2025 Dodge Hornet vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Get ready for a thrilling crossover clash! The 2025 Dodge Hornet enters the ring flexing a powerful 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, promising muscle-car spirit in a compact 178.0-inch AWD package, even if it sips recommended premium fuel for its 24 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers disciplined efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG on regular unleaded with its 152 hp powertrain. The primary battle boils down to raw excitement versus pragmatic savings; the Hornet boasts a staggering 116 hp advantage, while the Eclipse Cross undercuts the Dodge's $29,995 MSRP with a starting price of just $27,695. While slightly less spacious, offering 23.4 cu ft versus the Hornet's 27 cu ft, the Mitsubishi emphasizes economy, leaving the Hornet to dominate the performance metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Eclipse Cross wins for commuters due to better fuel economy (26 combined MPG) running on regular unleaded fuel.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The 2025 Dodge Hornet offers significantly more cargo capacity at 27 cubic feet compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.
2025 Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet dominates enthusiasts with 268 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, drastically overpowering the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides a lower entry point at $27,695 versus the Hornet's $29,995 MSRP while offering greater fuel efficiency.
Choose the Dodge Hornet if...
- You demand serious acceleration, thanks to the Hornet's 268 horsepower rating.
- Maximum utility is essential, as the Hornet provides 27 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- You prefer the confident grip and dynamic capability of a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with AWD.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Keeping running costs low is a priority, benefiting from the Eclipse Cross's regular unleaded requirement.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Eclipse Cross achieves a slightly better 26 combined MPG.
- You are seeking the lowest initial investment, starting $2,200 less than the Dodge at $27,695.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Dodge Hornet | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.0" | 179.0" |
| Width | - | 71.1" |
| Height | 63.8" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | — | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 283.5/391.5 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.5 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.25 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 6 months | 3 months |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material: Cloth/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Room | — | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | — | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | — | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Rear Head Room | — | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.0 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Dodge | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Dodge Hornet and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much faster is the 2025 Dodge Hornet than the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
The Dodge Hornet has a major performance edge, delivering 268 horsepower compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower. This results in an 116 horsepower difference, meaning the Hornet will accelerate much quicker.
Which crossover is cheaper to run day-to-day regarding fuel?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is likely cheaper to run as it uses regular unleaded fuel, whereas the Hornet recommends premium unleaded. Furthermore, the Eclipse Cross achieves 26 combined MPG versus the Hornet's 24 combined MPG.
Is the cargo space significantly different between these two AWD crossovers?
Yes, the Dodge Hornet offers slightly more utility with 27 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. The Eclipse Cross trails marginally, offering 23.4 cubic feet for storage.
What is the main reason to choose the more expensive Dodge Hornet?
The primary motivation to choose the Hornet is outright performance; its 295 lb-ft of torque and 268 hp dramatically improve the driving dynamics over the base Eclipse Cross.
Do both vehicles have the same drivetrain layout?
Both the 2025 Hornet and the 2026 Eclipse Cross feature an All-Wheel Drive system for traction. However, the Hornet utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Eclipse Cross uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
How do the overall dimensions compare between the two vehicles?
The vehicles are very similar in length, with the Eclipse Cross being one inch longer at 179.0 inches, but the Eclipse Cross is notably taller at 66.5 inches compared to the Hornet's 63.8 inches.
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