2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross bursts onto the scene with an eager stance, showcasing 184 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 178 lb-ft, hinting at punchier low-end response from its standard All-Wheel Drive system. However, the new Crosstrek pulls ahead with a more potent 180 hp engine, a noticeable 28 hp advantage over the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp, promising a more spirited highway pull. While the Mitsubishi offers superior utility with 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Subaru’s 19.9 cu ft, the Crosstrek boasts better efficiency, netting an impressive 29 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 combined MPG. Priced nearly identically, with the Crosstrek at $26,995 and the Eclipse Cross at $27,345, the choice hinges on prioritizing utility and torque versus horsepower and fuel economy in these capable compact crossovers.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency of 29 combined MPG.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers better family hauling capability with 23.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's higher output of 180 horsepower.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek presents better immediate value by costing $350 less while delivering higher horsepower.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize usable interior space, benefiting from the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You desire slightly higher low-end grunt, as indicated by its 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a slightly taller vehicle profile at 66.5 inches for perceived road presence.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, thanks to its class-leading 33 highway MPG.
- You value a zestier drive, utilizing the 180 hp available, which is 28 hp more than the competitor.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, as the Crosstrek is 2.6 inches shorter in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 55.1 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Crosstrek.
Which crossover handles the highway better for long trips?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is likely better suited for sustained highway cruising due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 33 highway MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 highway MPG. Furthermore, its higher 180 hp output should provide more confident passing maneuvers.
Is the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross notably larger inside?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross provides significantly more storage space, boasting 23.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. This nearly 3.5 cubic feet difference is tangible for large grocery runs or trips.
How does the difference in horsepower translate to real-world driving?
The Crosstrek’s 180 hp offers a distinct performance edge over the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp, meaning the Subaru will accelerate with more vigor. However, the Eclipse Cross counters with 6 lb-ft more torque (184 vs 178), which might feel stronger initially off the line.
Considering the MSRP, is the Crosstrek a better value proposition?
At $26,995, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek undercuts the Eclipse Cross's $27,345 price tag while providing superior horsepower and better fuel economy ratings. This suggests better immediate returns on investment for the Subaru.
Do both models use the same type of transmission?
Both the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) paired with an All-Wheel Drive system.
Are either of these vehicles notably smaller or easier to maneuver in tight city spaces?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is fractionally smaller overall, measuring 176.4 inches long and 62.8 inches high, compared to the Eclipse Cross at 179.0 inches long and 66.5 inches high, potentially making it slightly easier to park.
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