The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross now comes standard with the company's legendary Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system along with a handful of other upgrades for the new model year.
The company started selling the Eclipse Cross in the U.S. in 2018, playing on the name of its popular coupe from the past. Currently the vehicle comes standard with a front-wheel drive layout. The S-AWC is available as a $1,600 add-on.
The S-AWC gained fame as the underpinning drivetrain behind the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, which professionals and enthusiasts favored for rallies (racing on dirt) as well as street driving from 1992 to 2016.
The 2023 model largely carries over the redesign that marked the preceding model year changeover. That refresh included a reworked grille with a shield design meant to evoke a more sporty nature. The hexagonal rear design hearkens back to the company's vehicles of the past.
The overhaul resulted in an SUV that was more than five inches longer than previous models.
Besides the size, the only significant changes will be spotted on the LE, SE and SEL trims, which get a new 18-inch alloy wheel design. The SEL trim's lower-side trim now matches the body color. A front bumper garnish is added to the SE trim and LED headlights and fog lights are now standard.
A 1.5-liter direct-injection turbocharged engine remains, connected to a continuously variable transmission to deliver 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. EPA fuel mileage is surprisingly up, from 26 to 28 miles per gallon combined.
The inside remains largely unchanged, with cloth or leather seats available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A suite of standard safety features on all trims of the Eclipse Cross includes lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection.
Automatic high beams are now featured on the LE, SE and SEL levels. And on SE and higher trims, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert are standard.
The Jeep Compass ($26,390), Hyundai Kona ($21,300) and Nissan Rogue Sport ($24,460) are the main competition for the Eclipse Cross, with the popular Nissan being closest in price and size.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $25,795, a $2,100 premium over last year's model.
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