Mitsubishi dealerships are all geared up to receive several new crossover SUVs due to hit the market for 2020. With stiff competition across the SUV market, Mitsubishi is stepping up to the plate and unleashing some impressive new vehicles. With vehicles boasting superior fuel efficiency and the latest tech and safety features, you’ll want to take a trip to a Mitsubishi dealer for a test drive. See what the brand has to offer before deciding on a competitor. You’ll be glad you did.
Multiple variations of the Outlander will be introduced as 2020 models, including the Outlander Sport and the Outlander PHEV (electronic crossover). Another popular SUV crossover, the 2020 Eclipse Cross starts at an MSRP of $22,995. It seats up to five people comfortably and offers 26/29 miles per gallon of fuel. In 2019, the Eclipse Cross was identified as a Top Safety Pick. Surely, 2020 will be no exception. With several advanced safety features now being offered on more accessible models, the 2020 Eclipse Cross is a force to be reckoned with. Here are a few details to look forward to.
2020 Eclipse Models and Trims
The new Eclipse Cross is available in four different trim levels, including the ES 1.5T, LE 1.5T, SE1.5T, and the SEL 1.5T. Lots of standard features are included in the ES, such as a 7.0-inch display with audio, rearview camera, automatic climate control, and a continuously variable transmission with 8-step sport mode. The engine is a turbocharged 1.5L MIVEC DOHC 4-cylinder with direct-injection. Falken tires are provided on this trim with an upgrade to Firestone tires if you choose the LE or beyond. Interior space and cargo volume is equal across all trim levels, so you’ll get plenty of interior space in any model that you choose.
Upgrading to the LE will turn the 7.0-inch display into an interactive touchscreen with added capabilities, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and XM Sirius Radio. Automatic climate control now becomes dual-zone in the SE and above, so your passengers can adjust the temperature to their liking. A push-button start and the FAST key entry system become standard with the SE as well. The SE upgrades the interior upholstery to high-grade fabric seating surfaces, while the SEL comes with more refined, leather-appointed seating as standard. You can opt for a heated steering wheel and premium sound system on the SEL to enjoy luxury styling in your new SUV.
Safety Features in the 2020 Eclipse Cross
Some promising safety features include rain-sensing wipers that turn on automatically at the first sign of raindrops. Blindspot warning with lane change assist notifies you when a nearby vehicle is out of your immediate view. An adaptive cruise control system uses radar to judge the speed of vehicles around you. It adjusts your speed to maintain a safe driving distance from other vehicles at all times. Using a multiview camera system, the 2020 Eclipse Cross can provide a view from all angles and deliver this information to the driver’s touchscreen. If a vehicle is approaching from either side behind you while you’re backing up, the rear cross traffic alert system warns you in advance to help avoid a collision.
Mitsubishi uses the innovative RISE body construction, which stands for Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution. In a high-impact collision, crumple zones are designed to absorb the damage while strategically reinforced sections provide added protection and stability. When driving at high-speeds, the available forward collision mitigation with high-speed braking capability helps you avoid a crash before it’s too late. This technology applies the brakes automatically if a risk of collision is detected. Most of the safety features mentioned become standard with the SE trim and above; however, some are included in all trims, and some are only optional in the higher levels. With so many enhancements and safety features, it’s clear that Mitsubishi has put safety on the top of the list of priorities for this new family vehicle.
Designing Your 2020 Eclipse
The 2020 Eclipse Cross has a classic selection of color options for the exterior, including red diamond, bronze metallic, pearl white, octane blue metallic, mercury gray metallic, alloy silver metallic and tarmac black metallic. If desired, the interior can come equipped with a full-color heads-up display to keep your eyes safely focused on the road. The Eclipse offers a second row of seats that is flexible with a 60/40 split and sliding seats. Change it up when you need added cargo space or extra legroom. All controls are positioned intuitively using the new Eclipse’s smart design and enhanced capabilities to make driving a breeze.
Fog lights and LED daytime running lamps both come standard on all 2020 Eclipse models. The halogen headlights included on most trims become LED low and high beam headlamps when you upgrade to the SEL. Several design upgrades come standard in the SE and above, including chrome grille accents, a gloss black front bumper center, and a silver front and rear bumper lower garnish. Choose an optional panoramic sunroof or roof rails when you buy from an upper trim. Whatever you desire in a small SUV, the new Eclipse can easily be customized to meet your unique lifestyle needs.
What Else is in Store for Mitsubishi
If the 2020 Eclipse isn’t quite the right size for you and your family, there are lots of great Outlanders also heading to Mitsubishi dealerships in 2020. Many of the high-tech safety features that you can find on the Eclipse you will also see in the Outlander, along with some distinctions in size and design. The basic 2020 Outlander starts at an MSRP of $24,795. It seats seven people and provides similar fuel efficiency of 25/30 miles per gallon. Exterior color choices are the same as the Eclipse and the interior display is slightly larger at 8-inches.
The Outlander PHEV is a whole different beast. Starting at $36,295, it is the world’s best selling plug-in hybrid SUV. It’s closer in size to the Eclipse, with seating for five. Harnessing the power of both gas and electric, it offers impressive 4×4 off-road capabilities that can go for a combined 74 miles per gallon. By automatically cycling between three different driving modes, the Outlander PHEV ensures that you get the most out of your driving experience. Don’t underestimate its rugged ability. The PHEV can tow 1500 pounds. Choose from two models, an SEL S-AWC or the upgrade GT S-AWC. The 2.0-liter MIVEC DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine produces 117 horsepower and 137 lb-ft of torque.
The Choice is Yours
Whether you’re looking for a five-seater crossover, seven-seater SUV or a fuel-efficient monster vehicle, Mitsubishi is sure to deliver on its promises for 2020. Designs on the new Eclipse and Outlander are simple but comprehensive. When it comes to areas that matter the most to modern drivers, specifically safety and fuel economy, Mitsubishi stays ahead of the curve. With a reasonable starting price-point, you can’t go wrong with either the new Eclipse or the Outlander. Be sure to schedule a test drive at your Mitsubishi dealership soon before they sell out.
