2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 bursts onto the scene with a spirited 203 hp, delivering genuinely engaging performance for the crossover segment, backed by an impressive 30 combined MPG. Its commanding 180.9-inch length offers substantial road presence and superior utility. In contrast, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross charms with its accessible starting MSRP of $27,695 and standard All-Wheel Drive, appealing to those prioritizing traction over raw power, despite its lower 152 hp output. While the RAV4 sprints past with 51 more horsepower, the Toyota also secures a significant fuel economy advantage, sipping fuel at 35 highway MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway. The difference in cargo space is stark: the RAV4 boasts 37.6 cu ft versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft, solidifying the Toyota as the more robust all-rounder for those willing to pay the slightly higher $29,800 entry price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the definitive choice for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating, saving money at the pump every day.
2025 Toyota RAV4
With 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, the RAV4 provides substantially more room for family gear than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4’s 203 hp output gives it a thrilling 51 hp advantage over the Eclipse Cross, promising a much livelier driving experience.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross secures the value crown by offering a significantly lower MSRP of $27,695 and including standard All-Wheel Drive.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...
- You prioritize brisk acceleration, capitalizing on the RAV4's 203 hp engine.
- Maximum utility is essential, as the RAV4 offers 37.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You want the best efficiency, given the RAV4’s 4 MPG advantage in combined driving (30 MPG).
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Budget is a primary concern, as the Eclipse Cross starts at a lower $27,695 MSRP.
- You require the assured grip of All-Wheel Drive standard for varied conditions.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for urban maneuvering, given its 179.0-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 179.0" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.1" |
| Height | 67.0" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.5/507.5 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 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 | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How does the driving engagement differ between the 2025 RAV4 and the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
The difference is substantial; the RAV4 offers 203 hp, creating a more athletic feel through its 8-speed automatic transmission. The Eclipse Cross generates only 152 hp paired with a CVT, making the RAV4 the clear choice for enthusiasts seeking responsive performance.
Is the RAV4 significantly more expensive than the Eclipse Cross?
Yes, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 has an MSRP of $29,800, which is $2,105 more than the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starting price of $27,695. Buyers must weigh this upfront cost against the RAV4's superior power and efficiency.
Which crossover is better for long road trips regarding fuel economy?
The RAV4 holds the advantage, achieving 35 MPG on the highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway, translating to fewer fuel stops over long distances.
Does the Eclipse Cross's standard AWD offset the RAV4's FWD setup?
For buyers in snowy or slippery conditions, the Eclipse Cross's standard AWD is a significant benefit over the RAV4's standard Front Wheel Drive configuration. However, the RAV4 achieves better overall fuel economy.
What is the practical cargo difference between these two crossovers?
The RAV4 offers a massive 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, easily accommodating large gear or luggage. The Eclipse Cross lags behind with only 23.4 cu ft, making the RAV4 the more practical choice for hauling.
How does the transmission choice impact the drive feel?
The RAV4 utilizes a conventional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which generally offers more defined shifts and a sportier feel. The Eclipse Cross uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration but often criticized for droning at high speeds.
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