With Americans buying more and more crossovers every year, automakers have responded and continue to revise and improve upon their SUV portfolios. Mitsubishi may not have gotten the memo though with its 2020 Eclipse Cross model.

While the Outlander continues to perform well, the Eclipse Cross is falling short among the critics. And based on Consumer Reports, Mitsubishi didn’t get much right at all this year with this compact SUV.

The second worst SUV in its class

Consumer Reports evaluates each new model SUV, both with internal expert review and based on the opinions of actual vehicle owners. Out of the 15 crossovers in this segment, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lands in 14th place with an overall score of only 52.

There is plenty wrong according to Consumer Reports, making the Eclipse Cross an underwhelming choice, to say the least. Based on estimated reliability, safety, performance, and owner satisfaction, it’s falling short in a big way. In fact, one of the only positive aspects of this SUV, based on the review from Consumer Reports, was the roominess of the backseat.

The road test wasn’t impressive

The Consumer Reports experts climb behind the wheel of the Eclipse Cross to experience its performance first-hand. The four-cylinder turbocharged engine didn’t get anyone’s hearts pumping. On a sliding scale of one to five, the Eclipse Cross only earns threes for its ride quality, front-seat comfort, and interior finish.

The reviewers did give it props for a roomy rear seat and cited ease in climbing in and out of the SUV. However, they were infuriated with its infotainment system. Before even leaving the driveway, the reviewers struggled with the finicky system and hard-to-reach touchscreen.

Reliability scores are only estimates

When rating new vehicles for reliability, the Consumer Reports experts rely on the actual experiences of vehicle owners. Based on surveys and questionnaires, in which subscribers are asked about past problems, the Eclipse Cross receives marginal, at best, reviews.

Of course, these vehicle problems are based on 12-month ownership of previous model year SUVs. So this compact SUV’s three out of five reliability rating is an estimation for 2020.

It is equally important to point out the owner satisfaction rating of two, on a range of one to five. This particular rating is based on past owners’ willingness to buy this vehicle again.

Other experts aren’t impressed either

Consumer Reports isn’t the only source citing lackluster first impressions of the 2020 Eclipse Cross. Edmunds lists a few cons as well. The Edmunds gurus do acknowledge this crossover’s healthy roster of standard equipment and peppy performance.

Unlike the Consumer Reports reviewers, the Edmunds folks suggest the infotainment was easy to use. However, the few pitfalls in the Edmunds book include subpar handling, a bouncy ride quality, and very disappointing fuel economy.

What’s new for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross this year?

There are only a few minor trim changes to report this year, as Mitsubishi drops the SEL Premium and GT Touring packages. Navigation isn’t an option, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.

All models are getting auto high beams as a standard add, including the base model. The rear seats get a plushier upgrade for increased comfort, and the driver’s seat gets a power lumbar feature.

Although the Car and Driver experts cited after a few hours behind the wheel, the back support underperformed. Despite the improvements this year, most experts still consider the Eclipse Cross a merely compliant selection in this compact SUV segment.

Consumers can rely on the opinions and reviews of the experts, but in the end, only you can decide if the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a good fit for your needs. Before making your purchasing decision, take one for a drive. With comparable price points, it may still be a perfect vehicle for you.