2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ignites the segment with its standard All-Wheel Drive and a robust 152 horsepower, offering a more planted driving feel straight out of the gate, despite its slightly higher curb weight. Contrast this with the stunningly aggressive entry price of the 2026 Chevrolet Trax at just $21,600, which immediately captures the budget-conscious buyer's attention. The Trax compensates for its lower 137 horsepower output with superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Trax offers more usable space, boasting 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Mitsubishi's 23.4 cubic feet. While the Eclipse Cross packs a punch in torque (184 lb-ft vs. the Trax’s 162 lb-ft), the substantial $5,745 initial price gap and 4 MPG advantage firmly position the Trax as the efficiency champion in this compact crossover showdown.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its superior 30 MPG combined fuel economy and lower overall running costs.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers more practical utility with a larger 25.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive and higher outputs of 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax presents better initial value, priced nearly $6,000 less than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for adverse weather conditions.
- You prefer the extra oomph provided by 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You appreciate the slightly more robust dimensions, standing 66.5 inches tall.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Your primary goal is minimizing fuel stops, thanks to its 32 highway MPG.
- You need the absolute lowest upfront purchase price, starting at $21,600.
- You value accessible utility, benefiting from 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 178.6" |
| Width | 71.1" | 71.8" |
| Height | 66.5" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 106.0" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 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 | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 52.1 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 | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Trax.
How significant is the difference in horsepower between these two crossovers?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross holds a noticeable advantage with 152 horsepower, compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's 137 horsepower. This 15 hp difference, combined with 22 more lb-ft of torque in the Mitsubishi, should result in more spirited acceleration.
Is the higher price of the Eclipse Cross justified by its drivetrain?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $27,345 and includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is a key differentiator from the FWD-based 2026 Chevrolet Trax starting at $21,600. If AWD is critical, the price difference is smaller than the absolute MSRP gap suggests.
Which crossover is genuinely more fuel-efficient for daily highway driving?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax clearly leads in efficiency, posting an estimated 32 MPG on the highway against the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway rating. This equates to a 4 MPG advantage for the Chevy.
If I frequently haul cargo, which vehicle offers more space?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the better choice for cargo haulers, offering 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, narrowly beating the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.
Are both vehicles capable of handling varied road conditions?
The Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it superior baseline traction capabilities for slippery roads. The Trax uses a Front Wheel Drive setup, which may require more caution in low-grip situations.
How does the size difference affect maneuverability in parking lots?
The vehicles are nearly identical in length (179.0 inches for the Mitsubishi vs. 178.6 inches for the Chevy), but the Trax is significantly lower at 61.4 inches tall, which can subtly improve stability and clearance in tight structures.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool