2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ignites the crossover segment with its bold stance, while the 2026 Subaru Impreza wagon offers superior efficiency wrapped in a utilitarian design. Power parity exists under the hood, as both models deliver 152 horsepower; however, the Eclipse Cross earns a torque advantage with 184 lb-ft versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft. On the efficiency front, the Impreza pulls ahead, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined, highlighted by the Impreza's impressive 33 MPG highway figure. Priced slightly higher at $27,345 versus the Impreza's $26,595, the Eclipse Cross boasts marginally more vertical presence at 66.5 inches high compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches. Despite being slightly shorter overall at 179.0 inches (vs. 176.2 inches for the Impreza), the crossover offers greater utility with 23.4 cu ft of cargo space against the wagon's 20.4 cu ft, creating a fascinating contest between efficiency and bulk.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 33 MPG highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers more usable space for hauling gear with 23.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides better pulling power with 184 lb-ft of torque, which outperforms the Impreza's 145 lb-ft in acceleration feel.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the better value proposition, offering better mileage and standard AWD for a lower starting MSRP of $26,595.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You prioritize maximizing cargo volume, as the 23.4 cu ft capacity beats the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
- You desire the marginally greater torque (184 lb-ft) for better low-end responsiveness on regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer a taller vehicle structure, given the Eclipse Cross stands 66.5 inches high versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- Exceptional fuel economy is paramount, demonstrated by its 33 MPG highway rating.
- You seek the lower initial investment, as its MSRP is $26,595, saving $750 over the crossover.
- You favor a slightly smaller footprint for city parking, measuring 176.2 inches long compared to the Eclipse Cross's 179.0 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 176.2" |
| Width | 71.1" | 70.1" |
| Height | 66.5" | 58.3" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 145 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 | 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 448.2/547.8 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 11.6 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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 Impreza.
How significant is the difference in fuel efficiency between these two AWD vehicles?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza is noticeably more efficient, delivering a combined 29 MPG compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG combined. This advantage is most pronounced on the highway, where the Impreza achieves 33 MPG.
Which vehicle offers more practical space for luggage or large shopping trips?
The Eclipse Cross crossover is the winner for sheer capacity, offering 23.4 cubic feet of cargo room. The Impreza wagon provides a respectable 20.4 cubic feet, but the Eclipse Cross gives you an extra 3.0 cubic feet of vertical storage.
Do these two models have the same engine power?
Yes, both the 2025 Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Impreza are rated for the same 152 horsepower. However, the Mitsubishi uses its engine to generate significantly more torque at 184 lb-ft, while the Subaru produces 145 lb-ft.
If I am looking for the least expensive option, which one should I choose?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza has the lower entry price point at $26,595. The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $27,345, making the Impreza the better choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Are these vehicles similarly sized, or is one much larger?
They are close in size, but the Eclipse Cross is marginally larger overall, measuring 179.0 inches long compared to the Impreza’s 176.2 inches, and is significantly taller at 66.5 inches.
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