2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Nissan Kicks explodes onto the scene offering pure, unadulterated efficiency, boasting a stellar 31 MPG combined, making it the ultimate frugal cruiser. Its accessible starting MSRP of $21,830 ensures pocketbook peace of mind. Contrast this with the robust 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which dials up the power with 152 horsepower and a stout 184 lb-ft of torque, promising a more spirited connection to the road despite sipping fuel at only 26 MPG combined. While the Kicks is nimbler at 171.9 inches long, the Eclipse Cross offers a larger, more commanding presence at 179.0 inches. For those chasing the lowest running costs, the Kicks is clear, but the Eclipse Cross justifies its $27,695 entry point with superior mechanical muscle and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks dominates the daily grind with superior fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG on the highway versus the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The slightly larger 2026 Eclipse Cross, with its standard All-Wheel Drive and taller stature (66.5 inches high), provides more assured capability for family hauling.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Eclipse Cross appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher torque output of 184 lb-ft compared to the Kicks’ 140 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers incredible budget alignment, undercutting the Eclipse Cross by a significant $5,865 at the starting MSRP.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- You prioritize maximizing miles per dollar, as the Kicks returns an excellent 31 MPG combined.
- Your primary concern is initial purchase price, given the Kicks starts at only $21,830.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for easier urban parking maneuvers (171.9 inches long).
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need the enhanced grip and stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You desire more grunt for merging and passing, thanks to 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You require more headroom and overall presence, evidenced by its 66.5-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Kicks | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.9" | 179.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.1" |
| Height | 64.2" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 104.6" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/35 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 333.2/416.5 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 11.9 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.0 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 | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 34.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.1 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R16 | 215/70R16 |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Nissan | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Kicks and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Eclipse Cross than the 2025 Kicks?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross packs a tangible punch over the Kicks, offering 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which significantly outpaces the Kicks’ 141 hp and 140 lb-ft.
Which crossover saves more money on fuel annually?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the clear efficiency leader, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined, leading to substantial savings over a year of driving.
Is the higher price of the Eclipse Cross justified by its standard features?
Yes, the $27,695 MSRP for the Eclipse Cross includes standard All-Wheel Drive and a larger engine compared to the front-wheel-drive Kicks, which starts much lower at $21,830.
Does one vehicle offer significantly more cargo space?
The Nissan Kicks offers better sheer volume with 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Eclipse Cross trails slightly with 23.4 cubic feet.
How do the transmissions differ between these two crossovers?
Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT); however, the power delivery will feel different due to the Kicks' lower torque output (140 lb-ft) versus the Eclipse Cross's torqueier setup (184 lb-ft).
Which crossover is physically larger overall?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the physically larger vehicle in nearly every dimension, measuring 179.0 inches long and 66.5 inches high, compared to the Kicks at 171.9 inches long and 64.2 inches high.
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