2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
Deciding between two compact crossovers often comes down to balancing entry price against pure utility. If you are weighing the brand-new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox against the refreshed 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the decision hinges on horsepower versus cargo space. The Equinox boasts a slight advantage in power, producing 175 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, though both share identical 184 lb-ft of torque figures. Fuel economy is nearly a wash, with the Equinox achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined, both using regular unleaded. However, the Equinox stretches out to 183.2 inches long, offering substantially more cargo room at 29.8 cu ft versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. The Eclipse Cross undercuts the Equinox's starting MSRP of $28,600 with a lower entry point of $27,345, making it the more budget-friendly choice right off the bat.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The lower starting MSRP of $27,345 for the Eclipse Cross makes it the immediately more financially sensible choice for daily driving duties.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Equinox is the superior family hauler due to its significantly larger 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
With 175 hp available, the Equinox provides 23 more horsepower than the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, offering a more spirited driving experience.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross wins on initial outlay by being $1,255 cheaper than the Equinox while offering standard all-wheel drive versus the Equinox's standard front-wheel drive.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible purchase price, starting at $27,345.
- You require standard all-wheel drive capability for challenging weather conditions.
- You prefer a slightly shorter overall vehicle length of 179.0 inches for easier city parking.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximum hauling capability is essential, offering 29.8 cu ft of storage.
- You want the extra 23 horsepower provided by the 175 hp engine.
- You prefer the slightly better combined fuel economy rating of 27 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 183.2" |
| Width | 71.1" | 74.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.2 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
Which vehicle is better for carrying luggage and gear?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox wins handily here; it offers 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is notably smaller inside, maxing out at 23.4 cubic feet.
How significant is the horsepower difference between the two crossovers?
The Equinox holds a noticeable 23 hp advantage, delivering 175 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp. While torque is identical at 184 lb-ft, the Equinox should feel marginally quicker.
Is the higher price of the Equinox justified by its features?
The Equinox has an MSRP of $28,600, $1,255 more than the Eclipse Cross at $27,345. You are paying extra for more power and significantly more cargo volume, though the Eclipse Cross includes standard AWD versus the Equinox's standard FWD setup.
Are there major differences in fuel efficiency?
No, the fuel economy is extremely close; the Equinox gets 27 MPG combined, while the Eclipse Cross is rated at 26 MPG combined. Both use regular unleaded fuel, minimizing day-to-day running cost differences.
Which car is physically smaller or easier to maneuver in tight spots?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the more compact option, measuring 179.0 inches in length and 71.1 inches in width. The 2026 Equinox is wider at 74.9 inches and longer at 183.2 inches.
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