Review of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV finds cheap running costs a reality … although there is a but

Underskin technology has caught up with the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross looks and the plug-in hybrid delivers a much better driving experience. But it’s expensive.

Did you know Mitsubishi has plug-in hybrid options for two of its SUVs? Nope … well, it seems you’re not alone.

While Mitsubishi has developed a good system, the Japanese marque has struggled to gain traction in the market – unlike Toyota which has seen its hybrid Prius, Camry, RAV4 and Kluger build momentum.

Mitsubishi has adopted a plug-in hybrid system which enables buyers to dip a toe into the electric vehicle life pool without plunging into the deep end.

Nearly one decade ago the hybrid Outlander delivered about 50km of pure electric range which was supplemented by a petrol engine.

That technology has continued to evolve and now been passed to the Eclipse Cross.

Sterling the bulldog with Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid 2022 model.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: With the large EV badge on the side it’s certainly proud of the hybrid technology.

GRANT: Chest beating doesn’t come much better. When first launched the Eclipse Cross design appeared futuristic and ahead of its time, but I now find the exterior lines classy and modern.

KEL: Collectively I like the looks inside and out. What are the rivals and how much?

GRANT: We’re in the range-topping Exceed variant, which will set you back more than $60k once on-road costs are settled. Cheaper options are about $10,000 less. Plug-in hybrids aren’t prevalent in the segment, but there is the Toyota CH-R hybrid (it charges itself while driving) for just over $40,000 or the Subaru XV for similar money, or there is the Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid for more than $70k.

KEL: That remains a hefty investment for the Eclipse Cross, even compared to the Mini which I’d consider a niche premium brand.

GRANT: Taking the greener option certainly requires deep pockets when you consider the base petrol model Eclipse Cross is $35,690 drive-away.

KEL: When fully charged it showed a range of about 48km using the battery (about 55 with the aircon turned off), but combined with the petrol capacity it was more than 600km.

GRANT: It’s only a small battery in comparison to pure EVs. Charging takes about seven hours using a standard 10-amp power plug.

Inside the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Exceed variant.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: Chrome highlights across the dash, console and steering wheel breaks up the predominantly black colour scheme.

GRANT: The stubby gear shifter is slick, although the eight-inch touchscreen looks malnourished compared to some rivals which have larger and higher density displays. I find the choice of Mitsbishi fonts and styling within the infotainment system and driver display have aged.

KEL: Using Apple CarPlay I found that the tech all worked well. It still has analogue gauges for the driver, but rather than a typical tacho it has an interesting set-up.

GRANT: That gauge showcases when you’re in EV mode, as well as when regenerative braking is putting energy back into the battery and when the petrol engine kicks into gear.

KEL: Using a combination of old and new technology did mean nothing was too complicated to operate.

GRANT: Cupholders in the console that handle larger bottles and takeaway coffees, along with useful storage spaces, make it an environment brimming with commonsense. Being the top-shelf model meant it also had leather trim, double sunroof along with heated front and rear seats.

Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid has modern external lines.

THE COMMUTE

KEL: During one longer highway trip it excelled. My mother was full of praise regarding the comfort, space and ride quality.

GRANT: When travelling in EV mode the Eclipse Cross does its best work. It feels quiet and refined. When the petrol engine kicks in things are less composed.

KEL: Tackling hills or when I tried to accelerate hard you could hear the petrol engine take control.

GRANT: You can choose to save the battery energy for stop-start conditions, but we essentially just ran the EV power to empty and let the car make all the decisions and repower the battery while driving.

KEL: We do a lot of short trips, so it worked in our favour. Taking the kids to school and then charging during the day before undertaking pick-ups. You can then charge overnight to replenish the battery again.

GRANT: Most people don’t travel more than 40km a day in their commute so it is conceivable that you’d use limited fuel.

Sterling the bulldog with the Mitsubishi's Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid Exceed.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Space in the cabin is good, but our weekly grocery shop saw bags spill into the back seat.

GRANT: Having the battery reduces space by about 45L compared to the petrol variant. It’s compact, fortunately the seats can drop to improve the load space.

KEL: It had the around-view camera which I love for parking – one glance and you can see whether you’re in the middle of the lines.

GRANT: Rear cross traffic alert also warns if there are oncoming vehicles when you’re reversing.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Having the combination of petrol and electric power means there is no stress when travelling long distances.

GRANT: When hitting the open road additional planning is still required with EV charging points due to limited infrastructure.

KEL: Taking off silently, I liked how easy the Eclipse Cross was to drive. But it’s not quick like some of the EVs we have driven which really throw you back in your seat.

GRANT: Dynamics also take a hit with the additional hybrid drivetrain weight, the soft suspension results in leaning and dipping in the bends.

Maintain servicing with a Mitsubishi dealer and the Eclipse Cross Plug-In Hybrid has a 10-year 200,000km warranty.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Rear head and legroom was fine for two growing boys.

GRANT: The rear bench seat lacks contours, and there was only a 12-volt plug with no USB ports.

KEL: I know Mitsubishi has a 10-year warranty which is tough to beat.

GRANT: That’s if you maintain servicing with a Mitsubishi dealer, and it’s restricted to 200,000km. The standard warranty is half that. Our average fuel consumption was three litres for every 100km.

KEL: That’s pretty good, I’m guessing you could get it lower if you constantly did small trips.

GRANT: It’s certainly possible, and when the infrastructure arrives this year it has bidirectional abilities so it could power your house or act as a generator if you lose power.

Use a standard household power point and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV takes about seven hours to fully charge, but a fast charger can do the job in about 20 minutes.

VERDICT

KEL: Quiet and comfortable, I really liked the ease of use and functionality. A great family runabout, albeit an expensive one.

GRANT: When first released a fine colleague said the Eclipse Cross looked like tomorrow, but drove like yesterday. This is the drivetrain it needed when launched. When the bidirectional ability comes to fruition it will present as better value, but still a big investment for green technology.

Originally published as Review of Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV finds cheap running costs a reality … although there is a but