2025 Kia Soul vs 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the affordable practicality of the 2025 Kia Soul and the slightly more robust, all-wheel-drive stance of the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be tricky, especially when budget is a major factor. The Kia Soul hits the street with a starting MSRP of $20,490, significantly undercutting the Eclipse Cross's $27,345 price tag—a difference of $6,855 right out of the gate. For daily driving, the Soul offers superior fuel economy, sipping fuel to achieve 30 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined. While the Eclipse Cross boasts a slight edge in power with 152 hp and a substantial 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Soul's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, the Soul remains quicker on gas spending. Although the Eclipse Cross is longer at 179.0 inches and slightly taller at 66.5 inches, the Soul provides marginally more usable utility space with 24.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mitsubishi’s 23.4 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its excellent 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower purchase price.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is better for families seeking stability because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive and has a slightly taller ride height at 66.5 inches.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Enthusiasts will prefer the Eclipse Cross because it offers 152 hp and significantly more torque at 184 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides superior overall value, costing $6,855 less while delivering better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget is tight, as the Kia Soul starts at only $20,490.
- You prioritize maximizing miles per gallon, achieving 33 MPG highway versus 28 MPG for the competitor.
- You need slightly more practical cargo space, offering 24.2 cu ft versus 23.4 cu ft.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require the added traction and security of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer driving a vehicle with notably higher torque figures (184 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft).
- You prefer the crossover styling, which is taller (66.5 inches) and longer (179.0 inches) than the Soul.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Soul | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 165.2" | 179.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.1" |
| Height | 63.0" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 102.4" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 147 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 | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/33 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.1/471.9 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio/Video Remote Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.2 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 |
| Front Hip Room | — | 53.0 in. |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.8 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 52.0 in. |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross than the Kia Soul?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a significant price disadvantage, starting at $27,345 compared to the Kia Soul's $20,490 MSRP. This results in a $6,855 upfront price difference favoring the Soul.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips in varied weather conditions?
The Eclipse Cross is generally better suited for varying weather because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Kia Soul is strictly Front Wheel Drive. However, the Soul will cost less at the pump.
Is the 2025 Kia Soul significantly underpowered compared to the Eclipse Cross?
The Soul has 147 hp, which is only slightly less than the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp. More importantly, the Soul sacrifices substantial torque, producing only 132 lb-ft versus the Mitsubishi’s strong 184 lb-ft.
Which vehicle has more cargo room for hauling gear?
The 2025 Kia Soul offers slightly more measured storage capacity, providing 24.2 cubic feet of cargo room when measured to the roofline, edging out the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.
What is the main trade-off when selecting the more fuel-efficient Kia Soul?
The primary trade-off for choosing the Soul's superior fuel economy (30 MPG combined vs. 26 MPG) is losing the confidence of All-Wheel Drive and having less engine torque available for acceleration.
How do the transmissions compare between the two models?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), suggesting similar approaches to smooth, automated gear changes, though the overall driving experience will vary based on their differing engine output.
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