2025 Kia Soul vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Soul explodes onto the scene with its uniquely boxy, youthful swagger and superior efficiency, boasting an impressive 30 MPG combined rating while kicking off at a bargain MSRP of $20,490. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross brings a more substantial presence to the fight; this crossover boasts a standard All-Wheel Drive system and significantly stronger torque output at 184 lb-ft compared to the Soul's 132 lb-ft. While the Kia offers greater fuel economy (33 MPG highway versus 28 MPG for the Mitsu) and saves buyers a substantial $7,205 upfront, the Eclipse Cross leans into capability with a slightly taller stature at 66.5 inches and 152 horsepower on tap. Though cargo volumes are comparable—24.2 cu ft in the Soul versus 23.4 cu ft in the Eclipse Cross—the choice boils down to efficiency and entry price versus all-weather assuredness and low-end grunt.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Soul
The 2025 Kia Soul wins for commuters due to its better combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and significantly lower starting MSRP of $20,490.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is better equipped for families needing predictable traction, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Enthusiasts will prefer the Eclipse Cross for its superior torque delivery of 184 lb-ft, offering a punchier feel than the Soul’s 132 lb-ft.
2025 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul provides outstanding value by being $7,205 cheaper and delivering 4 more miles per gallon combined.
Choose the Kia Soul if...
- Your budget is tight, as the Kia Soul starts at an accessible $20,490.
- Maximum fuel efficiency is paramount, given its 30 MPG combined rating.
- You prefer a more compact footprint, measuring only 165.2 inches in length.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need the confidence of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied driving conditions.
- You value higher torque (184 lb-ft) for quicker acceleration feel.
- You desire a slightly larger, taller vehicle, standing 66.5 inches high.
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 | 8.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 | — |
| 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 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
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. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Soul and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross than the 2025 Kia Soul?
The Eclipse Cross holds a slight edge in raw power, producing 152 horsepower compared to the Soul’s 147 horsepower. More notably, the Mitsubishi delivers 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Soul's 132 lb-ft, which should translate to stronger acceleration from a stop.
Is the difference in fuel economy substantial between these two vehicles?
Yes, the difference is notable for regular commuters; the Kia Soul achieves 30 MPG combined (27 city/33 highway), while the AWD-equipped Eclipse Cross is rated at 26 MPG combined (25 city/28 highway), equating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Kia.
Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity?
The 2025 Kia Soul technically has slightly more maximum cargo space with 24.2 cubic feet available, beating the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.
Why is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross significantly more expensive?
The primary factor driving the price difference is $7,205; the Eclipse Cross likely includes the benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive and perhaps more standard features, given its higher MSRP of $27,695 versus the Soul's $20,490.
Are the driving dynamics very different due to the body style?
They are built for different philosophies; the Kia Soul is a FWD wagon focusing on nimble city driving, whereas the Eclipse Cross is a taller crossover with standard AWD, suggesting a more planted and perhaps more rugged feel on the road.
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands premium fuel for optimal performance; both the 2025 Kia Soul and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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