Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2021 review: LS AWD family test

One glance at the updated Eclipse Cross and it is immediately clear that things have changed. The front end sports a decidedly more chiselled look with a funky mesh grille, seen recently on the Triton and Pajero Sport, now doing duty here, and sculpted LED running lights and elongated chrome surrounds enhancing the flirtation with new age design.

The front end sports a decidedly more chiselled look with a funky mesh grille.

It is around back, however, that the boldness really takes shape – the view-hindering split rear glass has made way for a more traditional window, thank goodness, with new tail lights that extend grandly to the roof. 

Things have been tidied up a touch on the inside too, but the juxtaposition of cheap and cheerful with refined quality remains. The cloth seats in the LS AWD are nicely proportioned and comfortable, while the new 8.0-inch touchscreen, now better positioned for the driver, is a further tick for a well-designed cabin. The touchpad control has made way for good old buttons and dials, not only eliminating frustration but also adding a handy storage space.

It is around back that the boldness of the Eclipse Cross really takes shape.

The new Eclipse Cross has gained 140mm in length, most of that given to extra rear legroom and boot space which climbs from 341 litres to 405 litres. That’s enough to easily fit two medium-sized suitcases, pram or the weekly grocery shop. The space-saver spare of course, helps to eke out extra room. 

Boot space in the new Eclipse Cross has climbed from 341 litres to 405 litres.

This is a roomy small-medium SUV, or it certainly feels like that upfront at least. For the driver and front passenger, headroom is agreeable and the wide dash gives long legs a place to stretch under.

For the driver and front passenger, headroom is agreeable and the wide dash gives long legs a place to stretch under.

The sliding split rear seat has been replaced by one of the fixed variety. This means the back seat loses some flexibility in borrowing space from the boot to accommodate taller passengers. We had three kids in the back for most of the week and they had no complaints about elbow room although the higher windows and lack of rear air vents and USBs in the LS AWD did prompt their ire. 

The back seat loses some flexibility in borrowing space from the boot to accommodate taller passengers.

The sloping roof compromises head room a touch and you will need to take care not to hit your head if you are strapping little ones in their seats.

Small-medium SUVs like the Eclipse Cross often make a really useful second car for a family, especially one that tends to stick largely to urban confines. 

The Eclipse Cross makes for a really useful second car for a family, especially one that tends to stick largely to urban confines.

We had the LS AWD in the crazy run-up to Christmas and found it super useful in ferrying children and grandparents around, as well as hauling hardware from Bunnings. 

Cabin storage upfront is useful with two cupholders, a place for keys and phones and a covered binnacle under the arm rest. In the back, the large door pockets will carry a water bottle, books and travel games and there are two cupholders in the pulldown centre rest. 

The cabin design itself has been considered, with clear, modern instrumentation and largish dials and buttons making it easier to make changes on the hop. 

Plastics are generally textured, although some of them feel hard and cheap, marking easily under the kids’ eager feet and sweaty hands.

The Eclipse Cross retains the five-star ANCAP rating it achieved in 2017 and has a host of active and passive safety features. 

The LS AWD variant comes standard with seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, traction, stability and yaw control, hill start assist, reverse camera, lane departure warning and parking sensors. 

For additional niceties, such as rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring and lane change assist, you will have to opt for the next model up, the Exceed.

The new upgrades to the Eclipse Cross include an 8.0-inch touchscreen to front the infotainment system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system itself is now easier to control with buttons replacing the touchpad but the graphics feel quite dated and screen surrounds show up every fingerprint.

The Eclipse Cross include an 8.0-inch touchscreen to front the infotainment system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Bluetooth connectivity is good, voice controls work well and sound through the six-speaker stereo is clear without enticing you to rock on.