2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$24,690 · Crossover

$27,695 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos bursts onto the scene with a sharp, modern aesthetic and impressive fuel efficiency, boasting 29 combined MPG from its 146 hp engine. In contrast, the redesigned 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross aims for punchier drive dynamics, showcasing significantly greater torque at 184 lb-ft, even if its efficiency dips slightly to 26 combined MPG. While the Seltos maintains a compact footprint at 172.6 inches long, the Eclipse Cross offers a taller stance (66.5 inches high) and wins in raw power delivery. Priced at $24,690, the Seltos significantly undercuts the Eclipse Cross's $27,695 starting MSRP. For drivers prioritizing mileage and affordability, the Seltos shines; however, the Eclipse Cross tempts with superior pulling power and a more substantial physical presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is better suited for families by offering greater interior height at 66.5 inches and a more robust powertrain for varied loads.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross appeals more to enthusiasts with its significant advantage in torque, delivering 184 lb-ft compared to the Seltos's 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos presents better value, starting $3,005 cheaper than the Eclipse Cross while achieving better fuel efficiency.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize stretching every dollar, given the Seltos's $24,690 MSRP.
Maximum daily efficiency is key, evidenced by its 29 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly more agile, smaller footprint measuring only 172.6 inches in length.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

You require more physical presence and headroom from a taller vehicle measuring 66.5 inches high.
Stronger passing power is desired, thanks to the superior 184 lb-ft of torque.
You are willing to pay the extra cost for higher standard horsepower (152 hp).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Length	172.6"	179.0"
Width	70.9"	71.1"
Height	63.4"	66.5"
Wheelbase	103.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	152 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	25/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	395.0/442.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 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	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	40.0 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 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	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	52.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mitsubishi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	215/70R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

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.
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 Seltos and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Seltos and the 2026 Eclipse Cross?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the efficiency leader, rated at 29 combined MPG (27 city/31 highway). The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lags slightly behind with a 26 combined MPG rating (25 city/28 highway).

Which crossover offers better performance grunt for highway merging?

The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers significantly better grunt, boasting 184 lb-ft of torque, which heavily outweighs the Seltos's 132 lb-ft of torque, despite both having similar base horsepower figures.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles substantial?

Yes, the price difference is notable; the 2026 Eclipse Cross starts at $27,695, making it $3,005 more expensive than the 2025 Seltos, which starts at $24,690.

Do these two crossovers feature the same type of transmission?

Both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for their power delivery.

Which vehicle provides more maximum cargo space behind the rear seats?

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers a slight advantage in standard cargo capacity, providing 26.6 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Eclipse Cross’s 23.4 cubic feet.

Are both models equipped with All-Wheel Drive?

Yes, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are listed as having an all-wheel drive system available.