2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Escape ignites the daily drive with a punchier 180 hp engine and a superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG, ready for the highway with 27/34 MPG splits. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross charms with its standard All-Wheel Drive capability right out of the gate, even starting at a lower MSRP of $27,695 compared to the Escape's $29,515. While the Escape boasts 4 MPG better efficiency, the Eclipse Cross counters with a more planted feel owing to its standard AWD setup, even though its 152 hp engine delivers less thrill. The Escape offers significantly more utility with 37.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Ultimately, the choice pits Ford's efficiency and power advantage against Mitsubishi's accessible AWD and lower initial price point.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, translating to fewer fuel stops.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape provides 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is substantially more usable space for family gear than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Ford Escape
With 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, the Escape offers significantly more accessible power than the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp output.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross secures the value verdict with a lower MSRP of $27,695 and the added benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- You prioritize fuel savings, enjoying 30 combined MPG versus the rival's 26 MPG.
- You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the Escape's 37.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want quicker acceleration, leveraging the Escape's 180 hp engine over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You live in snowy or wet climates and require standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
- You need the absolute lowest entry price, as the Eclipse Cross starts at $27,695.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance provided by its 66.5-inch height compared to the Escape’s 66.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 179.0" |
| Width | 74.1" | 71.1" |
| Height | 66.0" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.7" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.6 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.7 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 215/70R16 |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | 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 Ford Escape and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more power does the Ford Escape offer over the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The 2025 Ford Escape boasts 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, providing a substantial advantage over the 2026 Eclipse Cross, which is rated at 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This 28 hp difference should be noticeable during merging and passing maneuvers.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding efficiency?
The Ford Escape is the superior choice for efficiency on long trips, achieving a combined 30 MPG with 34 MPG on the highway. The Eclipse Cross lags slightly with a combined 26 MPG rating (25 city/28 highway).
Does the Eclipse Cross include AWD standard, and does the Escape offer it?
Yes, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2025 Ford Escape configuration listed utilizes Front Wheel Drive, though AWD might be optional depending on the trim level chosen.
What is the cargo capacity difference between the two crossovers?
The Ford Escape offers significantly more utility for cargo, measuring 37.5 cubic feet. The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross provides only 23.4 cubic feet, making the Escape better suited for large grocery runs or luggage transport.
Is the difference in MSRP large enough to warrant choosing the Eclipse Cross?
The Eclipse Cross undercuts the Escape by $1,820, starting at $27,695 versus $29,515. This saving might offset the Escape's better MPG for buyers prioritizing immediate lower cost.
How do the transmissions differ between these two models?
The Ford Escape utilizes a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission paired with its gasoline engine. In contrast, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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