2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review - Why This Underrated SUV Deserves a Second Look

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Review - The compact crossover that often flies under the radar, but might just be the sleeper pick in the U.S. SUV market.

With updated styling, a practical interior, and Mitsubishi’s industry-leading warranty, the Eclipse Cross offers real value for those wanting something a little different. So is it worth your time and money in 2026? Let’s dive into all the details.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross carries forward the modern design language Mitsubishi introduced in recent years, with a few subtle updates to keep it fresh.

The Dynamic Shield front grille gives it a bold, futuristic face, now enhanced with revised LED headlights and daytime running lights.
The rear has been cleaned up, moving away from the controversial split-glass hatch of earlier models.
New alloy wheel designs (up to 18 inches) and additional paint colors like Deep Bronze Metallic and Sunrise Red Pearl add a premium look.

The styling strikes a balance between sporty and practical, with a coupe-inspired silhouette that sets it apart from boxier rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross or Subaru Crosstrek.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

The 2026 Eclipse Cross sticks with a single, proven engine option:

1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4

152 horsepower
184 lb-ft of torque
Mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Available in FWD or Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)

While it’s not a performance SUV, the turbo engine delivers decent low-end torque for city driving and merging onto highways. The ride is tuned for comfort, with confident cornering thanks to Mitsubishi’s advanced AWD system.

Fuel Economy:

Estimated 26 MPG city / 29 MPG highway with AWD
Slightly better in FWD models

INTERIOR & INFOTAINMENT

Inside, the 2026 Eclipse Cross offers a clean, modern cabin with a focus on practicality and user-friendly tech.

Standard 8-inch touchscreen, now with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Available navigation system, voice recognition, and Mitsubishi Connect app integration
Seating for five, with surprisingly spacious rear legroom for the segment
Cargo capacity is decent, 23.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 50.1 cu. ft. when folded

The materials are durable, the dashboard layout is intuitive, and higher trims add nice touches like heated front seats, leather upholstery, and a head-up display.

SAFETY & DRIVER ASSISTANCE

Mitsubishi continues to offer a competitive safety package across most trims in the 2026 Eclipse Cross.

Standard Features:

Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
Lane Departure Warning
Automatic High Beams
Rearview Camera

Available Features (on SE & SEL):

Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Parking Sensors
Multi-view Camera System

And of course, the biggest safety net is Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which remains one of the best in the industry.

TRIMS & PRICING

Let’s break down the U.S. trims and pricing for the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

🔹 ES (Base) – Starts around $27,500

FWD, cloth seats, 8-inch touchscreen, basic safety suite

🔹 LE – Around $28,900

Blacked-out trim, heated front seats, upgraded infotainment

🔹 SE – Around $30,500

Blind spot warning, keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel

🔹 SEL – Tops out near $32,000

Leather seats, full driver assist package, power-adjustable seats, optional S-AWC

For just over $30K, the SEL trim with all-wheel drive is a great value, especially compared to more expensive compact SUVs from Honda or Mazda.

So, should you buy the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross? If you’re looking for a unique compact SUV with solid tech, good safety features, and one of the best warranties in the business, this might be the hidden gem you've been overlooking.

It’s not the fastest or flashiest SUV on the road, but it gets the job done with style, confidence, and peace of mind. Give it a test drive, and you might be pleasantly surprised