The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2WD 1.5L 4-cyl gets 26 MPG combined, which is adequate. It’s acceptable for a small crossover aimed at budget-conscious buyers, but it’s not a highlight. Owners likely appreciate its unique styling, available technology, and Mitsubishi’s reputation for value, and they accept the fuel economy as a tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The EPA’s breakdown shows 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. This indicates the Eclipse Cross performs slightly better on longer trips at consistent speeds, which isn’t surprising given its automatic (AV-S8) transmission. The small difference between city and highway MPG suggests that stop-and-go traffic doesn’t significantly hurt its fuel consumption. The 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is tuned for everyday drivability and prioritizes responsiveness over outright efficiency. Expect the best results on flatter terrain, and hilly or mountainous routes will make the engine work harder and reduce MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2WD 1.5L 4-cyl will cost $1,700 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, using the EPA’s combined fuel economy figure and average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change based on your driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and the type of fuel you use. Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended, so there’s no need to consider the cost of premium fuel.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world driving is different. Expect some change from the 26 MPG combined figure. Aggressive acceleration, frequent short trips, carrying heavy loads, and extreme weather can all hurt fuel economy. Consistent speeds, gradual acceleration, and good maintenance can help you get numbers closer to the EPA estimates, or even slightly exceed them. Watching your driving habits and making small changes can save you money.

You can see all Mitsubishi fuel economy data here.

How it compares

The fuel economy of the 2022 Eclipse Cross places it in a competitive segment. The Nissan Rogue Sport gets a slightly better 27 MPG combined with its naturally aspirated 2.0L engine. The Honda HR-V gets around 28 MPG combined. The Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty driving, gets around 26 MPG combined with its base 2.5L engine, similar to the Eclipse Cross.

Buyers often compare these models, considering fuel economy, price, features, and styling. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t lead in MPG, but its affordable price and unique design might attract buyers who value other features over fuel efficiency.

For more information, check out ECLIPSE MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth acceleration and braking are important for good fuel economy in the Eclipse Cross. The turbocharged engine responds well to smooth inputs, and avoiding sudden acceleration will help. Pay attention to traffic and anticipate slowdowns to avoid hard braking.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated and aligned. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel. Regular tire maintenance improves fuel economy, safety, and tire life.

Minimize idling. Leaving the engine running while stopped uses fuel. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars, including the Eclipse Cross, can restart quickly.

Regular maintenance is essential. Keeping the engine properly tuned and replacing air filters as recommended improves combustion. A well-maintained engine runs more smoothly, resulting in better fuel economy and fewer emissions.