2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$27,345 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2026 Subaru Forester and the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lies in powertrain output, with the Forester delivering 180 horsepower compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, a 28 hp advantage. This performance disparity is reflected in their efficiency metrics; the Forester achieves a superior 29 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined, notably pulling ahead on the highway with 33 MPG against the Mitsubishi's 28 MPG. Pricing shows the Eclipse Cross beginning at $27,345, undercutting the Forester's $29,995 base MSRP by $2,650. Furthermore, the Forester offers substantially greater utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly outclassing the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Both vehicles employ standard All-Wheel Drive and continuously variable transmissions, but the Forester’s larger exterior dimensions (183.3 inches long vs. 179.0 inches) contribute to its greater interior volume and marginally higher curb weight/presence.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Subaru Forester wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

Families will favor the Forester, which provides substantially more utility with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Forester because it produces 180 horsepower, exceeding the Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The 2025 Eclipse Cross presents better immediate value, starting at an MSRP of $27,345, which is $2,650 less than the base Forester.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

Your primary concern is minimizing the initial purchase price, as the MSRP is $27,345.
You prioritize minimizing the size footprint, as the Eclipse Cross is 179.0 inches long versus the Forester's 183.3 inches.
Your driving cycle leans heavily toward highway cruising where the fuel requirement differences are less pronounced than city driving.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You require maximum practical utility, as the Forester offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Higher horsepower is necessary, as the Forester delivers 180 hp compared to 152 hp in the Mitsubishi.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, given the Forester's 33 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross	Subaru Forester
Length	179.0"	183.3"
Width	71.1"	72.0"
Height	66.5"	68.1"
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

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

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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.0 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.1 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.0 in.	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Forester?

The 2026 Subaru Forester generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is 28 horsepower more than the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This measurable power gap favors the Forester for acceleration and passing maneuvers.

Which crossover offers better real-world fuel economy?

The 2026 Forester is significantly more efficient overall, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined. On the highway, the Forester pulls further ahead with 33 MPG compared to 28 MPG.

Does the difference in size impact cargo capacity between these two AWD crossovers?

Yes, the Forester is physically larger overall (183.3 inches long) and offers substantially more utility, holding 29.6 cu ft of cargo space. The Eclipse Cross measures 179.0 inches long and can only hold 23.4 cu ft.

What is the price gap between the base models of the Eclipse Cross and the Forester?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a starting MSRP of $27,345. The 2026 Subaru Forester starts at $29,995, establishing a clear $2,650 price advantage for the Mitsubishi entry point.

Are there differences in mechanical components like transmission or drivetrain?

Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for transferring power, and both come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability. They both also specify regular unleaded fuel as their required type.

How does the torque output compare, given the horsepower difference?

The 2025 Eclipse Cross actually leads in torque output with 184 lb-ft, slightly edging out the Forester's 178 lb-ft, despite the Forester's greater horsepower figure.