Let’s be honest for a second. When you think of the hottest SUVs on the market right now, Mitsubishi might not be the very first name that pops into your head. You’re probably thinking about Toyotas, Hondas, or maybe even a Hyundai. But here is the thing: ignoring the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross might be a mistake that hurts your wallet.
I’ve been diving deep into the specs and details of this year’s release, and I’m genuinely surprised. In a world where car prices are skyrocketing into the stratosphere, Mitsubishi seems to be doubling down on something we all desperately need—value without feeling “cheap.” It’s got sharp looks, a legendary all-wheel-drive system as standard, and a warranty that basically dares you to break it. But is it actually good, or just good on paper?
Let’s strip away the marketing fluff and look at what you’re actually getting for your money.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Engine | 1.5L Direct-Injection Turbocharged 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000-3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 8-step Sport Mode |
| Drivetrain | Standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) |
| Fuel Economy | Approx. 26 MPG Combined (25 City / 28 Hwy) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 1,500 lbs |
| Infotainment | 8.0-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio (SDA) |
| Warranty | 10-Year / 100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty |
A Design That Finally Screams “Look at Me”
If you remember the old Eclipse sports car, you might still be grieving its transformation into a crossover. But looking at the 2026 model, you have to admit—it looks sharp. Mitsubishi calls their design language “Dynamic Shield,” which sounds like something out of a Marvel movie, but in practice, it just means the car looks aggressive and planted.
The front grille is bold without being obnoxious (I’m looking at you, BMW), and the stacked LED headlight design gives it a futuristic vibe that usually costs a lot more. The rear, which used to be a bit controversial with that split-window design, has been streamlined in recent years to look much cleaner. It’s got a sloping coupe-like roofline that sacrifices a tiny bit of cargo space for a lot of style points.
Interior: Comfort or Compromise?
Step inside, and the story changes a little. You aren’t going to find the ultra-luxury minimalist cabin of a Tesla here, but that’s actually a good thing for many of us. You get physical buttons! Yes, actual buttons for climate control so you don’t have to dig through three touchscreen menus just to turn down the heat.
The 2026 update brings some nice touches depending on the trim you pick. We are talking about available heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel (a lifesaver in winter), and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light. The 8-inch infotainment screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is basically non-negotiable these days.
However, if you are over 6 feet tall, that sloping roofline I praised earlier might brush your hair in the back seat. It’s comfy for four adults, but five might be a squeeze on a long road trip.
Performance: The Turbo Dilemma
Here is where the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026 draws a line in the sand. It runs on a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. It produces 152 horsepower.
Is it a race car? Absolutely not.
Is it enough for merging onto the highway and zipping around the city? 100% yes.
The secret sauce here isn’t the raw speed; it’s the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). This is the same AWD DNA that Mitsubishi developed for their rally cars. It’s standard on every trim in the US (and many other regions), which is huge. Most competitors make you pay extra for AWD. This system manages the driving and braking forces at each wheel, meaning if you live in a snowy or rainy area, this car feels incredibly stable.
The CVT transmission is smooth, though it can get a little noisy if you really stomp on the gas pedal. But for 99% of daily driving, it fades into the background, which is exactly what you want.
Safety That Doesn’t Cost Extra
Mitsubishi knows their target audience is families and safety-conscious commuters. They didn’t skimp here. You get the full suite of safety tech often standard or available on lower trims:
- Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic High Beam
If you bump up to the SE or SEL trims, you get the fancy stuff like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. It’s a solid package that competes well with the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, often for thousands less.
Pricing and Verdict
This is the killer app for the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. While pricing varies slightly by region and dealer, you are looking at a starting price roughly around $28,000. The fully loaded SEL or Ralliart trims might push you toward $34,000, but that is still significantly cheaper than a similarly equipped competitor.
Summary:
- The Good: Unbeatable warranty (10 years!), standard AWD is a game-changer, and it looks more expensive than it is.
- The Bad: The engine isn’t sporty, and cargo space is average.
- The Verdict: If you value reliability, winter driving capability, and keeping money in your bank account over having the fastest car on the block, the 2026 Eclipse Cross is a serious contender.