2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart: The Best Sporty SUV You Need to Know About

The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart is a game-changer in the world of compact SUVs. If you're looking for something that balances performance comfort and a dash of off-road capability the Eclipse Cross Ralliart deserves to be on your radar. From its aggressive styling to the surprising amount of tech crammed inside this SUV it's clear Mitsubishi aims to make a statement. But like every vehicle no car is perfect and the Eclipse Cross Ralliart has a few areas where it could improve. Let's dive deep into what makes this SUV tick and where it might fall short.

Overview of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart

The Eclipse Cross Ralliart sits in a crowded segment but it stands out with its Ralliart heritage which evokes memories of Mitsubishi's rally racing history. Mitsubishi fans will be familiar with the Ralliart name which was once attached to high-performance variants like the Lancer Evolution. This Eclipse Cross may not be as hardcore but it brings sporty DNA to a modern compact SUV.

• Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
• Horsepower: 152 hp
• Torque: 184 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
• Transmission: CVT

Mitsubishi claims that the Ralliart-tuned suspension will give you the best of both worlds—a smooth city ride and enough ruggedness to handle light off-roading. But is this true? We’ll get into the nitty-gritty.

Performance and Handling: Punchy But Not Perfect

When you get behind the wheel of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart you'll notice right away that it's quick off the line. The 1.5-liter turbo engine delivers decent power for daily driving with enough torque to make merging onto highways a breeze. The turbocharged engine is responsive though not overly aggressive which should please most drivers looking for a sportier compact SUV.

Pros of Performance

1. Responsive Turbo: The engine gives enough punch without feeling overwhelming
2. Smooth Ride: Thanks to the Ralliart suspension even rougher city streets don’t faze this SUV
3. S-AWC system: Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive technology provides solid traction in various conditions

Cons of Performance

1. CVT Transmission: While smooth it lacks the satisfying shift points of a traditional automatic transmission. Some drivers might feel disconnected from the road.
2. Limited Off-Road Ability: Despite the Ralliart name this SUV is still more suited for city and highway driving than rugged trails. It's not a full-blown off-roader.

According to Alex Collantes a longtime Mitsubishi enthusiast and owner "The 2024 Eclipse Cross Ralliart is good for city driving and occasional countryside trips but if you're thinking of hardcore off-roading you’ll need something a bit more rugged."

Interior and Comfort: Stylish but a Bit Tight

When it comes to interior design Mitsubishi didn’t hold back. The 2024 Eclipse Cross Ralliart boasts a cabin that feels modern and driver-focused. Materials feel durable and soft-touch plastics are found in the right places giving the interior a more upscale vibe than some competitors in this price range.

Comfort and Features

1. Comfortable Seating: The front seats offer plenty of support for long drives though the back seats might be cramped for taller passengers
2. Dual-Zone Climate Control: Comes standard making it easier to keep everyone comfortable on those longer road trips
3. Infotainment System: A 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is included. The system is easy to navigate and responsive.

Drawbacks of the Interior

1. Cramped Rear Seats: For an SUV marketed as a family vehicle the backseat legroom is tighter than expected
2. Cargo Space: The cargo space is not as spacious as some competitors in this class with only 23.4 cubic feet behind the second row. Families who need to carry a lot of gear may find it lacking.

Technology and Safety: Packed but Could Be Better

Mitsubishi equips the 2024 Eclipse Cross Ralliart with enough tech to keep you connected and safe. Standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are great for staying connected but the smaller screen might not impress everyone. Safety is where the Eclipse Cross shines—Mitsubishi has loaded this model with a host of advanced safety systems to keep you and your passengers protected.

Key Safety Features

• Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic High Beams
• Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Technology Shortcomings

1. Smaller Infotainment Screen: At 7 inches the display is smaller than what some competitors offer at this price point. Some drivers may find this disappointing especially when rivals offer 8 or even 10-inch screens.
2. Outdated Navigation: The integrated GPS system feels dated and slow compared to smartphone-based options.

Fuel Economy: Solid But Not Exceptional

Fuel economy is a big factor for many buyers especially in the SUV segment where larger engines can sometimes mean hefty fuel bills. The 2024 Eclipse Cross Ralliart offers decent but not groundbreaking fuel efficiency.

• EPA Estimated MPG: 25 City / 28 Highway

While these numbers are competitive they don't put the Eclipse Cross Ralliart at the top of its class. However for those looking for a compact SUV with a good balance between performance and fuel economy it's a reasonable option.

Exterior Design: Bold but Polarizing

One thing you can't accuse Mitsubishi of is playing it safe when it comes to design. The 2024 Eclipse Cross Ralliart sports a bold and aggressive look with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille. The Ralliart badging and red accents give the SUV a sportier appearance that sets it apart from the regular Eclipse Cross models. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder and not everyone will love this design.

Exterior Highlights

• Distinctive Ralliart Badging: Bold Ralliart emblems on the grille and rear hatch
• Sporty Red Accents: Unique to this Ralliart edition adding flair to the design
• LED Headlights: Standard and provide excellent visibility at night

Exterior Drawbacks

1. Polarizing Design: Some may find the aggressive styling a bit too much especially if they prefer a more conservative look in their SUV.
2. Rear Visibility: The coupe-like sloping roofline limits rearward visibility which could be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

Pricing and Trims: Worth the Extra Cash?

The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart is positioned slightly higher than the standard model with a starting price of around $30,000. This pricing places it in competition with other sporty compact SUVs but with its unique Ralliart nameplate it's aimed more at enthusiasts who appreciate Mitsubishi's performance heritage.

Trim Options

1. Base Model Ralliart: Comes with all the basic features including the sporty suspension system and AWD but lacks some luxury touches found in higher trims.
2. Fully Loaded Version: Includes additional features like a panoramic sunroof leather seats and an upgraded sound system.

Who Should Buy the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart?

The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart is perfect for those who want a compact SUV with sporty DNA and enough tech to stay connected. Its distinctive design and Ralliart badging appeal to enthusiasts while still offering comfort and practicality for daily driving. But it’s not without its faults—the CVT transmission may turn off performance purists and the cargo space and rear legroom might not work for larger families.

According to Alex Collantes "If you’re a Mitsubishi fan the Ralliart badge brings a bit of nostalgia and that sporty edge is fun to drive but I wouldn’t take this on serious off-roading or expect it to haul a ton of gear for a family trip."

Pros of Buying the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart

• Sporty design with a performance heritage
• Advanced safety features are standard
• Comfortable and well-equipped interior

Cons of Buying the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart

• CVT transmission lacks the engagement of a traditional gearbox
• Rear legroom and cargo space are below average for its class
• Not a true off-road performer despite the Ralliart name

Final Thoughts: A Great All-Rounder With Some Caveats

Overall the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Ralliart offers a lot of value for those looking for a sporty compact SUV with a dash of rally heritage. Its bold design turbocharged engine and well-equipped interior make it a compelling choice but some drivers might be put off by the cramped rear space and the CVT transmission. If you can live with those compromises the Eclipse Cross Ralliart is a fun stylish and tech-savvy option in the crowded compact SUV market.

As Alex Collantes summed it up "It's a great all-around SUV for city driving and occasional adventures but don’t expect it to be a hardcore off-roader."