2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Towing Capacity

Knowing whether or not your compact SUV can bring your trailer on a trip is an integral part of purchasing a new or used vehicle, which is why the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross towing capacity is so impressive. With 1,500 pounds¹ of towing capacity across all eight trims of this accessible SUV, you'll know the answer to "Can the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross tow?" is yes. Whether your goal is to head to the beach with some ATVs or bring kayaks down to the river, the Eclipse Cross is a stalwart companion.

We at Wally's Mitsubishi Watertown want your trailering experience to be as safe as possible. So, let's go over what that towing weight can handle.

How Much Can a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Tow?

As mentioned above, the Mitsubishi Eclipse is an exceptionally capable compact SUV, able to tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. As you'll see in our Mitsubishi towing capacity chart, that number doesn't diverge based on trim.

From the base ES to the prestigious RALLIART, your Mitsubishi five-seat SUV handles the same 1,500-pound trailers when properly equipped.

What Can the Eclipse Cross Towing Capacity Handle?

With the correct equipment, your Eclipse Cross can easily handle most of the following trailers.

Picture this. You and the family are preparing for a riverbed afternoon 15 miles down the freeway. The Eclipse Cross waits in the garage, the tow hook in the back perfectly elevated to tackle the trailer with two canoes in the back. The kids help you load each of the two boats on. Then, you tie the safety chain to both vehicles and utilize the towing wire harness to give life to the canoe trailer. All this hassle-free trailering alongside the already efficient engine and comprehensive systems are available in the Mitsubishi SUV.

However, before you hitch up for that adventure, weigh your trailer with all the goods you're bringing on it first! For example, if you plan on putting the cooler and all the materials you need for the grill on your hitch, it could strain your engine or frame, causing additional wear over time.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Performance

You wouldn't want to damage this incredibly efficient engine. This towing capacity is possible thanks to the 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 152 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This gives you a hyper-consistent EPA-estimated 25/28/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)² on the ES trim and 25/26/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)² on higher-level trims like the SE and SEL, pounding down the road without wasting fuel with Super All-Wheel Control making the ride smooth as butter.

As you tow your camper trailer, the Eclipse Cross will likely provide less MPG than the EPA-estimated ratings. However, this is still a nearly miraculous amount of power for the next vacation you and your family take.

Mitsubishi Towing Capacity vs. The Competition

Now that we have the equipment down, let's see what you are getting from the other options on the market. We'll start with the Honda CR-V, a very potent SUV. Regarding towing capacity, the Honda CR-V matches the Eclipse Cross at 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, if you want to upgrade to a high-end trim like the Sport-L Hybrid or Sport Touring Hybrid, you're losing 500 pounds of maximum trailer capacity.³ That's right; you can spend more on the CR-V and lose out on hauling weight – a problem you won't have with the Eclipse Cross.

Okay, but how about we compare the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross towing capacity to that of the latest Chevy Equinox? That compact SUV is also capable of 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. However, that proper equipment is a bit non-specific. Where you don't need to choose the exact options with the Eclipse Cross, the Equinox requires the available all-wheel drive to get the ability to tow light trailers.

While there are a handful of compact SUVs on the market capable of towing more than this, you can see that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is well-placed in its sector. A glance at the competition reveals some 2,000-pound towing capacities, which don't let you haul much more than a few canoes, ATVs, or bikes anyway.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Tow Hitch, Tow Ball, and Equipment

In order to protect your engine and reach the 1,500-pound towing maximum,¹ you first should have the optional Tow Hitch attachment. This kit is available for all trims and features equipment made to handle various trailers. They are:

• Tow Ball and Mount: A small sphere to hitch basic trailers onto, this combo is great for most light hauls.
• Earth Bolt, Towing Wire Harness: These electrical components are required to tow heavy loads with your Mitsubishi Cross Eclipse. Trailers with brakes and lights improve your trip tremendously.
• Vertical Tow Hitch: This structure lets you stand up specific add-ons, like a bike or additional cargo carrier.
• Tow Hitch Extension: Make it easier to bring along trailers and heavier hauls with the Tow Hitch Extension, a long metal structure attached to your frame.

Knowing what equipment you need for each trailer or carrier is crucial to protecting your equipment and maintaining your frame. If you have questions about any of these items, such as how to attach the wire harness properly or how to secure your hauler, contact us.

Tips for Effective Mitsubishi Towing

When you hook up your new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with a trailer ready for adventure, locking everything tight can make sure the trip goes smoothly. When hitching, follow these steps.

1. If you are towing a heavier load, have a certified engineer install the wire harness to the trailer. The lights and brakes must function if you want your adventure to go well.
2. Choose the right equipment for the job. For example, the tow hitch extender or ball hitch is designed to carry a canoe or kayak trailer, while the vertical tow hitch is optimal for bike carriers.
3. Attach a safety chain between the Eclipse Cross and the trailer. In an emergency, this precaution will help prevent an accident by keeping the trailer for the ride.
4. Take your setup for a short test drive. If applicable, the brakes and lights on the trailer should work, and your bike rack or carrier should not noticeably shake while taking turns.
5. Practice driving with a trailer or vision-obstructing bike rack. Back up slowly and with a guide whenever possible. By taking wider turns, you can avoid tipping your cargo on a curb or bumping a nearby vehicle with your bike.

This is just the start of our advice for driving with an extra load. For more information on conscientious towing habits, please contact us or review your owner's manual.

Experience the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Towing Capacity in Watertown, NY

We've reviewed how the Eclipse Cross towing capacity lets you haul extra gear for weekend excursions, picnic trips, and biking. Now, you can feel how this SUV feels in person. Come to Wally's Mitsubishi Watertown, and you can see for yourself how the engine of the Eclipse Cross compares to the rest of the vehicles in our all-new Mitsubishi inventory.

Once you're sure about the quality of your ride, our new Mitsubishi specials can help you save on the trim of your choice – and the tow hook package, too. Let us show you how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross towing capacity can satisfy the needs of you and your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a hitch on a Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

Yes, all editions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross have an available Tow Hitch package. This add-on includes a tow hitch extension, tow ball and mount, earth bolt, vertical tow hitch, and a towing wire harness. This setup allows you to install brake lights on standard trailers, gives your chassis the strength to endure heavier trailers, and more! Without this gear, it's not recommended to tow with your Eclipse Cross.

Can the Eclipse Cross tow trailers, boats, or other recreational vehicles?

Yes, the Eclipse Cross is capable of up to 1,500 pounds of towing limit with the equipment in the Tow Hitch Package.¹ This lets you tow small boats like canoes and kayaks, recreational vehicles like ATVs or golf carts, and some small trailers behind you. It's important to weigh the trailer with everything you plan to carry before you hitch up, though.

Are there any additional factors to consider when towing with the Eclipse Cross, such as payload capacity or weight distribution?

Yes, for example, the Eclipse Cross should only take on 150 pounds of tongue weight¹ while the rest is centered on your trailer. Ensure you attach a safety chain to the trailer and the vehicle in case of an emergency. As you store more items in the Eclipse Cross or bring more passengers, you will certainly want to carry less weight on your trailer hitch to prevent engine strain.

¹Towing capability varies by configuration. See the towing guide in the Owner's Manual for proper use and additional information.

²2024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 25 City/28 Highway for Eclipse Cross ES, 25 City/26 Highway for Eclipse Cross LE, SE, SEL. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.

³Towing requires accessory towing equipment. Please see your Honda dealer for details.