2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross often comes down to balancing utility needs against initial cost and efficiency. Many shoppers face the dilemma: do I need a small truck bed or a traditional crossover footprint? The Santa Cruz starts higher at an MSRP of $29,500 and offers a more robust powertrain with 191 horsepower, making it quicker for highway merging, even if its combined MPG sits at 25. Conversely, the Eclipse Cross undercuts it significantly at $27,695 and squeezes out a slight edge in fuel economy at 26 combined MPG, thanks partly to its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) setup compared to the Santa Cruz's FWD base. Despite being 6.7 inches shorter overall (179.0 inches vs. 195.7 inches), the Eclipse Cross prioritizes city maneuverability, while the Santa Cruz brings 39 more horsepower to the table for those needing more grunt.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG of 26 and smaller footprint for easier city parking.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Despite the higher starting price, the Santa Cruz’s longer length likely translates to more passenger volume and better overall utility, even without stated cargo volume.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz clearly appeals more to enthusiasts with 39 more horsepower, reaching 191 hp versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross offers a lower entry point at $27,695 while including AWD standard, giving it better initial value.
Choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz if...
- You need the extra capability provided by the extra 6.7 inches of length (195.7 inches total).
- You value having 191 horsepower for quicker acceleration compared to the competition.
- You prefer the traditional gear shifts provided by an 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Staying under $28,000 is a priority, as its MSRP is $27,695.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, netting 26 combined MPG.
- You require All-Wheel Drive (AWD) right out of the base model.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Santa Cruz | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 179.0" |
| Width | 75.0" | 71.1" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 118.3" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 181 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 | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable 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) | 22/30 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 389.4/531.0 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.2 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.5 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 | 39.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.1 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R18 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Santa Cruz and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How much power difference is there between the 2026 Santa Cruz and the Eclipse Cross?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers significantly more power with 191 horsepower, compared to the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which produces 152 horsepower. This 39 hp advantage means the Santa Cruz will feel stronger, especially when accelerating onto the highway.
Which crossover is better for fuel economy?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is slightly more efficient, achieving a combined 26 MPG (25 city/28 highway). The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz returns 25 combined MPG (22 city/30 highway).
Does the base Santa Cruz come standard with AWD like the Eclipse Cross?
No, the base 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz comes with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). In contrast, the base 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is a significant difference for varying weather conditions.
How do their starting prices compare?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the more budget-friendly option, starting at an MSRP of $27,695. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz has a higher starting MSRP of $29,500.
Is one noticeably longer than the other?
Yes, the 2026 Santa Cruz is substantially longer, measuring 195.7 inches from bumper to bumper, whereas the 2026 Eclipse Cross is quite a bit shorter at 179.0 inches, making the Hyundai the physically larger vehicle.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
No, they use different transmissions; the Santa Cruz utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Eclipse Cross is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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