Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I facelift (GK) (2021 – 2025)

Reliability score : 8.8/10

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I Facelift (GK) Initially launched in 2017, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a major facelift in 2021 (often identified as the 2022 model). This update corrected the divisive rear design by removing the split rear window, lengthening the vehicle by 14 cm to improve trunk volume. The most significant change in this phase 2 is the introduction of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, inherited from its big brother, the Outlander. In many European markets, this PHEV version became the only available offering, allowing Mitsubishi to bypass ecological penalties. The system relies on an Atkinson-cycle 2.4L engine coupled with two electric motors and a 13.8 kWh battery. Overall, the facelifted Eclipse Cross is a highly reliable compact SUV, focusing on comfort, a for

✅ Strengths

Remarkable reliability of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system
S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) AWD system among the best in the segment
Suspension comfort and soundproofing in electric mode
Rear seat roominess (sliding bench seat on certain trims)
Often generous manufacturer warranty (5 years/100,000 km or more depending on markets)

⚠️ Weaknesses

High fuel consumption on the highway with an empty battery (PHEV: 8 to 9 L/100 km)
Trunk volume penalized by the integration of the battery and rear motor (PHEV)
Dated interior presentation and mixed materials
Obsolete, slow, and graphically outdated infotainment system
Modest outright performance given the vehicle's weight (nearly 1.9 tons for the PHEV)

🎯 Verdict

Buying verdict The facelifted Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2021+) is an eminently pragmatic choice. If you are looking for the latest in on-board technology or a modern interior design, look elsewhere. However, if your absolute priority is long-term reliability and the efficiency of an AWD system (S-AWC) to tackle difficult weather conditions, it is an excellent choice. The 2.4 PHEV version is the core of the range in Europe. It is a BUY with your eyes closed from a mechanical standpoint, provided your usage profile matches plug-in hybrid technology: daily trips of 30 to 40 km with systematic charging at home or at work. If you mostly drive on the highway, the weight of the system and the aerodynamics will push fuel consumption to unreasonable levels. The combustion versions (1.5 Turbo) sold outside Europe are also very robust, provided the CVT gearbox is rigorously maintained.