Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Buying Guide for NZ

The Eclipse Cross PHEV is a smaller, less common alternative to the Outlander PHEV in Mitsubishi's NZ lineup, and it tends to fly under the radar compared to its bigger sibling — which sometimes means better used pricing for buyers willing to look past the more famous name. Here's what to know before buying one.

Where it sits versus the Outlander PHEV

The Eclipse Cross PHEV shares much of its plug-in hybrid architecture with the Outlander PHEV but in a smaller, more coupe-styled SUV body. It uses a 13.8 kWh battery pack (matching Gen 2 Outlander specification) paired with a 2.4L petrol engine and twin electric motors for a similar twin-motor 4WD layout.

Key figures:

• EV-only range: around 55 km claimed, typically 40–48 km real-world in NZ conditions
• Combined power: around 190 hp
• Boot space: noticeably smaller than the Outlander PHEV due to the more sloped rear styling

NZ used pricing

Eclipse Cross PHEV examples (2019–2023) typically sell for $24,000–$33,000 depending on age, trim, and condition — generally a few thousand dollars less than an equivalent-age Outlander PHEV, largely because it's the less popular model despite sharing much of the same drivetrain.

Common issues to watch for

• Onboard charger faults, similar to the Outlander PHEV given the shared electrical architecture
• Reduced boot space meaning some owners fit a smaller spare or space-saver, worth checking what's actually included
• Infotainment quirks on early models, generally resolved via software update
• Battery degradation following the same pattern as Outlander PHEV — EV-only range dropping below roughly 30 km on a full charge is the practical threshold worth investigating further

Why it's worth considering over the Outlander PHEV

• Lower purchase price for essentially the same core plug-in hybrid technology
• More distinctive styling if you prefer the coupe-SUV look
• Less demand in the used market, which can mean more room to negotiate

Why you might still choose the Outlander PHEV instead

• More practical boot space and rear headroom — a genuine consideration for families
• Larger and more established parts and service network in NZ given higher sales volumes
• Slightly better resale value retention, being the more recognised nameplate

What to check before buying

• Full battery health report — the same 13.8 kWh pack architecture as Gen 2 Outlander PHEV, so the same degradation checks apply
• Onboard charger test through a complete charge cycle
• Confirm software is up to date and no outstanding recalls remain
• Physically check boot space and rear seat configuration match your practical needs, since this is the area most likely to disappoint buyers coming from a larger PHEV SUV

The bottom line

The Eclipse Cross PHEV is a genuinely sound choice if you want proven Mitsubishi plug-in hybrid technology at a lower price point than the Outlander, and you don't need maximum cargo space. It's a case of the less popular badge working in your favour on price, provided you're comfortable with the smaller body style. As with any used PHEV, a proper battery and charger inspection before purchase is the single most valuable piece of due diligence you can do.