Are you ready to explore the sleek and sporty world of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport? This crossover combines the practicality of an SUV with the dynamic styling of a coupe. In this article, we'll dive deep into what makes the Eclipse Cross Sport a standout choice in the crowded crossover market. We'll cover everything from its design and performance to its interior features and technology, giving you a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this is the right vehicle for you.

Exterior Design: A Head-Turning Silhouette

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport immediately grabs attention with its distinctive exterior design. The sloping roofline, a hallmark of coupe-inspired crossovers, gives it a sporty and dynamic profile that sets it apart from more traditional SUV designs. The front fascia features Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield design, with bold chrome accents and aggressive lines that convey a sense of power and sophistication. LED headlights and daytime running lights add to the modern aesthetic, providing excellent visibility and a striking visual signature.

Moving to the side, the Eclipse Cross Sport boasts sculpted body panels and sharp creases that enhance its athletic stance. The rising beltline and pronounced wheel arches contribute to its muscular appearance, while the available alloy wheels, ranging from 18 to 19 inches, add a touch of elegance. The rear of the vehicle is equally eye-catching, with its unique taillight design that spans the width of the tailgate. This distinctive feature not only enhances the vehicle's visual appeal but also improves visibility for following drivers.

The Eclipse Cross Sport is available in a range of vibrant exterior colors, allowing you to personalize your ride to match your style. From classic shades like Diamond White and Graphite Gray to bolder options like Red Diamond and Lightning Blue, there's a color to suit every taste. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident in every aspect of the vehicle, making it a true head-turner on the road. Whether you're cruising through the city or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Eclipse Cross Sport's stylish exterior is sure to make a lasting impression.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport, you'll find a well-appointed interior that prioritizes comfort and convenience. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials and thoughtful ergonomics, creating a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing ample cushioning for long journeys. Available features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat add an extra touch of luxury.

The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the infotainment system, which features a touchscreen display ranging from 7 to 8 inches depending on the trim level. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Voice control functionality further enhances convenience, allowing you to operate various functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

The Eclipse Cross Sport also offers a range of advanced technology features designed to enhance your driving experience. These include a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. A multi-view camera system provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier than ever. Other available features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, all of which contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience.

Performance and Handling: A Fun-to-Drive Crossover

Under the hood, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. This engine produces 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers smooth and seamless gear changes. While some enthusiasts may lament the lack of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT is well-tuned to the engine and provides responsive acceleration.

The Eclipse Cross Sport's handling is surprisingly agile for a crossover. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride while still offering decent cornering capabilities. The steering is precise and responsive, giving you a good feel for the road. Available all-wheel drive (AWD) further enhances the vehicle's handling and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The AWD system automatically distributes power between the front and rear wheels, optimizing traction and control.

In terms of fuel economy, the Eclipse Cross Sport achieves respectable numbers for its class. The front-wheel-drive model is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the AWD model is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. These figures make the Eclipse Cross Sport a relatively fuel-efficient choice for drivers who want a stylish and practical crossover without sacrificing too much at the pump. Overall, the Eclipse Cross Sport offers a fun-to-drive experience that is sure to appeal to a wide range of drivers.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

Safety is a top priority for Mitsubishi, and the Eclipse Cross Sport is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. The vehicle comes standard with a variety of active and passive safety systems, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, and a suite of airbags. In addition, the Eclipse Cross Sport offers a range of advanced safety technologies that can help prevent accidents and mitigate their severity.

These advanced safety features include forward collision mitigation, which can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to reduce the impact. Lane departure warning alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, while blind-spot monitoring warns you of vehicles in your blind spots. Rear cross-traffic alert helps you avoid collisions when backing out of parking spaces by detecting vehicles approaching from the sides. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to keep you safe.

The Eclipse Cross Sport has also performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These results demonstrate the vehicle's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. With its comprehensive safety features and strong crash-test ratings, the Eclipse Cross Sport provides peace of mind on the road.

Trim Levels and Options

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport is available in a range of trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base ES trim comes standard with features such as automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a rearview camera. Upgrading to the LE trim adds features such as alloy wheels, heated front seats, and a smartphone link display audio system. The SE trim adds even more features, including LED headlights, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and blind-spot monitoring.

The top-of-the-line SEL trim comes loaded with luxury features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system. This trim also includes advanced safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. In addition to the various trim levels, the Eclipse Cross Sport is available with a range of optional packages that allow you to further customize your vehicle to your liking. These packages include features such as a cargo management system, a roof rack, and various styling enhancements.

Conclusion: Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport Right for You?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport is a stylish and versatile crossover that offers a compelling combination of design, performance, and features. Its coupe-inspired styling sets it apart from the competition, while its comfortable interior and advanced technology make it a pleasure to drive. The available all-wheel drive and comprehensive safety features provide added peace of mind, making it a great choice for families and individuals alike. While it may not be the most powerful or sporty crossover on the market, the Eclipse Cross Sport offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

If you're looking for a crossover that stands out from the crowd and offers a good value for your money, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Sport is definitely worth considering. Its unique design, practical features, and affordable price make it a compelling option in the competitive crossover market. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a weekend adventure, the Eclipse Cross Sport is ready to take you there in style and comfort.