and, crucially, a totally charged battery to begin with.

However as soon as the battery goes flat – which occurs surprisingly rapidly if in case you have an extended commute – you’re relying solely on the two.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, and consumption rises dramatically from the paltry sub-2.0L/100km claimed common.

Mitsubishi claims the 55km EV vary is sufficient for the day by day commute of most Aussies, however I’ve a 60km commute twice day by day, so after absolutely charging the battery at house every night time, arriving at work with a flat battery, then driving house on engine energy alone, I averaged 4.0L/100km.

So even with out participating the helpful electrical car (EV)-only mode, the battery nonetheless received’t have the ability to final a full day’s driving for me and due to this fact this PHEV received’t be as environment friendly as it may be.

That makes it much less suited to longer-distance commuters, however 4.0L/100km remains to be extra environment friendly than the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid and the Nissan Qashqai E-Energy. And in contrast to an EV, the Eclipse Cross received’t depart you stranded when its battery is depleted, making its longer whole vary nicely suited to many Aussies.

In fact, Mitsubishi might improve the vary of the Eclipse Cross PHEV, however that will additionally drive up its worth. As an alternative, it’s price remembering this automotive remains to be incoporates previous-generation Mitsubishi PHEV tech, which makes it a dependable setup that’s comfortably under-budget for many PHEVs.

It’s additionally at the moment distinctive available in the market till the brand new MG HS plug-in hybrid arrives. The MG may have the benefit of being an even bigger new PHEV with an up-to-date inside, however that doesn’t imply the Eclipse Cross PHEV must be missed.

Rivals from manufacturers like BYD and even Mitsubishi’s personal Outlander PHEV have EV ranges of greater than 80km, however they’re far more costly.

When you do go for the Eclipse Cross PHEV and your commute is so long as mine, and you’ll plug in your automotive while you get to your vacation spot, you may spend much more time charging however you’ll additionally spend little or no on gasoline and nearly all of your driving in EV mode.

And in case your each-way commute is lower than about 25km, all of your driving shall be in EV mode and also you’ll repay this PHEV’s worth premium much more rapidly.

If, then again, your commute is longer than 55km and, like most individuals, you’ll be able to’t be bothered recharging your PHEV repeatedly, you then may as nicely get a non-hybrid Eclipse Cross.

By itself then, the Eclipse Cross PHEV is an efficient alternative if in case you have a shorter day by day commute. The actual fact it’s produced by a longtime carmaker with a strong – albeit uninspiring – monitor file with such tech additionally improves purchaser confidence, as does Mitsubishi’s conditional 10-year guarantee.

As you’ll have deduced from our ideas on its inside, the problems with this automotive don’t relate to the PHEV powertrain however its outdated presentation as an entire.

Its age can also be evidenced by the usual security tech. Being the higher-spec Aspire, you do profit from adaptive cruise management and a surround-view digital camera, in addition to rear cross-traffic alert and blind spot monitoring, which isn’t out there within the entry-level Eclipse Cross.

However Mitsubishi’s intelligent Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, which stops the automotive when it detects the accelerator has been pressed as an alternative of the brake pedal at low speeds, is just discovered within the top-spec Exceed.

It’s additionally price remembering the Aspire PHEV is roughly $15,000 dearer than the non-hybrid Aspire, which will get all the identical gear. The one actual distinction is the petrol model has no electrical motors and due to this fact makes use of extra gasoline, and it’s front-wheel drive solely.

Petrol-only or PHEV, the Eclipse Cross thrives in city areas. It’s simple to manoeuvre because of its nicely weighted steering really feel, which isn’t as mild as in a few of its opponents.

Visibility out the home windows can also be good, with rear-view visiion not compromised regardless of the sharply angled rear window. Blind spot monitoring and entrance parking sensors are welcome additions that assist in navigating tight streets and carparks.

All which means the Aspire PHEV’s on-road expertise is essentially misaligned with its aged inside presentation, which is likely one of the causes it’s comparatively good worth.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

What do you get?

There are 4 distinct grades of Eclipse Cross, with the Aspire examined right here sitting second from the prime quality. The PHEV model features a sequence of tweaks over its non-hybrid counterpart.

Eclipse Cross ES gear highlights:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• LED daytime working lights
• Automated headlights
• Rear LED fog lamp
• Soundproof windshield glass
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Black material upholstery
• Local weather management air-conditioning
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 4-speaker sound system
• Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment
• Cruise management
• Keyless entry

Eclipse Cross ES PHEV provides:

• Illuminated entrance door trim
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Rear centre armrest with cupholders
• Electrical park brake
• Mode 2 charging cable
• Mode 3 charging cable
• Acoustic car alert system

Eclipse Cross LS provides (over ES):

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED entrance fog lights
• Automated high-beam
• Privateness glass
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• Electrical park brake with auto maintain
• 6-speaker sound system
• Rear USB-A and USB-C retailers
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror

Eclipse Cross LS Black Version provides:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss black mirrors, skid plates
• Mi-suede and artificial leather-based upholstery
• Black dimpled leather-wrapped steering wheel with gray stitching
• Black headliner, pillar trims
• 4-way energy driver’s seat
• Heated entrance seats
• PVC leather-based door playing cards
• Gray stitching particulars
• Silver garnishes on instrument panel, centre console sides, door grips

Eclipse Cross Aspire variants acquire (over LS):

• Gloss black entrance and rear skid plates
• Black grille
• Mi-suede and artificial leather-based upholstery
• Twin-zone local weather management
• 8-speaker sound system with 4 tweeters
• 4-way energy driver’s seat
• Heated entrance seats

Eclipse Cross Aspire PHEV provides:

• Automated LED headlights
• Roof rails
• Silver entrance decrease bumper
• Black entrance bumper centre garnish
• Black grille insert
• Black and insert rear decrease bumper
• Black aspect door garnish
• 1500-watt V2L capability

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross protected?

As of January 2024, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is ‘unrated’ by ANCAP, with its five-star security score – awarded in 2017 – stripped as a result of organisation’s six-year expiry coverage.

Commonplace security gear throughout the vary consists of:

• 7 airbags
• AEB with pedestrian detection
• Reversing digital camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning

LS and above get:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Aspire and above get:

• Adaptive cruise management
• Entrance parking sensors
• Encompass-view digital camera

Exceed and Exceed PHEV obtain Mitsubishi’s Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System, which is designed to cease the automotive when it detects the accelerator has been pressed as an alternative of the brake at low speeds.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

How a lot does the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross value to run?

Mitsubishi backs its Eclipse Cross with a 10-year, 200,000km guarantee in case you service at a Mitsubishi supplier (if not it’s 5 years and 100,000km), and its PHEV fashions are lined by an eight yr, 160,000km battery guarantee.

Servicing intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The overall worth for capped-price servicing over 10 years is strictly $1000 cheaper for petrol fashions in comparison with PHEVs.

To see how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire

Basically, this can be a strong small SUV that may comfortably get the job accomplished, nevertheless it’s extremely outdated.

Aside from its comparatively brief EV vary, the Eclipse Cross doesn’t do rather a lot improper while you’re on the transfer. And there are actually no different small PHEV SUVs out there at this worth level, which is a compelling case by itself.

Its dynamics are predictable and user-friendly, and there’s no pointless security tech to harass you. It’s simple to park and manoeuvre, and has sufficient area inside to comfortably transport a handful of passengers and their baggage – or a big load of groceries.

In its pure city setting it’s additionally extra economical than comparable small plugless hybrid SUVs, and if in case you have a brief commute and hold its battery charged you’ll quicky repay the acquisition worth premium and begin saving large cash on gasoline payments.

We like that it may be locked in EV mode as much as a sure pace, and naturally the e-motors contribute to the Eclipse Cross’ capability to rapidly get going.

The automotive’s ageing design leads to a largely analogue driving expertise that some patrons could admire, nevertheless it comes on the detriment of its inside.

The Eclipse Cross isn’t the worst offender on this space on sale proper now, given different Mitsubishis just like the ASX are arguably extra outdated, nevertheless it’s laborious for us to rally round the way in which this automotive presents.

There are too many various supplies together with that cheesy fake carbon-fibre, whereas a lot of the inside is draped in uninviting laborious plastic. Its cabin tech is practical, however the omission of wi-fi smartphone mirroring continues to be disappointing… however not stunning.

That’s a disgrace, as a result of a well-considered inside replace would go a protracted solution to addressing certainly one of our solely complaints right here, particularly given the outside doesn’t look unhealthy and it drives in addition to it does.

As a budget-friendly various to bigger, dearer PHEVs, the Eclipse Cross does the job nicely and the Aspire model might be the decide of the bunch. However as soon as the bigger but equally priced MG HS PHEV arrives, we count on Mitsubishi should pull its socks up.

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