2026 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$25,975 · Crossover

$27,695 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the sporty compact appeal of the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the slightly larger, more utilitarian 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be tough when balancing fun and function. If raw driving engagement matters, the CX-30 pulls ahead significantly, boasting 186 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp—a notable 34 hp advantage. For daily driving efficiency, the Mazda is slightly better, achieving 27 MPG combined versus the Mitsubishi’s 26 MPG. However, if you frequently haul gear, the Eclipse Cross offers more space with 23.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Mazda's 20.2 cu ft. Price is another factor: the CX-30 starts lower at $25,975 compared to the Eclipse Cross's $27,695. Both offer standard all-wheel drive, but buyers must weigh the Mazda's zest against the Mitsubishi's marginally bigger footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 wins for commuters due to its slightly better 27 MPG combined fuel economy and its more agile dimensions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross is better for families as it offers superior cargo space at 23.4 cu ft, which is crucial for errands and trips.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 clearly appeals to driving enthusiasts with its significant 186 hp output, substantially higher than the 152 hp from the Eclipse Cross.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers better power per dollar, starting at $25,975 versus the Mitsubishi's $27,695 MSRP.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics, as the CX-30 offers 186 hp.
You want to save slightly more at the pump, netting 27 MPG combined.
You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable footprint, measuring 173.0 inches long.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

You need maximum hauling space, as the Eclipse Cross provides 23.4 cu ft of cargo room.
You prefer the taller stance, as the Eclipse Cross is significantly taller at 66.5 inches.
You don't mind a CVT transmission and prioritize utility over peak horsepower.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Length	173.0"	179.0"
Width	70.7"	71.1"
Height	61.4"	66.5"
Wheelbase	104.4"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	—
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	186 hp @ 6000 rpm	152 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	186 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/31 MPG	25/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.8/393.7 mi.	395.0/442.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	15.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.2 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 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	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	52.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	215/70R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Mitsubishi
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

Which crossover has a clear advantage in power output?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the clear winner here, providing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This gives it a commanding 34 hp advantage over the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which produces 152 hp.

How do their real-world fuel economy and fuel requirements compare?

Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel, but the CX-30 edges out the Eclipse Cross slightly in efficiency with 27 MPG combined versus 26 MPG combined. The Mazda also offers better highway cruising efficiency at 31 MPG.

If I regularly transport lots of gear, which crossover should I consider?

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the better choice for cargo volume, offering 23.4 cu ft behind the rear seats. The Mazda CX-30 is noticeably tighter inside with only 20.2 cu ft of capacity.

Is the difference in size between these two crossovers significant?

Yes, there is a noticeable difference; the Eclipse Cross is 6.0 inches longer at 179.0 inches overall and over 5 inches taller (66.5 inches) than the CX-30.

Why is the Mazda CX-30 rated better for enthusiasts despite the Mitsubishi being available with AWD?

Enthusiasts usually prioritize acceleration and responsiveness, which the CX-30’s 186 hp engine delivers much more effectively than the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp. Additionally, the Mazda uses a traditional 6-speed automatic, which some drivers prefer over the Mitsubishi's continuously variable transmission (CVT).