2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Kia Sportage bursts onto the scene with a spirited 187 horsepower, offering drivers a clear advantage in acceleration over the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which posts a more modest 152 horsepower. While the Sportage excels in outright grunt and boasts a larger footprint at 184.4 inches long, the Eclipse Cross counters with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a slightly taller stance at 66.5 inches. The Kia maximizes utility with an impressive 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Mitsubishi's 23.4 cu ft. Despite the power deficit, the Eclipse Cross undercuts the Sportage's $28,690 MSRP by nearly a thousand dollars, listing at $27,695. Performance enthusiasts will favor the Kia's 8-speed automatic, though both aim for efficiency, with the Sportage slightly ahead at 28 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sportage
The 2026 Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 28 MPG.
2026 Kia Sportage
The Sportage offers significantly more utility with 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet.
2026 Kia Sportage
Enthusiasts will prefer the Sportage’s notably higher output of 187 horsepower over the Eclipse Cross’s 152 horsepower.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the better value, starting at a lower MSRP of $27,695 while including standard AWD.
Choose the Kia Sportage if...
- You prioritize on-road responsiveness and desire 187 horsepower for passing maneuvers.
- Maximum storage is critical, as the Kia provides 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the control and gear ratios of a traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You need standard All-Wheel Drive capability for inclement weather right out of the box.
- Budget is a top concern, as the Mitsubishi undercuts the Kia's price by nearly $1,000.
- You prefer a slightly taller driving position, indicated by the 66.5-inch height compared to the Kia's 65.4 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sportage | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.4" | 179.0" |
| Width | 73.4" | 71.1" |
| Height | 65.4" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 178 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 | Kia | 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/33 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 357.5/471.9 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.3 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.8 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 | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 235/65R17 | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | — | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Kia Sportage and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Kia Sportage produces 187 horsepower, giving it a 35 hp advantage over the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower. This extra power in the Kia should translate to noticeably quicker acceleration.
Which vehicle offers more utility for hauling gear?
The 2026 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for cargo, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lags considerably with only 23.4 cubic feet available.
Is the extra cost of the Kia worth the higher fuel economy?
The Kia offers a minor edge in efficiency, achieving 28 combined MPG compared to the Mitsubishi's 26 combined MPG. Given the higher initial MSRP of the Sportage, this fuel savings might take time to offset the price difference.
Does the Eclipse Cross's standard AWD overcome the Sportage's FWD configuration?
Yes, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the 2026 Eclipse Cross provides inherent traction advantages in slippery conditions that the front-wheel-drive Kia Sportage cannot match without an upgrade.
How do the physical dimensions affect drivability?
The Kia Sportage is longer at 184.4 inches, potentially offering a more stable highway ride, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is narrower at 71.1 inches, which might make maneuvering in tight parking structures slightly easier.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool