2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the newly refreshed 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the highly anticipated 2026 Hyundai Tucson boils down to prioritizing efficiency and budget versus outright space and power. The common dilemma facing shoppers is balancing a lower entry price against modern refinement. The Eclipse Cross starts affordably at $27,345, though its 152 hp engine might feel sluggish compared to the Tucson's 187 hp offering. Fuel economy is similar, with the Tucson squeezing out an extra 2 MPG on the highway for a combined 28 MPG versus the Mitsubishi's 26 MPG. However, the Tucson is also $1,855 more expensive at $29,200 for the base model. Crucially, the Tucson dominates utility with a massive 38.7 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft, making the Tucson the better haul-it-all option despite the Eclipse Cross’s slightly smaller footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Tucson wins for commuters due to its slightly better combined 28 MPG efficiency.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
The 2026 Tucson offers significantly more room for family gear with 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Hyundai Tucson
Enthusiasts will favor the Tucson's higher output of 187 hp and its traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp and CVT.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Eclipse Cross offers a lower starting MSRP of $27,345, providing a more budget-conscious entry point into the crossover segment.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need to keep your initial purchase price down, as the Eclipse Cross starts at $27,345.
- You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle, measuring 179.0 inches in length, which helps with city parking.
- You are comfortable with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivering 184 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson if...
- Maximum storage is critical, as the Tucson provides an expansive 38.7 cu ft of cargo room.
- You want superior acceleration and passing power from the 187 hp engine.
- You desire an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission instead of a CVT, paired with the better 33 MPG highway rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 182.7" |
| Width | 71.1" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.5" | - |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
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 | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 178 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 | 25/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 357.5/471.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 14.3 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 | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin 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. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.6 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 | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
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 | 235/65R17 |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
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 Tucson.
Which crossover is faster in a straight line, the Eclipse Cross or the Tucson?
The 2026 Hyundai Tucson is the faster vehicle, boasting 187 hp, which is 35 more horsepower than the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 152 hp rating. This power difference, combined with the Tucson's different transmission, should result in quicker acceleration.
How much more cargo space does the Tucson offer over the Eclipse Cross?
The Tucson offers substantially more space; it has 38.7 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. That's over 15 cubic feet more room for luggage or groceries.
Are these two crossovers similarly priced?
No, there is a noticeable price gap; the 2025 Eclipse Cross starts at $27,345, while the 2026 Tucson has a higher MSRP of $29,200. This represents an $1,855 difference at the base level.
Which vehicle is better for long road trips regarding fuel?
The 2026 Tucson is slightly better equipped for long highway stretches, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway rating. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
Do both cars come standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
No, the specification details show a difference here. The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the base 2026 Hyundai Tucson is listed with front-wheel drive.
What are the main differences in the transmissions?
The Eclipse Cross uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), whereas the Tucson features a more conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This might impact the driving feel, especially under hard acceleration.
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