2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Best, when we heard the rumor that Mitsubishi was bringing back the eclipse; worst, when we found out that wasn’t quite the case, as they’d be using that sporty name on yet another compact crossover. Let’s see if driving the new eclipse cross will put an end to our Dickensian dilemma.
Just when we weren’t too sure about what exactly was going on at Mitsubishi, now that they have aligned themselves with Nissan and Renault, we get word of this new compact crossover, the 2018 Eclipse Cross. Size-wise, it slides in between the Outlander and Outlander Sport in their lineup.
Much like the Honda CRV it would love to steal some sales from, the Eclipse Cross is tiny-turbo-powered with a 1.5-liter I4 rated at 152-horsepower, well short of the CR-Vs 190. There’s more torque, however; 184 lb-ft., compared to Honda’s 179.
Like the CR-V, the Eclipse Cross is CVT tranny only, and base ES trim is the only one available with front-wheel-drive. All other trims come with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive.
Those kind of power numbers didn’t exactly peak our anticipation for test track results. Still, the Eclipse Cross doesn’t feel underpowered by any means. It’s a little lazy at launch, but then graceful amounts of power begin pouring on, ushering you to 60 in a respectable 8.6-seconds.
The CVT has simulated shifts that help things sound a little less frantic working your way down the track. That all comes to an end in 16.7-seconds at 79 miles-per-hour.
Mitsubishi had to expect some backlash, choosing to resurrect the Eclipse sport coupe’s name on a ute; so they made an earnest attempt to make corner handling worthy of the name.
But a lot of the agility comes from the all-wheel-drive system, which uses selective braking to minimize understeer. Otherwise, we’d call it firmly average; betrayed by safe and slow steering and a fair amount of body roll.
The Eclipse Cross does have all of the features you expect in the modern day compact crossover. Meaning a color multi-information display, steering wheel controls, naturally a backup camera, plus automatic climate; they’re all standard.
Our mid-level SE was outfitted quite nicely, similar to many brand’s top trim levels; and adds a host of comfort and convenience features like heated seats, push button start, and Mitsubishi Connect.
Unexpected features for this class like head-up display and multi-view camera are also available. Our SE also added advanced safety features like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic alert.
The 7-inch infotainment screen shoots out of the dash, and is controlled by a square touchpad controller on the console. There’s a definite learning curve to figure it out, and even once you do, it can be frustrating.
The Eclipse Cross launches a new Mitsubishi Connect subscription service that, in addition to the usual safety notifications, gives you remote access to your car with a cell phone app; allowing you to unlock the doors, change vehicle settings, and even set parental controls.
Seats are sufficiently comfortable, and the general pleasantness of the interior has you wanting to spend plenty of time in the cabin.
The exterior is among its best features; being rather dramatic looking for this usually appliance-like segment.
The front bares a strong resemblance to the Outlander family, and in profile the appearance favors a wedge, but yet a bit more coupish and sporty than most compact crossover rivals.
The rear is tall, with a split-glass hatch that brings to mind the Pontiac Aztec and the original Honda Insight. While you do see more outside, the split is quite distracting through the rear view mirror.
Under the hatch, is a good 22.6 cubic-ft. of cargo space; expanding to 48.9 cubic-ft. with rear seats folded.
All-wheel-drive Eclipse Cross’ have Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 25-City, 26-Highway, and 25-Combined, which we matched almost perfectly with an average of 24.9 miles-per-gallon. Earning an average Energy Impact Score, with the use of 13.2-barrels of oil yearly while emitting 5.7-tons of CO2.
The front-drive Eclipse Cross starts at $24,290, all other trims come with all-wheel-drive and top out with the SEL Touring for $31,390.
While the brand has been on a roller coaster ride here in the U.S., becoming the junior member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has added tremendous stability. And, given that Mitsubishi has a global history of building rugged, dependable, SUVs, we think 2018 Eclipse Cross has a real chance to succeed.
True, by bringing back the Eclipse name, Mitsubishi is clearly aiming to cash in on the Eclipse Coupe’s reputation as a stylish, compact performer that delivers a lot of bang for the buck. We can see many of those same words applying to the Eclipse Cross. So, it might just be exactly what Mitsubishi needs to stay relevant, as they continue to rebuild the brand here and around the world.
Specifications
- Horsepower: 152
- Torque: 184 lb-ft.
- 0-60 mph: 8.6 seconds
- 1/4 mile: 16.7 seconds @79 mph
- EPA: 25 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
- Energy Impact: 13.2 barrels of oil/yr
- CO2 Emissions: 5.7 tons/yr
2025 Genesis G80
New Interior And New Tech Elevates G80 Sedan
Talk about bad timing. This second-generation G80 debuted at the height of a global pandemic. But that hasn’t stopped Genesis or this Bentley-on-a-budget sedan. In fact, since then, Genesis has unveiled a spectacular all-electric version and now given all G80s a makeover. So, let’s find out what a better and better-timed new G80 is ready to deliver.
Breaking into the luxury sedan scene requires going up against traditional brands with long pedigrees and legions of loyal buyers. But Hyundai has never shied away from a challenge, and has made steady progress with their Genesis brand, and hopes that a revised 2025 G80 midsize sedan will be their next step up.
Styling matters more when you’re the upstart, and the Genesis Athletic Elegance theme changes very little for ’25; just a new grille, slightly reshaped bumpers, new wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and an updated color palette. The G80’s unique two-line LED headlamps get revised Micro Lens Array technology that boosts performance while minimizing the brightness for oncoming drivers.
Changes inside are much more significant with an entirely new dash and console, eliminating both the hooded gauge panel and dashtop wide info screen. Merging them together into one 27-inch wide LG panoramic display than runs from behind the steering wheel to over the center stack. There’s a bigger and more comprehensive control panel in the center stack; while the console gets less armrest coverage, more space for storage, and reshaped cupholders. The wider display is still a touchscreen, but there is also a console mounted controller if you prefer to keep it fingerprint free. Both options work well, but the controller is still too easy to confuse with the dial-like shifter.
Materials are on par if not a notch above most European luxury rivals, and there are 18 speakers to crank out 1,400 watts of premium sound from Bang & Olufsen. Top Sport Prestige trim comes with Nappa leather seats, carbon fiber trim, micro-suede materials for the headliner and pillar covers, heated armrests, head-up display, and upgraded active safety features. Front seats are immensely comfortable without feeling overly soft, and there’s plenty of comfort and room for adults in the back seat.
More Bentley than Benz; streaking down the track with European-style solidity that gives you very little indication of the high speed you’re traveling at.
Same powertrains as last year. Base power comes from a 300-horsepower 2.5-liter turbo-four; the upgrade is this 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that outputs 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both are hitched to standard all-wheel drive. At our Mason Dixon Dragway test track, the AWD delivered enough grip for consistent slip-free launches. We hit 60 in 5.0 seconds flat. Run after run, the 3.5T pulled as strong as it sounds. All G80s work with the same paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, and while shifting was silky smooth on the street, here on the track with Sport Mode and wide-open throttle they were noticeably firmer and quicker.
It was a very surreal experience in the cabin. More Bentley than Benz; streaking down the track with European-style solidity that gives you very little indication of the high speed you’re traveling at. For us, that was 105 mph in 13.4 seconds at the quarter. In addition to the G80’s Sport Mode that tightens steering, improves throttle response, adjusts shifting points, firms up the suspension, and reconfigures stability system parameters; Sport Prestige trim adds rear-wheel steering and an electronic limited slip differential. But, even with all of that, it didn’t feel overly sporty in our handling course. Now, we were able to comfortably carry quite a bit of speed through the cones, but there was just an overall soft, somewhat disconnected and heavy presence that had us unsure of how hard we could push. Sport Prestige also adds upgraded performance brakes. They were plenty capable, bringing this 4,600-lbs. luxury liner consistently down from 60 in just 104 feet with little fade.
Government Fuel Economy Ratings for the six-cylinder are 16 City, 24 Highway, and 19 Combined. We averaged a good 21.3 mpg of Premium. Still, that’s a slightly below average Energy Impact Score, using 15.7 barrels of oil annually with 7.8 tons of CO2 emissions.
Considering the amount of luxury packed into the G80, its $58,350 starting price, even though slightly higher than last year, remains pretty remarkable. It’s a substantial step up to the 3.5T though, as it begins at $70,850.
Genesis has existed as a standalone luxury brand for just less than a decade, and it has indeed been making steady progress into what is surely the hardest segment of all to master. The 2025 Genesis G80 sedan continues to impress and is a great option for luxury-minded buyers who prioritize true value over badges.
Specifications
As Tested
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower: 375
- Torque: 391 lb-ft
- EPA: 16 City | 24 Highway | 19 Combined
- 0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 13.4 seconds at 105 mph
- Braking, 60-0 (avg.): 104 feet
- MW Fuel Economy: 21.3 mpg (Premium)