Mitsubishi’s New Eclipse Cross Gets Two All-New Engines

Mitsubishi is primed to drag the Eclipse name through the mud with the reveal of the new Eclipse Cross. As its name implies, this will be yet another Mitsu crossover. Recently, the Japanese automaker unveiled new images and some more specifics about this upcoming model.

The new exterior image doesn’t reveal much that wasn’t already obvious in the darkened teaser Mitsubishi released earlier, but at least this image is clear. We can make out more of the bodylines, like the scalloped doors and the ridges in the hood, as well as the massive fog lights, the silver accents, and the raked rear glass.

While the front actually looks decent, for a Mitsubishi, the rear is a little odd. The way the taillight splits the glass in two and the rake of said glass is very reminiscent of the backside from one of the ugliest crossovers ever: the Pontiac Aztek. It’s not identical, but enough to make me gag a bit.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (Credit: © Mitsubishi )

We also get a look at the Eclipse Cross’ interior for the first time. While it appears more upscale than current Mitsu models, it still looks a little chintzy. It’s clear there is still a lot of hard plastic – a staple of this automaker – but it is surrounded by more premium goodies, like the standalone display screen, gloss-black accents, silver trim, and even a touchpad, which operates the infotainment system. There is also an available head-up display that shows the vehicle’s speed, data from the active safety systems and more, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Eclipse Cross will have two available engines and a new all-wheel-drive system. The standard engine will be a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable transmission with an eight-speed manual mode. This boosted engine may give this lineup something it’s seriously lacking: torque.

There will also be a 2.2-liter turbo-diesel engine with an eight-speed auto. It remains unclear if the diesel will be available in the U.S., but I highly doubt it will be. The official specs on these engines will be available as we near its reveal on March 7.

The Eclipse Cross will have an available electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that adjusts the torque to the rear wheels with changing road conditions. The press release implies this system will be standard, but I find that hard to believe.

Keep it locked here for updates as we get closer to the Eclipse Cross’ reveal.