2025 Kia Niro vs 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$26,990 · Crossover

$27,345 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Niro ignites the efficiency wars with its breathtaking hybrid prowess, achieving an astounding 53 MPG combined from its 139 hp powertrain. Conversely, the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross excites with a slight power advantage, boasting 152 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive for year-round confidence, though this comes at the cost of efficiency, netting only 26 MPG combined. The Niro’s frugal operation is its signature, utilizing a 6-speed automated manual transmission to maximize every drop of regular unleaded fuel. Meanwhile, the slightly larger Eclipse Cross (179.0 inches long vs. 174.0 inches for the Niro) offers 23.4 cu ft of cargo space, narrowly beating the Niro’s 22.8 cu ft. Priced nearly identically, starting at $26,990 for the Kia and $27,345 for the Mitsubishi, the primary divergence centers on the massive 27 MPG efficiency gap in favor of the Niro.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro’s class-leading 53 MPG combined fuel economy dramatically lowers daily running costs for the regular commuter.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a slightly taller stance and marginally superior cargo capacity at 23.4 cubic feet, coupled with the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

While neither is a speed demon, the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp output and standard AWD give it a slight edge in spirited driving over the Niro's 139 hp FWD setup.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro

Despite a very similar MSRP, the Kia Niro delivers vastly superior operational value due to its 53 MPG rating compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

Your absolute priority is minimizing fuel expenses, thanks to its spectacular 53 MPG combined rating.
You prioritize easy maneuverability in tight city environments, indicated by its shorter 174.0-inch length.
You prefer the responsiveness of a dedicated hybrid system utilizing a 6-speed automated manual transmission.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive for handling challenging road conditions.
You appreciate having a bit more power on tap with 152 horsepower.
You need the maximum possible utility, edging out the competition with 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Length	174.0"	179.0"
Width	71.8"	71.1"
Height	60.8"	66.5"
Wheelbase	107.1"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	—
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5700 rpm	152 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	53/54 MPG	25/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	53 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	588.3/599.4 mi.	395.0/442.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	15.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	53.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
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	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	52.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	P215/70R16
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro and 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2025 Eclipse Cross?

The difference is substantial; the Kia Niro achieves 53 MPG combined, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is rated at only 26 MPG combined. This results in nearly double the range per tank for the Niro.

Which vehicle offers better outright power for acceleration?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross holds the horsepower advantage with 152 hp compared to the Kia Niro's 139 hp. However, the Niro offers 195 lb-ft of torque versus the Mitsubishi's 184 lb-ft.

Is the extra cost of the Eclipse Cross justified by its drivetrain?

The Eclipse Cross costs only $355 more, but includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which the FWD Niro lacks. This AWD capability might be worth the price difference if traction is essential.

How do the interior storage capacities compare between these two crossovers?

The Eclipse Cross provides slightly more utility, offering 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space. The Kia Niro follows closely behind with 22.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

What are the primary differences in their mechanical setup?

The Niro uses a hybrid setup paired with a 6-speed automated manual transmission, whereas the Eclipse Cross employs a standard gasoline engine with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).