2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$27,390 · Crossover

$27,695 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sportage and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is in powertrain output, with the Sportage delivering 187 hp versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, a 35 hp advantage. Despite this power gap, the Sportage achieves superior fuel economy, netting 28 combined MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG, although the Kia requires FWD while the Mitsubishi includes AWD as standard. Pricing is closely matched, with the Sportage starting at $27,390 and the Eclipse Cross at $27,695. Dimensionally, the Sportage offers substantially more utility, boasting 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Conversely, the Eclipse Cross is slightly taller at 66.5 inches against the Sportage's 65.4 inches, indicating a marginal difference in roofline height.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage offers better fuel efficiency at 32 highway MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 highway MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage provides significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage possesses a substantial power advantage, delivering 187 hp versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is $305 cheaper and delivers superior horsepower and significantly better cargo volume.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize outright engine performance, benefiting from 187 hp versus 152 hp.
Maximum storage is required, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft of cargo volume.
You seek the lower entry price point at $27,390.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory feature for varied driving conditions.
You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, standing 66.5 inches high.
You prioritize torque slightly higher than horsepower (184 lb-ft vs. 178 lb-ft for the Sportage).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	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	✓	✓
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	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	152 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 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	8-speed shiftable 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)	25/32 MPG	25/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
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	39.4 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.
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 and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

What is the primary fuel economy difference between the 2025 Sportage and the 2026 Eclipse Cross?

The 2025 Kia Sportage achieves 28 combined MPG due to its FWD setup, slightly outpacing the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG, which comes standard with AWD.

How much more cargo space does the Sportage offer over the Eclipse Cross?

The Kia Sportage provides substantially more usable space with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Eclipse Cross is limited to 23.4 cu ft.

Which vehicle offers better acceleration performance?

Based on published figures, the 2025 Sportage offers superior power with 187 hp, significantly exceeding the 152 hp output of the 2026 Eclipse Cross.

Is there a large MSRP gap between these two crossovers?

The difference in starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price is minor; the Sportage begins at $27,390 while the Eclipse Cross is priced at $27,695.

What type of transmissions do these models utilize?

The Kia Sportage uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).