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The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a stylish compact SUV. In the Mitsubishi lineup, it’s slotted between the smaller Outlander Sport and the bigger Outlander. With a name derived from the iconic sports coupe of the past, its sporty styling is sure to turn heads.

There are a handful of trims available for this SUV. If you’re shopping for an affordable compact SUV, you might wonder which trim is the most popular and why. Let’s look at the most popular 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross trim and see why it’s so appealing to car shoppers.

According to Edmunds, the most popular trim of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the SE trim, which starts at $29,045. This mid-range trim is slotted below the pricier SEL model and above the LE trim.

Every Eclipse Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s rated at 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A CVT transmission and all-wheel drive (Mitsubishi calls it “All-Wheel Control”) also come standard.

A few standard features you get on the popular SE trim include synthetic suede seating surfaces, a power driver’s seat, navigation, a hands-free power liftgate, and power-folding mirrors. Safety tech that comes standard at this trim level includes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Naturally, you also get many of the contents that come standard on the lower trims of the Eclipse Cross. These include an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights and fog lights, automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning.

A panoramic sunroof package is available for an extra $1,000. In addition to the sunroof, it also adds black roof rails. A tow package is also available for $525.

Why is the SE trim so popular?

The SE trim of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is likely popular because of its balance of features and value. With a starting price of just under $30k and a nice list of features like AWD, navigation, modern safety tech features, and a hands-free power liftgate, it’s not hard to see why it’s the one shoppers prefer.

What do critics say about the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE?

Incidentally, many critics agree with consumers on which trim of this compact SUV is the best buy. “The SE model represents the best balance of value and equipment,” according to Car and Driver. Autotrader also declared the SE “our favorite trim” in its trim comparison of the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross trim levels.

Since the SE trim is the most popular, it’s also the most common one on dealer lots. If there’s a Mitsubishi dealership near you, there’s a good chance you can find an Eclipse Cross SE on its lot. All of the trim levels of this SUV are appealing in their own way, but for most shoppers in the market for an affordable compact SUV, the Eclipse Cross SE is a great buy.

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MotorBiscuit Contributing Writer

Eric Brandt

Eric Brandt has been an automotive journalist since 2015, with bylines at Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, and The Drive. Eric’s car content has included industry news, reviews, and consumer support and is wide-ranging, spanning motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and more. Eric writes for automotive enthusiasts, car shoppers, and readers interested in tips, tricks, and trends for all things motorized. He studied philosophy at the University of St. Thomas and joined MotorBiscuit as a contributor in 2023.