Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2017-2025) How to Remove the Bumpers

The first-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross was manufactured from 2017 to 2025, model codes
GK/GL/YA/YB.

Model Years and Facelift

  • Initial Release: 2017. The model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017, with sales in Europe and Russia starting in late 2017 – early 2018 of the model year.
  • Facelift: 2021. This was not just a bumper change, but a comprehensive update that affected key exterior elements. The most significant change was the complete abandonment of the controversial split rear window in favor of a conventional panoramic glass and a larger tailgate. The model also received a new radiator grille, larger headlights, and a different rear bumper, bringing it visually closer to the Outlander.

 

Technical Specifications (for Russian and European markets)

  • Engine: The only gasoline engine was the turbocharged 1.5-liter MIVEC-T (4B40). Its power output was 150 hp at 5500 rpm, with a torque of 250 Nm at 1800-4500 rpm.
  • Transmission:
    • 6-speed manual gearbox (front-wheel drive).
    • Jatco CVT8 continuously variable transmission (CVT) (both front-wheel and all-wheel drive).
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (2WD) or an on-demand all-wheel drive (4WD) with the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, which included active stability control and torque vectoring to the rear wheels.
  • Dimensions: Length ≈ 4405 mm (pre-facelift), ≈ 4545 mm (post-facelift). Wheelbase — 2670 mm.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP+E/P-TD20<

Note: Fastener locations may vary depending on the model year.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Under the hood, remove eight push-type fasteners and take off the cover above the radiator grille.
  3. Under the cover, remove two push-type fasteners and detach the radiator grille (held by clips).
  4. Under the radiator grille, unscrew three screws and remove four push-type fasteners that secure the top part of the bumper.
  5. Unscrew two screws in the lower grille of the bumper.
  6. From underneath the vehicle, remove twelve push-type fasteners that secure the lower part to the underbody protection and wheel arch liners.
  7. Turn the wheels to the side, depending on which side you are working on.
  8. In the wheel arches, remove three push-type fasteners on each side that secure the arch liners and fender liners (front part).
  9. Release the arch liners from the bumper (grab the bottom and pull towards yourself).
  10. Under the liners, unscrew one screw on each side that secures the corners to the fenders.
  11. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the corners towards yourself) and, with an assistant, carefully slide the bumper forward (mind the wires and hoses).
  12. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if any).
  13. If the car has headlight washers, disconnect the hoses (note that fluid may leak from the reservoir).

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I (2017-2025) front bumper mounting locations

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I (2017-2025) Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open the tailgate.
  2. In the trunk opening, unscrew four screws.
  3. From underneath the vehicle, remove push-type fasteners and unscrew the screws (inserted and screwed from bottom to top).
  4. In the wheel arches, remove the push-type fasteners that secure the arch liners and fender liners (rear part).
  5. Release the arch liners from the bumper (grab the bottom and pull towards yourself).
  6. Under the arch liners, unscrew one screw on each side that secures the bumper corners to the fenders.
  7. Release the clips in the fenders (pull the bumper corners towards yourself).
  8. With an assistant, slide the rear bumper backward (mind the wires).
  9. Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I (2017-2025) rear bumper mounting locations

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross I (2017-2025) Rear Bumper Mounting Diagram

Interesting Facts about the Model

  • Name Revival: The "Eclipse" name is a nod to the iconic Mitsubishi Eclipse sports coupe produced from 1989 to 2011. However, the crossover has no technical connection to it.
  • Controversial Design: The original two-section rear end with a narrow window and a window on the tailgate was met with mixed reactions. Many criticized it for poor rear visibility, which led to this design being abandoned after the facelift.
  • Generous Equipment: Even in base versions, the Eclipse Cross often offered a good level of features, including a multimedia system with a touchpad and smartphone support, as well as bucket-style front seats to emphasize its sporty character.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Performance: The turbocharged engine provides good low-end and mid-range torque, making the car quite peppy in the city compared to naturally-aspirated rivals.
  • Effective All-Wheel Drive: The S-AWC system is considered one of the best in its class for light off-roading and confident driving on slippery roads.
  • Handling: The chassis, tuned for Europe, offers precise and composed handling.
  • Comfort: The suspension handles road imperfections well, providing a decent level of comfort.

Cons:

  • Cramped Interior: Despite the long wheelbase, rear passenger space and trunk volume (≈ 374 liters) are inferior to many competitors (e.g., Toyota RAV4 or Nissan X-Trail).
  • Noisy Engine at High RPM: During hard acceleration, the turbo engine produces an unpleasant sound and causes the CVT to rev high.
  • Outdated Pre-facelift Multimedia: Many owners complained about the inconvenient touchpad control and not the most intuitive interface.
  • High Fuel Consumption: With aggressive driving, real-world fuel consumption can be significantly higher than the official figures.