2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Stuck between choosing efficiency and power versus a lower initial cost and standard AWD? That's the core dilemma when comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Sportage Hybrid dominates on running costs, boasting an excellent combined 43 MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG—a staggering 17 MPG difference. While the Kia offers 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Mitsubishi trails significantly with only 152 hp. However, the Eclipse Cross starts cheaper at $27,345, undercutting the Kia's $28,790 MSRP, and it includes all-wheel drive standard, whereas the Sportage Hybrid is FWD initially. Despite the size difference, with the Kia being 4.5 inches longer, the Sportage offers significantly more usable space, carrying 39.5 cu ft of cargo versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Your priorities—fuel economy or upfront savings—will determine the winner here.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its segment-leading 43 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
With 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Kia provides nearly 16 cubic feet more space for family gear than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage Hybrid offers a significant advantage in performance, delivering 227 hp versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross wins on upfront value, starting at a lower MSRP of $27,345 and including standard AWD.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops and saving money annually, benefiting from 43 MPG combined.
- You need the extra space provided by its 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want quicker acceleration powered by 227 horsepower.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Your budget is tight, as the MSRP starts at $27,345, which is $1,445 less than the Kia.
- You frequently encounter snow or slippery conditions and require standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You don't mind a slightly smaller footprint, as the Eclipse Cross is 4.5 inches shorter in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage Hybrid | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 179.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 71.1" |
| Height | 65.4" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 227 hp | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 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 automatic | 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) | 42/44 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 43 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 575.4/602.8 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.7 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 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 | 39.1 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 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 Sportage Hybrid and 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much better is the fuel economy on the Kia Sportage Hybrid?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 43 MPG combined, whereas the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross manages only 26 MPG combined. This results in a 17 MPG advantage for the Kia, saving significant money over the course of a year.
Is the base Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross more powerful than the hybrid Kia?
No, the Kia Sportage Hybrid is significantly more powerful, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Eclipse Cross trails with 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Does the price difference justify giving up hybrid efficiency?
The Eclipse Cross is cheaper at $27,345 versus the Sportage Hybrid's $28,790 MSRP. You must weigh the initial $1,445 savings against the potential thousands saved over several years due to the Kia's superior 43 MPG rating.
Which vehicle is better for hauling cargo?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers substantially more utility with 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The Eclipse Cross is considerably smaller inside, providing only 23.4 cubic feet of storage volume.
Why choose the Eclipse Cross if it lacks the power and MPG of the Kia?
The primary reason to opt for the Eclipse Cross is the standard All-Wheel Drive system and the lower entry price. If driving in poor weather is a constant concern and you prefer a lower initial outlay, the Mitsubishi is the practical choice.
Are these cars similar in size for city parking?
The Eclipse Cross is slightly more compact, measuring 179.0 inches long compared to the Sportage Hybrid's 183.5 inches. Both are similarly sized crossovers, though the Kia is taller at 65.4 inches versus the Mitsubishi's 66.5 inches.
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