2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition: Your Bold and Stylish SUV Choice

The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition is here to make a statement for those seeking a standout compact SUV with style. If you're thinking about getting a car that merges bold aesthetics with solid performance this edition might be on your radar. But let’s be real: there’s a lot to cover about the vehicle from what’s great to what could have been better. Let’s dive deep into it so you can decide if this is the right SUV for you.

What Makes the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition Stand Out?

The 2024 Eclipse Cross Black Edition is Mitsubishi’s latest effort to combine sophistication with a rugged exterior. It’s a special edition of the Eclipse Cross that aims to appeal to drivers who want something a little bit extra. And by "extra," we mean extra style extra features and extra road presence.

Design That Demands Attention

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Black Edition is its aggressive blacked-out exterior. From the gloss-black grille to the black alloy wheels everything about this SUV screams boldness. Mitsubishi has taken an already eye-catching design and amplified it with these distinct touches. The gloss-black roof rails and the dark accents around the fog lights add a touch of luxury while still giving off an adventurous vibe.

However while the darkened look is undeniably sleek the Black Edition can feel a bit monotone to some people. The lack of color contrast might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It works best for drivers who prefer the stealthy all-black aesthetic but if you want a pop of color or a two-tone exterior you may feel like something is missing.

Exterior Features Breakdown:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Gloss-black front grille
• Black roof rails
• Black side mirror covers
• LED headlights and fog lights

Interior Comfort: Bold Yet Functional

Inside the Eclipse Cross Black Edition you'll find a similar dark-themed approach. The seats are dressed in black synthetic leather paired with a mix of fabric and red stitching which adds a touch of sportiness. The dashboard keeps things simple but the minimalist design works especially when paired with the user-friendly 8-inch touchscreen display.

While the interior is comfortable and functional it's not quite the plush luxurious experience you might expect from an SUV with such bold styling. The interior materials could be a bit more upscale. Some competitors in the same class offer higher quality finishes especially when it comes to the dashboard and door panels. It’s a solid setup but a few more premium touches could have elevated it.

Interior Highlights:

• Black synthetic leather and fabric upholstery
• Red contrast stitching
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Heated front seats (optional)

"To be honest" says Alex Collantes an SUV enthusiast "I think the Eclipse Cross Black Edition nails the look but it doesn’t blow you away with interior comfort. Don’t get me wrong it’s cozy and practical but the materials could be a bit better for the price range."

Performance That Balances Everyday Driving and Sporty Handling

Under the hood the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower. It’s mated to a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which helps the car achieve smoother acceleration and better fuel efficiency. The Black Edition is also available with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system which offers enhanced traction and handling especially on slippery roads.

For daily commutes the Eclipse Cross provides a smooth and predictable drive. The suspension handles bumps well and it's a quiet vehicle when driving at lower speeds. However when you push it on the highway the engine can feel a bit underpowered compared to rivals. While the 152 horsepower is fine for most city driving it may leave you wanting more punch during overtakes or hill climbs.

Performance Stats:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
• 152 horsepower
• CVT transmission
• Available Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
• Fuel economy: around 26 MPG city / 29 MPG highway

Technology and Infotainment

The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is one of the main tech features of the Eclipse Cross Black Edition. It's fairly intuitive with a good response time but the interface could be more visually engaging. The integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a plus making it easy to connect your smartphone and access apps on the go.

Mitsubishi also offers an optional head-up display (HUD) for those who want to keep their eyes on the road while checking vital information. It’s a nice touch but not essential if you're used to looking down at the dash or infotainment screen.

One area where Mitsubishi could improve is driver assistance tech. While the Black Edition offers standard features like lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking some competitors offer more advanced safety packages even in their base models. You’ll find the essentials but those looking for the latest in autonomous driving aids may be left wanting more.

Tech and Infotainment Highlights:

• 8-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Optional head-up display
• Standard lane departure warning
• Standard automatic emergency braking

Is It Practical?

When it comes to practicality the 2024 Eclipse Cross Black Edition performs decently. It’s got enough space to accommodate a small family and the cargo area is on par with other compact SUVs. With 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expanding to 50.1 cubic feet when the seats are folded down there’s enough room for everyday items but it’s not class-leading.

Rear passengers might find the legroom a bit tight especially on longer trips. For taller adults the backseat could feel a bit cramped. If you're regularly ferrying around passengers who need extra legroom there are more spacious options in the compact SUV market.

Cargo and Space Details:

• 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind rear seats
• 50.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded
• Rear seat legroom: 35.3 inches
• Split-folding rear seats

What Could Be Better?

No car is perfect and the Eclipse Cross Black Edition has a few areas that could be improved. The 1.5-liter engine while efficient could use more power especially when compared to sportier rivals. Additionally the interior materials though practical don't quite match the aggressive boldness of the exterior. For a Black Edition you might expect a bit more premium feel inside.

Another drawback is the lack of advanced driver assistance systems. The tech that’s offered is functional but compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V the Eclipse Cross feels a bit behind in terms of cutting-edge safety and semi-autonomous features.

Lastly the fuel efficiency while decent could be better for a compact SUV especially considering its competition offers hybrid variants or more efficient gasoline engines. Mitsubishi's Black Edition aims for style but when it comes to practicality it can sometimes take a back seat to other options in the market.

The Final Verdict: Should You Consider the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition?

If you're someone who values style over everything else the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition is a strong contender. Its bold design and black-out aesthetics make it stand out on the road and it's a great option if you want to drive something that feels a bit more special than the typical compact SUV.

However if you're focused on power luxury interior touches or cutting-edge tech you might find the Eclipse Cross lacking in some areas. There are competitors that offer more in terms of engine performance and interior quality. Still with the right expectations this Black Edition delivers enough to satisfy drivers who want something distinctive without breaking the bank.

"For someone who’s looking for something different the Eclipse Cross Black Edition checks a lot of boxes" adds Alex Collantes. "But if you're really performance-driven or need that luxury interior feel you might need to look elsewhere."

Pros:

• Bold and distinctive blacked-out design
• Comfortable ride for city driving
• Super All-Wheel Control for better handling in tough conditions
• User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Cons:

• Underpowered engine for highway overtakes
• Interior materials don’t match the exterior’s premium feel
• Lacks advanced driver assistance tech found in competitors
• Tight rear legroom for taller passengers

Ultimately the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition offers a stylish option for those looking to stand out. It’s not the most luxurious or powerful in its class but if you’re drawn to the aesthetic and don’t need top-tier performance or tech this could be the right SUV for you.

References:

• Mitsubishi Motors USA: Official 2024 Eclipse Cross Black Edition Brochure
• Car and Driver Review (2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross)
• Personal Interview with Alex Collantes Automotive Enthusiast (April 2024)