Remember when Mitsubishi made interesting stuff like the sporty and technologically advanced 3000GT, the tough and capable Montero, and of course, the legendary Lancer Evolution and Eclipse? Back then, Mitsubishi had swagger. They were the cool underdog. Flash forward to today and Mitsubishi’s lineup is … let’s just say, more than a little different. The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Noir is the perfect example of this, taking the name of one of its most popular and iconic cars, and slapping it onto a small crossover.
The Eclipse Cross competes in the crowded subcompact CUV segment. With its key competitors coming out with a steady wave of updates lately to stay fresh, the Eclipse Cross gets lost very quickly, so Mitsubishi has added a new trim this year called the Noir Edition. It’s essentially a black-out package on top of an overall design that attempts to look sporty and aggressive, mirroring the design of the other crossovers in Mitsubishi’s lineup, but it’s tough to distinguish one from another at a quick glance. On top of that, the Eclipse Cross’ side profile looks like most other crossovers on the market. Even with its blacked-out wheels and trim, the Eclipse Cross can’t help but blend in.
Inside, the Eclipse Cross is a mixed bag. On account of Mitsibishi and Nissan’s ongoing partnership, you might notice some shared buttons and switchgear, and the infotainment is heavily influenced by Nissan’s software. Some parts, like the overall design, the eight-inch touchscreen, the low-resolution backup camera, and the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, feel extremely dated. But at the same time, the layout is simple and easy to use. Jump in, look around, and you’ll be able to operate everything without any guidance or second-guessing.
Power for the Eclipse Cross comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder putting out 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive is standard across the lineup and the lone transmission option is a CVT that operates surprisingly well. It’s smooth and quiet in its operation; other CVTs can learn a thing or two from this unit. Look for a zero-to-100 km/h run in a leisurely 8.8 seconds, but despite that, the turbo-four feels peppy around town. Beyond the engine, the original Eclipse was known for its handling capabilities especially with AWD; this modern, crossover-ified version doesn’t come close, but it’s geared more towards commuting in comfort than taking on curvy roads. To that end, the Eclipse Cross soaks up bumps, potholes, and other imperfections with ease.
Fuel economy for the Eclipse Cross could be better especially compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, but it’s in line with its gas-powered competitors. The Eclipse Cross is rated at 9.6 L/100 km in the city, 8.9 highway, and 9.3 combined. I managed to beat Mitsubishi’s combined rating, averaging 9.2 L/100 km in the real world, and the Eclipse Cross will happily take regular-grade gasoline.
Pricing for the 2024 Eclipse Cross starts at a competitive $29,398 and tops out at $38,498 for the fully loaded GT trim. The Noir Edition slots in near the top of the lineup at $37,998 as-tested, with goodies such as a panoramic sunroof, all the active safety features and driver assist you’d expect, 18-inch wheels, and the aforementioned blacked-out treatment.
Mitsubishi was responsible for some of my favourite sports cars in the 1990s, including the 3000GT, the Lancer Evolution, and of course, the Eclipse. I recognize that the market has evolved; the moneymakers today are SUVs and crossovers, and sporty enthusiast-oriented cars are an endangered species. I appreciate the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Noir for trying to bridge the gap; granted it does offer all-wheel-drive, a long list of standard features, and good comfort at an attractive price, but it lacks the sportiness and power its name suggests. Come on, Mitsubishi. Did you really have to call it an Eclipse?
