The Best Choice for Your Next SUV: The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE
The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE stands out in the crowded SUV market as an affordable and stylish compact crossover that offers both performance and practicality. It combines a sleek, modern design with a variety of tech features and a fuel-efficient engine making it an attractive option for both daily commuters and weekend adventurers. But is the Eclipse Cross LE the right SUV for you? In this review we’ll cover the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Exterior: Sleek and Stylish with a Distinctive Look
The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE follows the trend of sharp lines and an athletic stance seen in many of today’s crossovers. Its striking front grille and dynamic LED headlights give it a distinctive look that helps it stand out on the road.
Key Exterior Features:
- Bold front fascia with a unique grille design
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels standard on the LE trim
- Rear spoiler that adds to its sporty appeal
- Chrome accents and sleek roofline
Though the Eclipse Cross is visually appealing it doesn’t have the rugged off-road look that some competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek or Jeep Compass offer. Instead it's designed for a more refined city-driving experience. Some may find the rear-end design a bit unconventional, especially with the rear spoiler that cuts across the rear window which can hinder visibility when reversing.
Interior: Comfortable but with Some Compromises
Step inside the Eclipse Cross LE and you’ll find a cabin that’s focused on comfort and usability. Mitsubishi has upped its game in recent years in terms of interior quality and the LE trim strikes a good balance between affordability and premium features.
Seating and Space
The 2024 Eclipse Cross LE comes with fabric upholstery with leather accents that give a more upscale feel compared to lower trims. The seats are supportive enough for long drives though they lack the same premium comfort found in some competitors’ higher trims like the Mazda CX-5.
There’s enough room for up to five passengers though rear-seat legroom can feel a bit cramped for taller adults. While the back seats do recline slightly they don't slide forward and backward which would have been a useful feature for adjusting legroom or increasing cargo space.
Cargo Space
Cargo capacity is where the Eclipse Cross LE could use some improvement. With just 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row it lags behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Folding the rear seats down does expand the cargo space to 50.1 cubic feet but even then it's still on the smaller side for its class. This might be a drawback if you frequently carry large items or travel with a lot of luggage.
Performance: Fuel-Efficient but Not Overly Powerful
Under the hood of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers aren’t groundbreaking the engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that helps the Eclipse Cross achieve decent fuel economy. The EPA estimates it at 26 mpg city / 29 mpg highway, which is competitive for the class.
Driving Dynamics
The Eclipse Cross LE’s handling is smooth and predictable but it’s not a vehicle that will excite driving enthusiasts. It’s clearly designed with comfort in mind rather than sportiness. All-wheel drive is standard on the LE trim, which is a nice touch especially for those who live in areas with variable weather conditions.
However, if you’re looking for a crossover that offers a thrilling driving experience the Eclipse Cross might not be the right fit. The CVT does a decent job keeping the engine in its powerband but it can feel sluggish under heavy acceleration. This is especially noticeable when trying to merge onto the highway or overtake slower vehicles.
Technology: User-Friendly but Missing Some High-End Features
The 2024 Eclipse Cross LE is equipped with a range of tech features that enhance convenience and safety but it’s not the most tech-savvy vehicle in its class.
Infotainment System
The LE trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display that’s easy to use but it’s smaller than what many competitors offer. For instance the Hyundai Tucson comes with a larger 8-inch screen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is standard on many rivals. In the Eclipse Cross LE you'll get standard smartphone integration but the system’s graphics and interface could feel a bit dated compared to the cutting-edge infotainment setups found in higher-end competitors.
Safety Features
One area where the Eclipse Cross LE shines is its safety features. The LE trim comes with a solid list of standard safety equipment including:
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Blind-spot warning with lane change assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These features provide peace of mind especially for drivers who prioritize safety. However it's worth noting that some competitors offer more advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist which are missing in this trim level of the Eclipse Cross.
Pricing: Competitive but Watch for the Extras
The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE is attractively priced starting around $28,000. This makes it one of the more affordable options in its segment especially when you factor in the standard all-wheel drive and tech features. However adding optional extras or stepping up to a higher trim could quickly bring the price closer to competitors like the Nissan Rogue or Toyota RAV4 which offer more powerful engines and more refined interiors.
Alex Collantes' Opinion: Why He Chooses the Eclipse Cross LE
To get a more personal perspective on the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE we spoke with Alex Collantes a longtime fan of the brand and owner of a 2022 Eclipse Cross. Here’s what he had to say:
“I’ve always liked how Mitsubishi offers good value for money. With the 2024 Eclipse Cross LE you're getting all the essential features plus AWD at a price that's hard to beat. Sure it’s not the fastest SUV out there but for everyday driving it’s smooth comfortable and efficient. I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles just a reliable vehicle that looks good and does its job.” – Alex Collantes
Pros and Cons: A Quick Recap
Pros:
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Standard all-wheel drive on LE trim
- Solid list of safety features
- Stylish exterior design
- Decent fuel efficiency for a compact SUV
Cons:
- Underpowered engine especially when compared to rivals
- Smaller cargo space than most competitors
- Limited rear-seat legroom
- Infotainment system feels outdated compared to competitors
- Rear spoiler hampers rear visibility
Competitors: How Does the Eclipse Cross LE Stack Up?
When considering the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE, it's important to compare it to some of its closest rivals. Here’s how it fares against the competition:
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V offers a larger cargo area and a more powerful engine making it a better choice for families or those who need extra storage. However it comes at a higher starting price and doesn’t include standard all-wheel drive like the Eclipse Cross LE.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE vs. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 stands out for its premium interior materials and engaging driving dynamics. If you want a crossover that feels more luxurious and sporty the CX-5 is the better option. That said the Eclipse Cross LE is more affordable and offers standard AWD which the CX-5 does not at its base price.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE vs. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson comes packed with more technology features and a larger infotainment display. It also has better cargo capacity. However the Tucson’s starting price is higher and it lacks the standard AWD that you get with the Eclipse Cross LE.
Final Verdict: Is the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE Worth It?
In the end the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE is a solid choice for buyers looking for a stylish affordable compact SUV with essential safety features and standard AWD. While it may not offer the most powerful engine or the largest cargo space it excels in areas like value safety and design.
If you prioritize getting a lot of features for the price and don’t mind sacrificing some power and tech upgrades the Eclipse Cross LE should definitely be on your shortlist. Its sleek look practical features and comfortable ride make it a strong contender in the crowded compact SUV market.
However if you need a more robust powertrain or greater interior space you may want to explore other options like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5.
The 2024 Eclipse Cross LE offers something that few crossovers in this price range can match – a balanced package of style safety and all-wheel-drive capability at a competitive price. And for drivers like Alex Collantes it’s simply a vehicle that delivers value without overcomplicating things.