2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a capable wagon like the 2025 Subaru Impreza and a slightly larger crossover like the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross often boils down to budget versus sheer utility. If saving money upfront matters, the Impreza wins immediately with an MSRP of $24,360, undercutting the Eclipse Cross by $3,335. Performance is a wash on paper, as both models offer an identical 152 horsepower, but the Eclipse Cross provides significantly more grunt with 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Impreza's 145 lb-ft. However, the Impreza pulls ahead where running costs matter, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG—a 4 MPG difference that adds up over the year. While the Eclipse Cross is taller at 66.5 inches and offers slightly more cargo room at 23.4 cu ft, the Impreza's smaller footprint (176.2 inches long) might suit tighter urban parking situations better.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Impreza
The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers a better 30 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG, saving money on daily drives.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross provides more vertical space (66.5 inches high) and 3.0 cu ft more cargo capacity for hauling family gear.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Despite having the same horsepower, the Eclipse Cross delivers notably more low-end punch with 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Impreza costs $3,335 less upfront while still providing the highly desirable Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive capability.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You prioritize fuel economy, as the Impreza achieves 30 combined MPG.
- You want the lowest initial ownership cost, starting at $24,360 MSRP.
- You prefer a slightly less bulky vehicle with a length of 176.2 inches for easier city maneuvering.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need greater hauling capability, benefiting from 23.4 cu ft of cargo space.
- You appreciate stronger acceleration off the line due to its superior 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the added height and presence of a true crossover, standing 66.5 inches tall.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 179.0" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.1" |
| Height | 58.3" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 145 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 | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | 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 Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 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 | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | 205/55R16 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Impreza and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much more spacious is the 2026 Eclipse Cross compared to the 2025 Impreza?
The Eclipse Cross offers slightly more utility, featuring 23.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Additionally, the Eclipse Cross is 2.8 inches taller, giving occupants more headroom.
Since both cars have 152 horsepower, how do their driving dynamics differ?
While horsepower is equal, the Eclipse Cross has significantly more torque at 184 lb-ft, meaning it should feel punchier during initial acceleration from a stop. The Impreza lags behind with 145 lb-ft of torque.
Is the higher price of the Eclipse Cross justified by better efficiency?
No, the Impreza is actually more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 combined MPG. The Impreza costs $3,335 less while saving you money at the pump.
Do both vehicles offer All-Wheel Drive as standard?
Yes, according to the specifications provided, both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross come standard with All-Wheel Drive capability.
What is the primary difference in size between the wagon and the crossover?
The Eclipse Cross is notably taller at 66.5 inches compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches, giving it a more traditional SUV stance. The Eclipse Cross is also marginally longer by about 2.8 inches.
Can both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, keeping long-term fuel system costs down.
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