Mitsubishi has a great reputation among kiwis, receiving praise every time they update their critically acclaimed lineup. They've continued to deliver with their latest SUV offerings, the Mitsubishi ASX and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Both of these SUVs provide a smooth driving experience and advanced features for drivers, but they do differ in some key areas.
The SUV market is a particularly competitive space in New Zealand. As the popularity of SUVs has grown, so have people's reasons for owning one. SUVs have a number of attractive features that Kiwis are after. In this blog, we will compare the Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross across five categories: Variants and Prices, Engines and Fuel consumption, Safety features, Comfort features, and Towing Capacity, to help you decide which one is right for you.
These prices are relevant to the time of writing. Head to the Mitsubishi ASX & Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross pages for current prices.
The Mitsubishi ASX comes in three variants: the LS, the XLS, and the VRX. The Mitsubishi ASX LS is the base model, starting at $27,990 + Delivery Costs. The XLS variant costs $31,990 + Delivery Costs, and the VRX is priced at $35,990 + Delivery Costs. With a bit more complex range, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers four variants: the 2WD XLS, the 2WD VRX, and the AWD XLS and VRX. The 2WD XLS is priced at $36,990 + Delivery Costs, the 2WD VRX at $42,990 + Delivery Costs, the AWD XLS at $39,990 + Delivery Costs and the AWD VRX at $45,990 + Delivery Costs.
While it’s clear that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is pricier than the Mitsubishi ASX, it’s important to keep in mind that the Eclipse Cross offers a few more features that justify the higher price. Both vehicles are packed with standard features for performance, convenience, comfort and safety - so while the ASX is an incredible offering, the Eclipse Cross takes a few of these features one step further for the customers after a more spacious SUV and a more premium experience.
It should be noted that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross also has an incredibly impressive PHEV variation. In this blog we will only be talking about the petrol versions - if you're wanting to know more about the Eclipse Cross's debut into the world of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, you can read about it here.
When it comes to engines and fuel consumption, the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross differ in a few key ways. The Mitsubishi ASX LS and XLS have a 2.0L DOHC MIVEC petrol engine that provides a fuel economy of 7.6L/100km, with a max power of 112 kW @ 6,000 RPM and max torque of 200 Nm @ 4,200 RPM. The Mitsubishi ASX VRX has a 2.4L DOHC MIVEC petrol engine that provides a fuel economy of 7.9L/100km, with a max power of 125 kW @ 6,000 RPM and a max torque of 226 Nm @ 4,100 RPM. On the other hand, all variations of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have a 1.5L MIVEC turbo petrol engine with CVT Automatic with 8-Speed Sport Mode Paddle Shift. This engine provides a max power of 112 kW @ 5,500 RPM and a max torque of 254 Nm @ 2,000-3,500 RPM. The 2WD XLS and VRX variants have a fuel economy of 8.1 L / 100 km, while the AWD XLS and VRX variants have a fuel economy of 8.6 L / 100 km.
The ASX is no slouch when it comes to performance, but for drivers looking for a bit more "punch", they'll likely get a kick out of the Eclipse Cross’s turbo. In addition to this, the Eclipse Cross features two all-wheel-drive versions, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross XLS and VRX AWD, as well as being equipped with Mitsubishi's renowned Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Mitsubishi’s S-AWC has received critical praise in the industry, supplying optimal torque to the rear wheels, allowing for the vehicle to dynamically adjust for increased stability and control. This ensures stable and confident driving - no matter the surface. S-AWC provides 3 different drive modes: Normal, Snow, and Gravel.
Mitsubishi has set the bar for the industry with its standard safety features across its entire line-up, and the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross are no exception. There is a huge overlap in the safety features for both models, as Mitsubishi believes that advanced safety features should not be considered a premium offering, but rather a priority. Even the base model of the Mitsubishi ASX, the LS, features 7 airbags, active stability control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-lock braking system, and sharp, responsive ABS brakes. In addition to this, the XLS and VRX variants include forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane change assist.
The Eclipse Cross range builds further on this already impressive suite of safety features by also including adaptive cruise control, ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, a 4-camera multi around-view monitor system, active road-holding systems, rain-sensing wipers, and dusk-sensing headlamps with auto high beam.
So while the Eclipse Cross may have a slight edge when it comes to overall safety features, there's no doubt that both models have comprehensive safety offerings to provide driver's peace of mind every time they're behind the wheel.
Both the Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer a range of comfort and convenience features. The Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross both come with an 8" touch screen Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, automatic climate control, and keyless entry. The Eclipse Cross adds dual-zone climate control, keyless operations, and a 4-camera multi-around-view monitor system to the mix - adding an additional layer of comfort and convenience to the driving experience.
And for those hot Kiwi summer days and clear, starry nights, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross VRX features a dual sunroof.
A major perk of owning an SUV is the room they provide. Both models comfortably seat 5 people, while the Eclipse Cross has a slightly bigger footprint than the ASX, with a length 4,545 mm vs ASX 4,365mm. The ASX has it beat in cargo space, with the Eclipse Cross offering up to 672L vs. the ASX’s 1,193L - a major selling point for many people when it comes to choosing an SUV.
Towing capacity is an important consideration when choosing an SUV, and both the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross have enough capacity to suit most kiwis' needs. However, the Eclipse Cross takes advantage of its 1.5L MIVEC turbo petrol engine by providing a higher towing capacity of 1,600kg for braked trailers compared to the ASX's 1,300kg.
Both the Eclipse Cross and ASX are backed by Mitsubishi's Diamond Advantage Warranty. The Diamond Advantage is New Zealand's best new car warranty, offering comprehensive coverage that includes a 5-year/130,000 km new vehicle warranty, a 10-year/160,000 km powertrain warranty, and a 5-year premium roadside assistance. With the Diamond Advantage Warranty, buyers can have peace of mind knowing that their brand-new SUV is covered. Moreover, the award-winning customer care that comes with this warranty ensures that customers are well taken care of throughout their ownership experience.
Based on the above comparison, it is clear that both the Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer a range of impressive features and benefits. However, each vehicle has its unique selling points and appeals to a specific type of customer.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a versatile and practical SUV, which would appeal to customers looking for a vehicle that can provide comfort, convenience, and safety at an affordable price. With its fuel-efficient engines, generous boot space, and advanced safety features, the ASX is an excellent option for families or individuals who need a reliable and practical vehicle for daily use.
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a premium SUV, which would appeal to customers looking for a stylish, luxurious, and high-performance vehicle. With its turbocharged engine, Super All Wheel Control system, and advanced safety features, the Eclipse Cross is a great option for customers who want to enjoy the thrill of driving while still maintaining practicality and safety.
In terms of price, the ASX is a more affordable option, with the base LS model starting at $27,990, while the Eclipse Cross XLS starts at $36,990. However, the Eclipse Cross offers more advanced features, such as the Super All Wheel Control system and adaptive cruise control, which might be more than enough to justify its higher price tag for some people.
The Mitsubishi ASX and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are both excellent SUVs, which offer different features and benefits that appeal to different customers. If you are looking for an affordable and practical SUV with good fuel efficiency and advanced safety features, the ASX is the perfect option. However, if you want a luxurious and high-performance SUV with advanced features such as Super All Wheel Control and adaptive cruise control, the Eclipse Cross is the better choice.
Whether you have your heart set on the Mitsubishi ASX, the Eclipse Cross or just can't seem to make up your mind, head to the Simon Lucas Mitsubishi Showroom on Auckland's North Shore. Our friendly team can answer all of your questions about which SUV fits best with your lifestyle, and even better, you can book a test drive to experience it for yourself . So if you're looking to purchase a Mitsubishi SUV, contact Simon Lucas Mitsubishi today!
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