2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The battle for compact crossover supremacy pits the agile 2026 Hyundai Kona against the rugged 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Kona kicks things off with an accessible MSRP of $25,350 and impressive fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG, making its 147 hp engine highly efficient for city sprints. Conversely, the Eclipse Cross flaunts superior pulling power with 152 hp and a robust 184 lb-ft of torque, appealing to those prioritizing low-end grunt, even though its combined MPG drops to 26. Dimensionally, the Eclipse Cross is significantly taller at 66.5 inches compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches, suggesting a more commanding road presence. While the Kona offers slightly more room at 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Eclipse Cross’s 23.4 cu ft, the Mitsubishi balances this with standard All-Wheel Drive, a key advantage over the Kona's FWD configuration. These differences define two distinct approaches in this exciting segment.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating and lower entry price of $25,350.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross takes the edge for families due to its standard All-Wheel Drive and greater height of 66.5 inches.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross excites enthusiasts more by delivering significantly more torque at 184 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona provides better overall value with a lower MSRP of $25,350 and superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, benefiting from the Kona's 34 MPG highway rating.
- You need the most usable interior volume, as the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, starting at $25,350.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You frequently encounter adverse weather conditions and require the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You desire better acceleration off the line thanks to 184 lb-ft of torque.
- A taller, more commanding crossover stance (66.5 inches high) is a stylistic preference.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 179.0" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.1" |
| Height | 62.2" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Solid 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 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 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Which crossover handles winter weather better, the Kona or the Eclipse Cross?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is better equipped for snow and ice as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive. The 2026 Hyundai Kona only offers Front-Wheel Drive, which may struggle more in low-traction scenarios.
How significant is the difference in fuel economy between these two vehicles?
The difference is substantial; the Kona achieves 31 combined MPG while the Eclipse Cross is rated for 26 combined MPG, resulting in an advantageous 5 MPG lead for the Hyundai.
Is the performance gap between the 147 hp Kona and the 152 hp Eclipse Cross noticeable?
While the horsepower difference is minor (5 hp), the torque output is where the real gap lies; the Eclipse Cross's 184 lb-ft significantly outpaces the Kona's 132 lb-ft, leading to better pull.
How do the physical sizes of the 2026 Kona and Eclipse Cross compare?
The Eclipse Cross is the longer vehicle at 179.0 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches, and it is also noticeably taller at 66.5 inches compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches.
Which vehicle is the better financial choice upfront?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a more attractive entry price point, starting at an MSRP of $25,350, compared to the Eclipse Cross which begins at $27,695.
Do both vehicles offer the same transmission type?
Yes, both crossovers utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for power delivery.
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