2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (Car 1) and the 2026 Nissan Kicks (Car 2) is the $4,915 difference in starting MSRP, with the Kicks priced at $22,430 versus the Eclipse Cross at $27,345. Fuel economy also presents a major gap, as the FWD Kicks achieves a 31 MPG combined rating, surpassing the standard AWD Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined rating by 5 MPG. Performance metrics show the Eclipse Cross leading with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. However, the Kicks offers superior utility, boasting 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Furthermore, the Eclipse Cross is physically larger across all dimensions, measuring 179.0 inches in length versus 171.9 inches for the Kicks.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers superior daily running costs due to its 31 MPG combined rating compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks provides substantially more functional interior space with 30 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross delivers higher powertrain output with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wins on initial investment with a starting MSRP nearly $5,000 lower at $22,430.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require standard all-wheel drive capability on the base trim level.
- You prioritize higher engine torque, delivering 184 lb-ft versus Car 2's 140 lb-ft.
- You prefer a larger overall footprint, with the Eclipse Cross measuring 179.0 inches long.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Kicks starts at $27,345 minus $22,430 = $4,895 less.
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, with a 31 MPG combined rating.
- You need maximum utility, as the Kicks provides 30 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 140 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | โ |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | โ |
| Wheel Cover Type | โ | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Front Suspension Type | โ | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nissan Kicks.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Eclipse Cross comes standard with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque paired with standard all-wheel drive. In contrast, the 2026 Kicks provides less power at 141 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, and the standard model utilizes front-wheel drive.
How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling gear?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks offers significantly more room for cargo, measuring 30 cu ft behind the rear seats. The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is less accommodating, offering 23.4 cu ft in the same configuration.
Is the MPG difference substantial enough to affect annual fuel costs?
Yes, the 5 MPG combined difference is significant; the Kicks achieves 31 MPG while the Eclipse Cross manages 26 MPG, which translates to fewer trips to the pump for Kicks owners.
Which vehicle has the higher starting MSRP?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a higher starting MSRP of $27,345. The 2026 Nissan Kicks undercuts this price considerably, starting at just $22,430.
Are the exterior dimensions close enough for easy urban parking?
The vehicles are quite similar in width, but the Kicks is noticeably shorter and lower, measuring 171.9 inches long and 64.2 inches high, compared to the Eclipse Cross at 179.0 inches long and 66.5 inches high.
Do both vehicles require premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, making ownership costs predictable for both models.
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