2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Kia Sportage
Comparison Overview
The battle lines are drawn between two captivating crossovers! The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross delights with its standard All-Wheel Drive grip and a lower entry price of $27,345, making it immediately accessible for those prioritizing traction over outright power. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sportage punches back with a commanding 187 horsepower, significantly outpacing the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, though it carries a slightly higher MSRP of $28,690 and defaults to Front Wheel Drive. The Sportage also dominates in practicality, offering a cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Fuel economy is tight, with the Sportage reaching an impressive 33 MPG highway versus the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway. The choice boils down to whether you prefer the Eclipse Cross's standard AWD capability or the Sportage's superior power output and vast utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG and a more modern 8-speed transmission.
2026 Kia Sportage
With an overwhelming 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the 2026 Kia Sportage easily accommodates family gear far better than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers 35 more horsepower (187 hp vs 152 hp), promising a more spirited driving experience despite its CVT-equipped rival.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross secures the value crown by offering standard All-Wheel Drive and a $1,345 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for challenging road conditions.
- You are seeking the lowest possible entry price point at $27,345.
- You prefer the slightly more compact dimensions, measuring 179.0 inches in length.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You need maximum utility, benefiting from the huge 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You value a more robust powertrain with 187 horsepower available.
- You prioritize highway fuel efficiency, achieving up to 33 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Kia Sportage |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 184.4" |
| Width | 71.1" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.5" | 65.4" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.8 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 | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | 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 | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Kia Sportage.
Why does the Sportage have significantly more cargo space than the Eclipse Cross?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is dimensionally larger, boasting a length of 184.4 inches compared to the Eclipse Cross's 179.0 inches, which translates directly into its superior 39.6 cu ft of cargo volume versus 23.4 cu ft.
Is the Eclipse Cross's All-Wheel Drive worth sacrificing 35 horsepower?
This depends on your environment; the Eclipse Cross’s standard AWD provides enhanced traction in snow or loose surfaces, whereas the Sportage's FWD configuration prioritizes on-road efficiency and higher power delivery (187 hp).
Which crossover is generally better for long highway commutes based on specs?
The 2026 Kia Sportage appears better suited for long hauls, achieving 33 MPG on the highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway rating, plus it uses a more conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
How significant is the price difference between these two models?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $27,345, making it $1,345 cheaper than the 2026 Kia Sportage, which begins at $28,690.
Which car offers better torque delivery for responsive city driving?
The Eclipse Cross has higher peak torque at 184 lb-ft, compared to the Sportage's 178 lb-ft, though the Sportage compensates with its higher 187 horsepower output.
Are both crossovers compatible with regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Kia Sportage are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for owners.
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