Not long ago, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross came to the market as the smallest and most affordable SUV in the lineup.

What we didn’t know at the time was that this would become the vehicle that would be used for one of the most dynamic styling movements this brand has created. The 2021 version of the Eclipse Cross has been teased in images thus far and will make its full debut soon wearing a new design.

Where Does this New Design Come From?

We have to look back to the auto shows from 2018 to find the place where the design ideas for the new Eclipse Cross came from. This was the year that Mitsubishi showed up with a concept model called the E-Evolution. When this model is placed side-by-side with the 2021 Eclipse Cross, you can see the similarities and understand the use of the design language that will be part of the lineup.

More Aggression is Built into the New Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

What does the new design language for the Eclipse Cross translate to? This new version of the smallest SUV in the Mitsubishi lineup is more aggressive, sleeker, and sportier than the model that we have had in the market since this vehicle became a reality. The roofline has a more aggressive slope to it but the spoiler mounted on top is more subtle than in the outgoing model.

Expected Power from the Eclipse Cross

Because this Mitsubishi SUV has only been in the market for a few years, we don’t expect to see a complete rebuild just yet. While the style may change, this SUV should still be offered with the current 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 152 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. We don’t know this for sure yet and would welcome a bump in power for the new model year.

Upgrades Planned for Other Mitsubishi Models

Mitsubishi will do more than simply give the Eclipse Cross a new look. We are expecting to see a new engine for the Outlander PHEV model to give it a better range for those who drive it. The Mirage is also expected to receive a new look before the end of the 2021 calendar year and an all-new Outlander will likely make its introduction later in the year.

There will be an increase in safety features offered across the Mitsubishi lineup this year with forward-collision mitigation and pedestrian detection being offered across all models before the end of the year.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is Nearly Ready for You

If your local Mitsubishi dealer hasn’t received any models of the 2021 version of the Eclipse Cross just yet, they certainly will very soon. If you’re in the market for an affordable compact crossover SUV to drive, you’ll want to check out this new SUV and see if it will be the one for you. Mitsubishi is making changes and adding items that we want to SUVs that are already technologically advanced.