2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Picking a new compact crossover often comes down to prioritizing space versus upfront cost, and the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross versus the 2026 Mazda CX-50 presents a clear trade-off. The Eclipse Cross wins on initial affordability, starting at $27,345 compared to the CX-50's $29,900 MSRP. However, the CX-50 packs a significant punch with 187 hp, dwarfing the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp output, though both achieve a combined 26 MPG. Where the Mazda truly pulls ahead is practicality, offering a vast 31.4 cu ft of cargo space against the Mitsubishi's modest 23.4 cu ft. While both offer standard All-Wheel Drive and use regular unleaded fuel, buyers must decide if saving $2,555 upfront is worth sacrificing nearly 8 cubic feet of crucial storage volume and 35 horsepower.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The slightly smaller size and marginally better city fuel economy (25 MPG vs 24 MPG) make the Eclipse Cross a hair easier for daily urban maneuvering.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 is the definitive choice for families due to its substantial 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, offering much more room than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-50
With 187 hp compared to 152 hp, the CX-50 provides significantly more power for a more engaging driving experience.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross offers a lower entry price point at $27,345, making it the more budget-conscious purchase.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You want the lowest possible initial purchase price, starting at just $27,345.
- You prefer a marginally taller stance at 66.5 inches, providing a slightly higher seating position.
- You want to save money by sticking with the more compact 179.0-inch length for tight parking situations.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You need maximum storage, as its 31.4 cu ft cargo area dwarfs the competitor's 23.4 cu ft.
- You prioritize acceleration and highway passing power, benefiting from the 187 hp engine.
- You appreciate a wider, more planted stance (75.6 inches width) and a modern 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.1" | 75.6" |
| Height | 66.5" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.6 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
How much difference is there in power output between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 holds a distinct advantage with 187 horsepower, which is 35 hp more than the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross that produces 152 hp.
Do these vehicles get better mileage on the highway?
Both vehicles are rated at 26 MPG combined, but the CX-50 slightly edges out the Eclipse Cross on the highway, achieving 30 MPG versus the Mitsubishi's 28 MPG.
Which vehicle has more practical space for luggage or gear?
The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for cargo hauling, offering 31.4 cubic feet of space, while the Eclipse Cross is limited to 23.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
What is the price difference between the base models?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has an MSRP of $27,345, making it $2,555 cheaper than the 2026 Mazda CX-50, which starts at $29,900.
Are there any differences in how the power is delivered?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), whereas the CX-50 comes equipped with a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Are these vehicles considered small or large for the crossover class?
The Mazda CX-50 is physically longer at 185.8 inches and wider at 75.6 inches, making the Eclipse Cross the more compact offering at 179.0 inches long and 71.1 inches wide.
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