Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Exceed AWD PHEV review

Following closely in the wake of a recent update to the petrol-engine Eclipse Cross models, Mitsubishi has added three new PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) variants to the family.

The release aligns with the company’s commitment to the broader adoption of low-emissions and electrified vehicles, including its promise of an EV, PHEV, or hybrid-electric variant in each segment it competes in by 2030.

With a claimed 55km or more of available electric range from its 13.8kWh lithium-ion battery, Mitsubishi believes the Eclipse Cross PHEV can be a hit with urban couples and families who are looking to lower their weekly running costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

Such range will allow the average driver to use pure EV mode for most of their weekly driving, assuming a top-up charge every night, the company says.  

Model choice is simpler for Eclipse Cross PHEV buyers, with only half the number of grades as is offered on the petrol models, and all of them AWD.

However, going electric adds about $12,500 to the price of a similar spec AWD petrol-only model.

PHEV prices start at $46,490 for the ES, with the mid-spec listing at $49,990 and the Exceed at $53,990.

The PHEV benefits from updates to petrol models made in 2021, including a 140mm longer body with enlarged luggage capacity, extra safety and convenience features and a revised tailgate design for improved rear vision.

The PHEV also adds intelligent driving features via three drive modes that Mitsubishi claims reduce emissions and noise, and enhance driving comfort.

The powertrain is the latest iteration of that used in the larger Outlander PHEV, combining a 94kW, 2.4-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with two electric motors – a 60kW unit up front and a 70kW at rear.

The PHEV’s control system automatically and seamlessly selects the most efficient drive mode for the conditions, with regenerative braking available in all modes to improve efficiency.

EV driving can be selected manually, as can ‘battery charge’ and ‘battery save’ modes, and the level of regen braking can be adjusted via steering wheel paddle shifters.

The powertrain defaults to EV mode for ‘electric only’ propulsion around town before the system switches to series or parallel hybrid modes at higher speeds and on longer drives.

The PHEV’s electric drive offers strong torque, smooth acceleration and is comparatively quiet.  

Series mode is available at speeds up to 70km/h and is automatically activated when maximum acceleration is required, under other high load conditions such as climbing hills, or when the battery charge gets low.

The car continues to drive on the electric motors with power from the battery and petrol engine generating power to charge the battery.

The vehicle reverts to EV mode as soon as possible after these high load conditions are completed.

Parallel hybrid mode sees the petrol engine driving the front wheels through a transaxle, with both electric motors lending their support to motive effort.

Any excess electrical energy produced is used to charge the drive battery.

This mode is available only above 70km/h with the system defaulting back to more-efficient EV or series hybrid modes whenever possible.

Working away in conjunction with all this sophisticated powertrain switching is Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, designed to optimise traction, torque distribution and stability in all driving conditions, with selectable drive modes for tarmac, gravel, normal and snow.

On the road, a blend of supple ride, accurate steering and competent and secure chassis dynamics, delivers an easy driving experience that will satisfy most buyers.

Officially a small SUV, the Eclipse Cross PHEV offers better than class-average interior space with comfortable seating and a usefully proportioned 359 litres (VDA) of cargo space.

That’s 46 litres less than the petrol models, thanks to engineering changes to accommodate the various electrical systems.

It also necessitates fitment of a ‘mobility kit’, designed to temporarily inflate and seal a flat tyre, in lieu of a full-size or space-saver spare.

Standard safety and driver assistance features on Exceed include lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane change assist, ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation, auto high beam, multi-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, adjustable speed limiter, head-up display, front and rear park sensors and seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag.

Exceed’s infotainment and connectivity requirements are taken care of with an 8-inch touchscreen, satnav, premium audio with eight speakers, DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and two USBs (front only).

Some surprise equipment omissions from the top-spec Exceed’s inventory include rear USB ports, air vents for rear passengers, and an inductive phone charging pad.

However, the car does boast heated front and outer rear seats and a heated steering wheel for a little extra comfort in chilly weather.

A zero to 100% charge from a normal 10-amp AC home power outlet takes around seven hours, or around about half that time using a dedicated 32-amp AC EV charger.

Charging from zero to 80% capacity on a higher-voltage DC charger takes 25 minutes.

A battery cooling system in the vehicle is activated during plug-in charging to help maintain the battery in optimum condition, while a Smartphone Remote Control app allows drivers to remotely control functions like scheduling battery charging to take advantage of off-peak power tariffs.

The Eclipse Cross PHEV is also designed to be able to take advantage of bi-directional charging when this becomes locally available.

This means it’s enabled with Vehicle to Grid (V2G) and Vehicle to Home (V2H) capabilities, allowing the drive battery to be used for short-term mobile energy storage/power supply.

The new Eclipse Cross PHEV offers practical and appealing lower emissions mobility to those buyers not quite ready to take the plunge on a full-battery electric.

As such, it should play a key role in Mitsubishi’s strategy of having 50% of its global sales as electrified models by 2030.

Key stats

• MLP: $53,990
• ENGINE: Plug-in hybrid - 2.4-litre petrol 4-cyl/two electric motors
• ANCAP CRASH RATING:  5 stars (2017)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION (combined cycle, litres/100km)_:  1.9 (43g/km CO₂)
• FOR: Space, electric-only range enough for average commuting needs, a practical part electrified/low emissions option for many buyers, bi-directional charge capability.
• AGAINST: Inflator kit – no spare, some equipment omissions.