2025 Kia Niro vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The big question when looking at the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is whether you prioritize razor-sharp fuel economy or a bit more traditional crossover capability and power. If saving on gas is paramount, the Niro stands alone: it boasts an incredible combined 53 MPG, crushing the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined rating—a massive 27 MPG difference! While the Eclipse Cross offers slightly more horsepower at 152 hp versus the Niro's 139 hp, the cost savings at the pump quickly overshadow that minor performance edge. Priced nearly identically, with the Niro at $26,990 and the Eclipse Cross at $27,695, the fuel budget heavily sways the decision. The Niro is smaller overall (174.0 inches long), but offers competitive cargo space at 22.8 cu ft, slightly less than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft, though the Eclipse Cross is also significantly taller at 66.5 inches.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro
The 2025 Kia Niro dominates daily driving with its stellar 53 MPG combined fuel economy.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a slightly taller stance (66.5 inches) and marginally more cargo room (23.4 cu ft) for family hauling.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides marginally more power with 152 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing more to drivers seeking capability.
2025 Kia Niro
Despite being slightly cheaper upfront, the Niro's 27 MPG greater efficiency translates to massive long-term fuel cost savings.
Choose the Kia Niro if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing trips to the gas station, given the 53 MPG rating.
- You need the lowest possible entry price point, starting at an MSRP of $26,990.
- You prefer predictable highway cruising provided by the 6-speed automated manual transmission.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You frequently encounter slippery roads and value the standard All Wheel Drive system.
- You need the added vertical space provided by its 66.5-inch height and slightly larger 23.4 cu ft cargo area.
- You prefer a small performance edge, benefiting from the 152 horsepower engine.
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 | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
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 | 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 | 215/70R16 |
| 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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more will I spend on fuel annually with the Eclipse Cross compared to the Niro?
The Niro achieves nearly double the fuel economy at 53 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG. If you drive 15,000 miles yearly, you will burn approximately 283 gallons in the Niro versus 577 gallons in the Eclipse Cross, resulting in significantly higher annual fueling costs for the Mitsubishi.
Does the smaller Kia Niro offer enough passenger or cargo space for errands?
The Niro is slightly shorter at 174.0 inches but provides a respectable 22.8 cu ft of cargo capacity behind the rear seats. For everyday hauling and commuting, this is usually adequate, though the Eclipse Cross edges it out slightly with 23.4 cu ft.
Why would someone choose the Eclipse Cross if the Niro saves so much on gas?
Buyers choose the Eclipse Cross primarily for its standard All Wheel Drive capability and its slightly higher 152 horsepower output, which some prefer for varied driving conditions or if they anticipate occasional spirited driving.
What type of driving setup do both crossovers use?
The 2025 Kia Niro uses a front-wheel drive system paired with a 6-speed automated manual transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Eclipse Cross features an All Wheel Drive system paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Are there any major differences in the base MSRP for these two vehicles?
The difference is minimal at the base level; the 2025 Kia Niro starts at $26,990, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross begins at $27,695, meaning the initial price gap is less than $700.
Which car is physically larger?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 179.0 inches long and standing notably taller at 66.5 inches, compared to the Niro’s 174.0-inch length and 60.8-inch height.
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