2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid charges onto the scene with electrifying efficiency, boasting a formidable 227 horsepower and a remarkable 43 MPG combined, making its 6-speed automatic transmission an economical powerhouse. Conversely, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross appeals with its rugged stance and standard All-Wheel Drive, though its 152 horsepower trails the Kia significantly, resulting in a lower 26 MPG combined rating. The Kia's sheer efficiency advantage—a 17 MPG gap—is immense for daily drivers, while the Eclipse Cross leans on its standard AWD for varying road conditions. With the Kia starting at $28,790 against the Mitsubishi's $27,695 MSRP, the performance/MPG difference versus upfront cost creates a fascinating dynamic. The Sportage Hybrid offers substantial power and superior space (39.5 cu ft vs. 23.4 cu ft), firmly positioning it as the modern efficiency champion.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers vastly superior fuel economy at 43 MPG combined, significantly reducing running costs for daily driving.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Sportage Hybrid provides substantially more utility with 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid
The Kia delivers an impressive 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower output.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross secures the value victory by offering a lower initial MSRP of $27,695 while including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...
- You prioritize maximum efficiency, benefiting from the 43 MPG combined rating.
- You need strong acceleration, thanks to the 227 horsepower output.
- You require generous storage space, highlighted by 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for inclement weather right out of the box.
- You must secure the lowest starting price, with an MSRP of $27,695.
- You prefer a slightly taller ride height, indicated by its 66.5 inches versus the Kia's 65.4 inches.
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 | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media 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 | 39.6 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 | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 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 Sportage Hybrid and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How significant is the MPG difference between the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The difference is dramatic: the Kia Sportage Hybrid achieves 43 MPG combined, whereas the Eclipse Cross manages only 26 MPG combined. This 17 MPG gap means the Kia will consume significantly less fuel over the long run.
Which crossover provides a better performance experience?
The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear performance leader, generating 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Eclipse Cross is considerably less powerful, offering only 152 horsepower.
Is the added cost of the Kia worth the efficiency gain over the Mitsubishi?
The Kia has an MSRP of $28,790, slightly higher than the Mitsubishi's $27,695. Given the massive 17 MPG efficiency advantage and the 75 hp performance boost, most drivers will recoup the small price difference quickly through fuel savings.
Does the Eclipse Cross offer any traction advantage over the FWD Kia?
Yes, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it a fundamental advantage in slippery conditions over the front-wheel-drive configuration of the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid.
How do the cargo capacities compare for hauling gear?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid offers significantly more room for cargo, boasting 39.5 cubic feet. The Eclipse Cross lags behind with only 23.4 cubic feet available for luggage or supplies.
What type of transmissions are used in these two vehicles?
The Kia utilizes a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission paired with its hybrid system. In contrast, the Eclipse Cross employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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