2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the $4,005 MSRP gap, with the Seltos starting at $23,690 compared to $27,695 for the Eclipse Cross. This price difference influences other key metrics. The Seltos delivers superior fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG, although the Seltos is exclusively FWD while the Eclipse Cross includes standard AWD. In terms of performance, the Eclipse Cross possesses a noticeable advantage with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, substantially outperforming the Seltos's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Cargo space favors the Seltos, offering 26.6 cubic feet versus the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet. Finally, the Eclipse Cross is physically larger in height (66.5 inches vs 63.6 inches) and length (179.0 inches vs 172.6 inches).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its 31 MPG combined rating, which is 5 MPG better than the Eclipse Cross.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Seltos offers slightly more utility with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross provides significantly more pulling power with 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos's 132 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos undercuts the Mitsubishi by $4,005, making it the significantly lower initial investment.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel costs, as evidenced by its 31 MPG combined rating.
- You prioritize a lower entry price point, starting $4,005 less than the competitor at $23,690.
- You require maximum usable storage space, as the Seltos boasts 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for adverse conditions.
- You prioritize maximum acceleration and passing power, highlighted by its 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a physically taller vehicle for perceived spaciousness, standing at 66.5 inches high.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 179.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.1" |
| Height | 63.6" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
| Center Differential Type | โ | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/34 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/448.8 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.9 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 48.8 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/55R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | โ |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | โ | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Kia Seltos and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2026 Seltos and Eclipse Cross?
The 2026 Kia Seltos comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment. This heavily influences their respective fuel economy ratings.
How much more powerful is the Eclipse Cross compared to the Seltos?
The Eclipse Cross is more potent, generating 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Seltos lags behind with 147 horsepower and only 132 lb-ft of torque.
Is there a substantial difference in size between these two crossovers?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross is longer by 6.4 inches (179.0 inches vs 172.6 inches) and taller by 2.9 inches (66.5 inches vs 63.6 inches). However, the Seltos has greater cargo volume at 26.6 cu ft.
Which vehicle will cost less to operate daily based on fuel efficiency?
The Seltos is projected to cost less to operate due to better fuel efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined. The Eclipse Cross manages only 26 MPG combined.
How does the base MSRP affect the initial purchase decision?
The Seltos represents a better initial value proposition, starting at $23,690. The Eclipse Cross commands a premium of $4,005 over the Seltos at $27,695.
Are the transmissions different in these two vehicles?
No, both the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
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