26 MPG combined is acceptable for the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 4WD 1.5L 4-cyl and likely acceptable for most buyers. This isn’t a hybrid promising Prius-like efficiency, nor is it a sporty or off-road focused SUV demanding a big V6. It’s a practical, affordable, and compact crossover offering the added security of all-wheel drive. These buyers prioritize budget and year-round usability over outright fuel savings, accepting the Eclipse Cross’s fuel consumption as a reasonable tradeoff.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 4WD at 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. Given the small turbocharger bolted to the 1.5L engine, the city figure is less impressive. This engine relies on boost to deliver performance, leading to increased fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic. The highway figure is more respectable, suggesting the Eclipse Cross can handle longer journeys without excessive trips to the gas station. Its continuously variable transmission (CVT), programmed with eight simulated gear ratios, contributes to maximizing highway mileage by keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, you can expect to spend around $1,700 per year on fuel for the 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ES 4WD 1.5L. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, assuming a national average fuel price. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel you use. The $1,700 estimate provides a useful benchmark for comparing the Eclipse Cross’s running costs to other vehicles in its class. See all Mitsubishi fuel economy data to see how it compares within the brand.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing procedure, real-world fuel economy can differ substantially. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, carrying heavy loads, and using accessories like air conditioning can negatively impact fuel consumption. However, the Eclipse Cross’s small engine and CVT should prevent drastic deviations from the EPA estimates in most situations.

Owners who prioritize fuel efficiency and adopt mindful driving habits should find that the 26 MPG combined figure is achievable, or even slightly exceeded, in mixed driving conditions.

How it compares

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross exists in a crowded playing field of compact crossovers. Its fuel economy is broadly similar to rivals, but certain competitors offer better or worse figures, depending on configuration. The Subaru Crosstrek, similarly equipped with all-wheel drive, achieves around 29 MPG combined with its standard engine, making it a more economical choice.

The Mazda CX-5, known for its engaging driving experience, comes in around 26 MPG combined with its base engine and AWD. All of this data and more on ECLIPSE MPG across all years. By contrast, the Jeep Compass 4×4 with its 2.4L engine lags behind, often struggling to reach 25 MPG combined in real-world driving. For buyers focused on minimizing running costs, even small differences in fuel economy can add up over the lifespan of the vehicle, influencing their purchasing decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The Eclipse Cross’s turbocharged engine is responsive, but frequent bursts of acceleration will quickly deplete fuel. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible to keep the turbocharger from constantly working.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels listed on the doorjamb sticker.

Minimize the use of air conditioning. While it’s tempting to use the AC on hot days, doing so puts a significant strain on the engine. Use the ventilation system to circulate fresh air whenever possible, especially during cooler parts of the day or on the highway where wind resistance is already a factor.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo adds extra strain on the engine, reducing fuel economy. Remove any items from your vehicle that you don’t need on a regular basis, such as sporting equipment or tools.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, preventing unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This results in more efficient fuel consumption, particularly on long stretches of open road. Just be sure to disengage cruise control when encountering hilly terrain or heavy traffic.