New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026, the Japanese SUV is now 100% electric with great range and European seal

The wait is over. After a series of official previews from the brand, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026 has been presented to the public. The Japanese SUV we knew is history. The new Eclipse Cross is a 100% electric vehicle made "in the European way". A model resulting from the close relationship Mitsubishi maintains with the Renault Group.

This is not the first electric vehicle produced in series marketed by Mitsubishi in Europe. Let's remember the now-defunct Mitsubishi i-MiEV that was available years ago. However, the new Eclipse Cross is indeed the first electric SUV from Mitsubishi to arrive in Europe. A model developed on the basis of the Renault Scenic E-Tech Electric that we have been finding in our dealerships. Both models are closely related.

The design of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026

It is a completely new vehicle. A quick glance at the images illustrating this article reveals the characteristic features of the new Eclipse Cross. It bears no aesthetic relation to the previous model. Adapted to Mitsubishi's current design language, it offers the three-dimensional "Dynamic Shield" with its protective aesthetics.

The front features a reinterpretation of the classic "Dynamic Shield". The closed grille, which integrates the brand's emblem, is flanked by new divided LED headlight clusters where the signature lighting of the daytime running lights is truly striking. They add a lot of personality. The bumper and the raised hood provide robustness.

The side view reveals the SUV essence of the new Eclipse Cross. The lower part of the body is protected with appropriate plastic cladding. This cladding is complemented by roof rails. By the way, we cannot overlook the door handles that are perfectly flush with the body, improving aerodynamics.

Wrapping up our tour of the exterior at the rear, we will find several elements to highlight. The taillights adopt both horizontal and vertical positions. Joined by a black element at the front position where the brand emblem is located, they help accentuate the feeling of width.

The customization options include the choice of colors for the body and wheel designs. The range is structured in the trim levels Kaiteki and Kaiteki+. Depending on the trim, certain exterior elements will feature a specific finish in glossy black, satin chrome, or steel gray. The body is available in Volcanic Gray, Crystal White, Sapphire Blue, Sunrise Red, and Onyx Black. In the launch versions, the two-tone finish will feature an Onyx Black roof. And all this is complemented by a selection of bi-color alloy wheels of 19 and 20 inches.

The interior and technology of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026

Setting aside the exterior, if we delve into the interior of the new Eclipse Cross, we will quickly find ourselves enveloped in a very modern atmosphere. Compared to the outgoing model, the change is drastic. It is a digital and connected car. The "nerve center" of the cabin is a 12.3-inch vertical touchscreen. A key component for managing the integrated Google infotainment system. It is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchscreen is complemented by the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Some features that also deserve mention include the premium Harmon & Kardon sound system, the gradual ambient lighting system with 48 colors, the large electrochromic sunroof, and the Mitsubishi Motors application that allows, using a mobile phone, access to functions such as vehicle finder, vehicle control panel, remote preconditioning, remote charging, horn, and remote lights.

Supported by the CMF-EV platform, the new Eclipse Cross, despite its compact size, offers a spacious cabin for five occupants. In this aspect, the 2.79 meters of wheelbase is crucial.

In terms of driving assistants, the new Eclipse Cross is well-equipped. It features, among other technologies, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, lane centering assist, automatic high beam activation system, automatic braking in case of multiple collisions, distance monitoring, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and rear emergency automatic braking.

Other safety features that we must also consider include multiple airbags (front, front center, side, and curtain), three positions with ISOfix anchors, and the acoustic signaling system that allows choosing between different neutral and expressive sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users when driving at low speed.

The range of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026

Beyond the design or technological equipment, all eyes are on the propulsion system. Something logical for an electric vehicle. The new Eclipse Cross will be available with two lithium-ion battery options. A base option of 60 kWh that will arrive later and a higher one with 87 kWh with which it will debut in our market.

The battery that will provide long-range autonomy is accompanied by a 220 CV and 300 Nm of maximum torque motor. The power developed by the electric motor is sent to the front axle. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h. The range of the Eclipse Cross with the 87 kWh battery exceeds 600 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle.

Through a driving mode selector (the Multi-Sense system), one can choose between four options to adapt the operation of the electric propulsion system to our needs, prioritizing efficiency or, on the contrary, performance. The battery features a water-cooled thermal management system, and all versions of the model are equipped with a heat pump and a PTC heater. Regenerative braking is another key technology to maximize range. A regenerative braking that is controlled at four levels (B0-B3).

Regarding charging times, they logically vary depending on the electrical outlet used. The new Mitsubishi electric allows both charging in mode 2 with a domestic outlet and charging in mode 3 of up to 22 kW AC with a specific charger and type 2 outlet. The maximum charging power reaches 150 kW and can be achieved using the CCS outlet at public fast charging points.

Release date and prices of the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2026

When will it hit the market? Mitsubishi has confirmed that production of the new Eclipse Cross will begin in the fourth quarter of this year at a Renault Group facility located in Douai (France). This plant is already manufacturing the Renault Scenic. Therefore, customer deliveries are expected to begin in the first months of 2026.

The new Eclipse Cross is backed by Mitsubishi's extended warranty of eight years or 160,000 kilometers, which offers three additional years of conditional coverage in addition to the already five-year factory warranty. Prices are, for now, a mystery. However, we can take as a reference the €39,500 from which the electric Scenic starts. The Mitsubishi model will have a similar price.

Fuente: Mitsubishi