2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lies in fuel economy, with the Kona achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined, a significant 5 MPG advantage for the Hyundai. The Kona also boasts a lower entry price point at $25,350 compared to the Eclipse Cross’s MSRP of $27,345. However, the Mitsubishi counters with superior torque, generating 184 lb-ft versus the Kona’s 132 lb-ft, suggesting better responsiveness despite lower overall horsepower (152 hp vs. 147 hp). Dimensions show the Eclipse Cross is longer at 179.0 inches and taller at 66.5 inches, while the Kona offers slightly more maximum cargo space at 25.5 cu ft compared to 23.4 cu ft. The standard drivetrains present another difference: the Eclipse Cross includes all-wheel drive, while the Kona is configured with front-wheel drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the winner for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG and lower starting MSRP of $25,350.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a larger standard drivetrain with All-Wheel Drive and a slightly higher cargo capacity (23.4 cu ft standard) in a taller package.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross is preferred by driving enthusiasts because it produces 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Kona’s 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides better value metrics, delivering 5 more MPG combined and a $1,995 lower initial MSRP.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize standard All-Wheel Drive capability over FWD economy.
- You require the higher torque output of 184 lb-ft for potential hauling or acceleration.
- Your parking situation benefits from the slightly narrower body width of 71.1 inches.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, offering 31 MPG combined versus 26 MPG.
- Your budget is tight, as the Kona starts $1,995 less expensive at $25,350.
- You need the maximum available cargo volume, as the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 171.3" |
| Width | 71.1" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.3 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 | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2025 Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Kona?
The most immediate mechanical difference is the standard drivetrain; the Eclipse Cross comes standard with AWD, while the Kona uses FWD in its base configuration. Additionally, the Eclipse Cross produces 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
How much money can I save over five years by choosing the more fuel-efficient model?
Based on the 5 MPG combined advantage (31 MPG for Kona vs. 26 MPG for Eclipse Cross), savings will vary by annual mileage, but the Kona’s 31 MPG rating will substantially reduce fuel expenditure given its $1,995 lower starting price.
Which crossover is physically larger in overall dimensions?
The 2025 Eclipse Cross is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 179.0 inches long and 66.5 inches tall. The 2026 Kona is shorter overall at 171.3 inches and significantly lower at 62.2 inches, although it surprisingly holds a slight advantage in cargo space at 25.5 cu ft versus 23.4 cu ft.
Does the lower horsepower on the Kona (147 hp) negatively impact its usability?
While the Kona has less horsepower than the Eclipse Cross (152 hp), its lower overall weight and smaller dimensions might mitigate the difference, though its much lower torque figure of 132 lb-ft will be more noticeable during initial acceleration or climbing.
Are there any differences in the type of fuel required for these crossovers?
Both the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for base engine operation.
Which vehicle provides better utility for carrying gear?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides slightly better documented cargo capacity at 25.5 cubic feet compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet, despite the Eclipse Cross being the physically larger vehicle externally.
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