5 Reasons to Love the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition (And a Few You’ll Chuckle About)

Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross has always been a bit of an underdog in the world of compact SUVs, but it’s back in 2024 with a sleek new edition. The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition aims to shake things up. It’s got that head-turning blacked-out styling, some serious tech upgrades, and a driving experience that’ll have you asking, "Where has this been hiding all my life?" But of course, no car’s perfect—so let’s dive into what makes the Eclipse Cross Black Edition so great, and what might give you a good laugh as you get to know it.

Introducing the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition

First things first—this thing looks sharp. The Black Edition takes the already futuristic design of the Eclipse Cross and dials it up to eleven. With black alloy wheels, a blacked-out front grille, and a whole lot of attitude, it’s like the Eclipse Cross went to a rock concert and decided it wanted to look the part. Add in the upgraded interior trims with red stitching, and this SUV feels a lot more premium than you’d expect at its price point.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

Now, let’s talk power. The 2024 Eclipse Cross comes equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 152 horsepower. Okay, so it’s not exactly a tire-burning monster—but hey, who really needs all that extra horsepower just for a run to the grocery store? The Eclipse Cross Black Edition strikes a solid balance between fuel efficiency and performance. It’s responsive enough for daily driving, and the CVT transmission makes for a smooth ride. But, let’s be real—it may take a few seconds to really get up to speed. Patience is a virtue, after all.

As Alex Collantes, the owner of Avenue Motors car dealership, puts it, “You don’t need to win a drag race in this thing, but it’ll get you there with style.” Fair enough, Alex. It’s more about looking good than setting lap records.

Handling: The Good and the Not-So-Good

The 2024 Eclipse Cross Black Edition comes with Mitsubishi’s S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system, which makes it surprisingly nimble for a compact SUV. It handles well in corners, and the all-wheel drive gives you confidence in various weather conditions. You’ll experience safe and secure verifying driving whether you're navigating tight city streets or cruising down the highway.

But here's the funny part—despite the sophisticated AWD system, the Eclipse Cross has a turning radius that’s, well, kind of large for a vehicle this size. Parallel parking can be a bit of a comedy show. So if you find yourself in a tight spot, just respond with a smile. “It may take a few seconds to get it right,” as Alex says. "But that’s just part of the charm."

Tech and Features: What's New in the 2024 Eclipse Cross

The Black Edition isn’t all about looks—it’s also packed with modern tech. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system now supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so syncing your phone is easier than ever. You’ll also find a head-up display that keeps key information in your line of sight, helping you experience safe driving without taking your eyes off the road.

There’s also a suite of advanced driver-assist features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitoring, all working to keep your website experience safe and enjoyable. But, as with anything tech-related, there are a few quirks. The touchscreen sometimes lags a bit, so you may find yourself waiting for it to respond. And while the voice-activated controls work most of the time, they might take a few seconds to catch on. Don’t worry, they’re working to keep you entertained by mishearing commands!

Interior: Comfort with a Touch of Luxury

Slide into the driver’s seat of the Black Edition and you’ll be greeted with soft-touch materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the aforementioned sporty red stitching. It’s a clear upgrade from the base model, and it adds a little luxury to your daily commute. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with heated front seats as standard—perfect for those chilly mornings.

But there’s one small issue—rear legroom. If you’ve got tall passengers in the back, they might feel like they’re in coach on a budget airline. It’s cozy, let’s put it that way. Still, most families will find it more than adequate for day-to-day trips around town. Plus, the dealer logo on the headrests adds an extra touch of uniqueness that’s sure to impress your passengers—until they realize they’ve got no room to stretch their legs.

Potential Drawbacks (With a Twist)

Okay, so what are the not-so-awesome parts of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition? Well, in addition to the aforementioned turning radius and slightly sluggish acceleration, there are a few other quirks worth mentioning.

1. Fuel Economy: While the Eclipse Cross is efficient for a compact SUV, it’s not exactly leading the pack. You’re looking at around 26-29 mpg combined, which is fine, but not great. If you’re used to smaller cars, you might find yourself waiting at the pump more often than you’d like.

2. Cargo Space: There’s enough room for groceries and weekend luggage, but if you’re planning to haul a ton of gear, you might want to reconsider. The sloping roofline cuts into the vertical cargo space, making it more of a game of Tetris to fit everything in. Good luck fitting that last suitcase, though the dealer logo on your new gear might make up for the headache.

3. Infotainment System: It’s not the fastest. It may take a few seconds to load your favorite apps, and the touchscreen could be more responsive. But, like they say, good things come to those who wait.

4. Visibility: The Eclipse Cross has some chunky rear pillars, which can create blind spots. Sure, the blind-spot monitoring system helps, but it’s not a perfect substitute for good old-fashioned visibility. Just be careful when merging, and if you happen to have an extra pair of eyes in the backseat, even better.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition?

So, should you go for the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Black Edition? If you’re looking for a stylish compact SUV with enough tech and comfort to make your daily drives more enjoyable, it’s a solid choice. It’s not the most powerful or the most spacious option out there, but it brings a lot of value to the table—especially with its unique blacked-out styling and upgraded interior.

“It’s a car that stands out in a crowd,” says Alex Collantes. “It may not be perfect, but it’s got personality, and sometimes that’s all you need.”

Just remember to bring your patience if you’re verifying you are human—because this SUV may take a few seconds to fully impress you. But once it does, you’ll be glad you waited.