2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2025 vs 2024: Key Differences
Posted on January 19, 2026
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross continues to stand out in the competitive compact SUV market with its distinctive styling, practical features, and value proposition. This article examines the evolution of the Eclipse Cross across three model years, highlighting the key differences between the versions.
2026 White Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Exterior Design Changes
2026 Eclipse Cross: Refined Styling
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross represents a continued evolution of the model's distinctive design language. While maintaining its recognizable silhouette, the new model features:
- Refreshed front fascia with updated grille design
- New LED headlight and taillight signatures
- Redesigned front and rear bumpers for a more modern appearance
- Updated wheel designs across trim levels
- New exterior color options
The latest model maintains the distinctive coupe-like roofline while refining details for a more contemporary look.
2025 Eclipse Cross: Established Design
This SUV maintained the design language introduced in the previous model year:
- Dynamic Shield front design with split-level lighting
- Distinctive rear light bar that spans the width of the vehicle
- Available 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sporty side profile with character lines
- Black roof rails and body cladding for a rugged appearance
2024 Eclipse Cross: Foundation Styling
This model established many of the design elements carried forward:
- Bold front grille with chrome accents
- Split headlight design with LED daytime running lights
- Sloping rear window with distinctive split rear glass
- Available two-tone exterior color combinations
- Roof rails for additional utility
Interior Comfort and Technology
2026 Eclipse Cross: Enhanced Experience
The new Eclipse Cross brings several enhancements to the interior experience:
- Updated infotainment system with improved user interface
- Enhanced materials and finishes throughout the cabin
- Redesigned center console with improved storage options
- Available leather upholstery with new colour options
- Updated digital driver information display
- Enhanced connectivity features
2025 Eclipse Cross: Modern Amenities
This model offered a well-appointed interior with a focus on technology:
- Available 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Available head-up display on higher trim levels
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heated front seats and available heated rear seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support
2024 Eclipse Cross: Solid Foundation
This Eclipse Cross provided a comfortable interior with essential features:
- Available heated steering wheel
- 60/40 split-folding rear seats with slide and recline functions
- Multi-view camera system on higher trims
- Available power panoramic sunroof
- Black or light gray interior colour schemes
- Soft-touch materials in key touchpoints
Performance and Handling
2026 Eclipse Cross: Refined Dynamics
The new model maintains the proven powertrain while introducing refinements:
- 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 8-speed manual mode
- Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system
- Enhanced suspension tuning for improved ride comfort
- Refined steering response for better driver feedback
- Drive mode selector with Auto, Snow, and Gravel settings
2025 Eclipse Cross: Established Performance
This SUV featured a consistent powertrain package:
- 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower
- 195 Nm of torque available from 2,000 to 3,500 RPM
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
- Electric power steering with responsive feel
- Four-wheel independent suspension
2024 Eclipse Cross: Reliable Power
This model established the performance characteristics carried forward:
- Same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine as later models
- Fuel efficiency focus with adequate power for daily driving
- Standard S-AWC all-wheel drive system
- Active Yaw Control for improved handling
- Standard drive mode selector
Safety Features and Driver Assistance
2026 Eclipse Cross: Advanced Protection
This model brings enhanced safety features and driver assistance technologies:
- Updated Forward Collision Mitigation with improved detection
- Lane Departure Prevention with more precise lane keeping
- Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control with stop astop-and-goility
- Improved Automatic High Beam functionality
- Updated Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist
- More sophisticated Rear Cross Traffic Alert system
2025 Eclipse Cross: Comprehensive Safety
This model offered a strong safety package:
- Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection
- Lane Departure Warning system
- Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Multi-View Camera System on higher trims
- Automatic High Beam headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
2024 Eclipse Cross: Solid Protection
This model featured a comprehensive suite of safety features:
- Seven standard airbags, including driver's knee airbag
- Anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Active Stability Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Available Adaptive Cruise Control
- RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction
- LATCH child safety seat anchors
Trim Levels and Equipment
2026 Eclipse Cross: Expanded Options
This model offers a refined trim structure with enhanced feature content:
- ES S-AWC - Entry-level with expanded standard features
- SE S-AWC - Mid-level with added comfort and convenience features
- NOIR S-AWC - Special edition with distinctive black styling elements
- SEL S-AWC - Premium trim with leather upholstery and advanced technology
- GT S-AWC - Top-tier with all luxury and technology features
2025 Eclipse Cross: Established Structure
This model featured a clear trim hierarchy:
- ES S-AWC - Base trim with essential features and standard all-wheel drive
- SE S-AWC - Added convenience features, including heated seats
- NOIR S-AWC - Special edition with blacked-out exterior elements
- SEL S-AWC - Premium features including leather seating surfaces
- GT S-AWC (Limited availability in some markets)
2024 Eclipse Cross: Foundation Lineup
This model established the trim structure that later years built upon:
- ES S-AWC - Entry Entry-levelstandard all-wheel drive
- LE S-AWC - Added styling and comfort features
- SE S-AWC - Enhanced technology and convenience features
- SEL S-AWC - Premium features and enhanced technology
Practical Considerations
When comparing these three model years, several practical aspects remain consistent:
- Interior dimensions remain similar across all three years
- Cargo capacity of approximately 640 litres behind the second row
- Maximum cargo capacity of approximately 1,420 litres with rear seats folded
- All three model years feature a Mitsubishi 10-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain limited warranty
- Fuel efficiency remains similar across all models
Which Eclipse Cross is for You?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has evolved thoughtfully across these three model years, with each generation building upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing meaningful improvements. From design refinements to technology enhancements and performance upgrades, the progression demonstrates the Mitsubishi commitment to continuous improvement of their distinctive compact crossover.
Questions and Answers
What is Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) in the Eclipse Cross?
- S-AWC is an advanced all-wheel drive system that combines an electronically controlled 4WD system with Active Yaw Control and other stability technologies for optimal traction and handling in various conditions.
How much cargo space does the Eclipse Cross offer?
- It provides approximately 640 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to about 1,420 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Does the Eclipse Cross have three rows of seating?
- No, unlike the larger Outlander, this SUV is strictly a two-row, five-passenger compact SUV across all model years.
What is the fuel economy of the Eclipse Cross?
- It typically achieves around 9.3 L/100 km in combined city/highway driving, though this varies slightly by model year and specific driving conditions.
Does the Eclipse Cross come with a good warranty?
- Yes, all models come with excellent warranty coverage, including a 10-year/160,000-kilometre powertrain limited warranty and 5-year/100,000-kilometre new vehicle limited warranty.
*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*