2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross bursts onto the scene with agile dimensions, measuring just 179.0 inches long, offering zippy maneuverability, while its standard All-Wheel Drive system promises tenacious grip for all conditions, albeit with a modest 152 hp output. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz presents a more muscular stance; its increased length of 195.7 inches hints at greater presence and potentially more cabin space, backed by a punchier 191 hp engine. While the Eclipse Cross boasts a slightly better combined fuel economy at 26 MPG versus the Santa Cruz's 25 MPG, the Hyundai significantly outmuscles the Mitsubishi by 39 horsepower. Priced affordably at $27,345, the Eclipse Cross undercuts the Santa Cruz’s $29,500 MSRP, making the affordability dynamic a core decision point when weighing the crossover's compactness against the truck-adjacent capability and power of the Santa Cruz.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross wins for commuting due to its superior 26 combined MPG efficiency and smaller footprint for easier city navigation.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is likely better for families due to its substantially longer 195.7-inch body, suggesting more interior volume than the 179.0-inch Eclipse Cross.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its significantly higher 191 horsepower output compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross offers better immediate value with a lower starting MSRP of $27,345 against the Santa Cruz's $29,500.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, as the Eclipse Cross achieves 26 combined MPG.
- You want the lowest initial purchase price, starting at only $27,345.
- You need superior traction in all weather conditions via standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You desire significantly more engine performance, boasting 191 horsepower.
- You prefer the configuration and capability offered by the larger 195.7-inch platform.
- You value the smoother, more direct shifting experience of the 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Hyundai Santa Cruz |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 195.7" |
| Width | 71.1" | 75.0" |
| Height | 66.5" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 118.3" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | 8-speed shiftable 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 | 22/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 389.4/531.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 17.7 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 Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.5 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 245/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear 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 Santa Cruz.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Santa Cruz than the 2025 Eclipse Cross?
The 2026 Santa Cruz has a distinct power advantage, generating 191 horsepower, which is exactly 39 more horsepower than the 2025 Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp rating. This power difference should be noticeable during highway merging or spirited acceleration.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2025 Eclipse Cross is slightly more economical, achieving a combined 26 MPG compared to the 2026 Santa Cruz’s 25 MPG combined rating. However, the Santa Cruz does yield a slightly better highway rating at 30 MPG.
Is the Eclipse Cross significantly smaller than the Santa Cruz?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross is noticeably smaller, measuring 179.0 inches in length compared to the Santa Cruz’s 195.7 inches. This nearly 17-inch difference suggests the Santa Cruz offers substantially more overall vehicle length.
What are the main drivetrain differences between these two crossovers?
The Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive paired to a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the Santa Cruz utilizes a standard Front Wheel Drive configuration with a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Does the lower price of the Mitsubishi justify the difference in power?
The 2025 Eclipse Cross undercuts the 2026 Santa Cruz by $2,155, starting at $27,345 versus $29,500. Buyers must decide if saving money is more critical than gaining the Santa Cruz's extra 39 horsepower.
Which vehicle is better equipped for hauling or carrying cargo?
While both are crossovers, the Santa Cruz’s larger body suggests superior passenger and cargo space, though only the Eclipse Cross has its specific cargo capacity listed at 23.4 cu ft. The Santa Cruz's greater length generally implies better utility.
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