2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: More competent hatchback, less SUV

"I was happy with the responsiveness of the powertrain. Combining a small four-cylinder engine (regardless of turbocharging) with a CVT can be a recipe for sluggishness, but the engine's revs happily climbed and responded to the throttle without delay. The Eclipse Cross is down on power to many of its competitors and acceleration wasn't great, but it was nevertheless refreshing to get a linear throttle response from the combo.

"Things are less positive in ride and handling. Usually, an SUV sacrifices ride for better handling or vice versa (not including the Mazda CX-5), and I would have been fine with either compromise in the Eclipse Cross. But it rode busily even on well-paved roads and exhibited body roll in the canyon roads Mitsubishi included on our drive route. The result was a weird middle ground where the Eclipse Cross didn't ride comfortably or sportily very well."

-- Brian Wong, Cars.com

"This little SUV moves, but without a sense of urgency. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) mimics a traditional automatic transmission's steps through gears, thanks to eight predetermined ratios. The driver can override simulated gear selection through steering wheel paddles. In normal use, combined with readily available torque from the turbo, most drivers will hardly notice the CVT, either through how it feels or how the engine sounds. However, the engine groans unpleasantly when climbing a hill or trying to merge with a heavy foot on the throttle.

"A positive trait — possibly inherited from Mitsubishi's discontinued, rally-inspired Lancer Evo compact sedan — is the Eclipse Cross' nimble handling. It's rather agile and responsive in corners, thanks to its quick steering and restrained body roll.

"But ride comfort is overly stiff, with the suspension transmitting every bump in the road to passengers. All except the base model come with 18-inch tires. Road and wind noise are well-managed, but the engine noise can be intrusive at times."

-- Gabe Shenhar, Consumer Reports

"A CVT with eight preset ratios in manual mode is the only transmission available. It behaved well enough, distributing the engine's 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque well without that rubber-bandy feeling typical of CVTs.

"However, the engine, er, eclipses the suspension tuning and steering. The soft-feeling suspension detracts from the power the turbo-four puts down. Driving at only moderate speeds around the twists and turns of the Santa Monica Mountains, significant body roll plagued the crossover. Even slightly stiffer suspension settings could make performance improvements without sacrificing ride comfort.

"While the steering wheel was a perfect size for my hands, the steering feel of the Eclipse Cross is too vague. What the driver puts in isn't what the steering puts out -- it requires more effort than you'd expect. If sporty was what Mitsubishi was after, it could have capitalized more on that fun little engine with more responsive steering."

-- Lyn Woodward, Automobile

"Setting off from downtown Santa Monica, the engine's torque is useful in urban driving environments, the CVT helping to eliminate what turbo lag that exists. Still, this is not a quick vehicle. Rather, I'd characterize it as spry, and it is zippy enough in the city to stay out of its own way. Engage the Eco driving mode, however, and you'll disagree with that statement.

"On highways, passing power is in short supply, with little extra oomph available whether you're pressing gently on the accelerator or you've mashed it to the floor. This is where greater horsepower at higher revs would come in handy."

-- Christian Wardlaw, New York Daily News

"The only powertrain offered is a 152-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo four mated to a CVT automatic transmission. That wouldn't be particularly noteworthy even for a subcompact crossover (the Outlander Sport is offered with a pair of larger engines boasting up to 166 horsepower), but we found the combination worked well enough. There's only a hint of turbo lag when the throttle is floored from a stop -- the action resulting in a decently strong jump off the line -- and it's virtually non-existent when the throttle is stabbed at speed, with the transmission's quick kickdowns aiding in providing good passing response. Still, overall acceleration is good rather than great, leaving the "sport" aspect to be covered by overall handling.

"And in that, the Eclipse Cross seems to deliver. Our preview route near Los Angeles included twisty roads with many tight turns, and it's there that the Eclipse Cross demonstrated its sporty moves. Ride was more difficult to determine -- the smooth roads affording few bumps -- but it seemed to be fairly compliant. More on that when we get to test one around our Chicago office."

-- Rick Cotta, Consumer Guide Automotive

"The engine is small for a vehicle that weighs up to 3,516 pounds, but it was more than capable in an afternoon drive up and down twisting mountain roads inland from Malibu.

"The drivetrain labored a bit on the highway, shifting automatically in spite of paddles that claim to let drivers control the CVT for maximum acceleration.

"The Eclipse Cross was surprisingly quiet at highway speed and on rough mountain roads. The steering is precise and nicely weighted, and the suspension kept the car stable and level.

"From behind the wheel, it felt more like driving a competent compact hatchback than a 67.3-in. tall SUV."

-- Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press