2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the refreshed 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the newly updated 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross often boils down to balancing driving enjoyment against initial savings. The CX-5 commands a slightly higher starting price at $28,770 compared to the Eclipse Cross's $27,695, but it delivers notably more punch with 187 horsepower versus the Mitsubishi's 152 hp. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive, the Mazda’s power translates to a more engaging drive, although it sips fuel slightly less efficiently at 25 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG. For daily driving, both are similarly sized, though the CX-5 is marginally longer at 180.1 inches. If utility is key, the CX-5 offers substantially more room, boasting 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize that extra power and cargo capacity or the lower entry cost and slight edge in fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Eclipse Cross wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined 26 MPG rating and lower MSRP of $27,695.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 CX-5 is the better family choice because it offers significantly more utility with 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-5, as its 187 hp engine offers a substantial 35 hp advantage over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides better initial value by costing $1,085 less while achieving slightly better fuel economy.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the CX-5 offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer traditional, responsive shifting provided by the 6-speed automatic transmission.
- You value stronger acceleration, thanks to its 187 hp engine.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price down is critical, as the Eclipse Cross starts at $27,695.
- You drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic and prioritize efficiency, achieving 25 city MPG.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for easier parking (179.0 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 179.0" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.1" |
| Height | 66.1" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | 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 @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 186 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 | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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 | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.0 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | P225/65R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-5 than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 has a clear performance advantage, delivering 187 horsepower from its engine. This is exactly 35 more horsepower than the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which is rated at 152 hp.
Which vehicle is generally more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2026 Eclipse Cross narrowly wins on overall efficiency, reporting a combined 26 MPG compared to the CX-5’s 25 MPG. On the highway specifically, the Eclipse Cross manages 28 MPG while the CX-5 gets 29 MPG, making the highway difference quite minimal.
Is there a significant difference in cargo space between the two crossovers?
Yes, cargo space is a major differentiator. The 2025 CX-5 provides 30.8 cubic feet for luggage and gear. Conversely, the 2026 Eclipse Cross offers considerably less utility at 23.4 cubic feet.
Are the transmission types similar in these two AWD crossovers?
No, they utilize different automatic systems; the CX-5 uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Eclipse Cross employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
How close are their starting prices (MSRP)?
The two models are relatively close, with the 2026 Eclipse Cross being the more budget-friendly option at $27,695. The 2025 CX-5 starts slightly higher, listed at $28,770.
Do either of these crossovers require premium gasoline?
Fortunately, neither vehicle requires expensive fuel for daily operation. Both the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
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