2026 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The most substantial quantifiable difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the power output, with the CX-50 offering 187 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, a gap of 35 horsepower. The Mazda also boasts superior utility, measuring 185.8 inches in length versus the Mitsubishi's 179.0 inches, translating to a significantly larger cargo area of 31.4 cu ft against the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Despite the power deficit, the Eclipse Cross undercuts the CX-50's starting MSRP by $2,205, pricing at $27,695 versus $29,900. Both vehicles achieve an identical 26 MPG combined, and while the Mazda offers 185 lb-ft of torque (slightly edging the Eclipse Cross's 184 lb-ft), the transmission philosophies diverge, with the Mazda using a 6-speed automatic and the Mitsubishi employing a CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross is the better commuter choice due to its lower $27,695 MSRP and slightly better city fuel economy of 25 MPG versus the CX-50's 24 MPG.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The Mazda CX-50 offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 clearly wins for performance metrics, delivering 187 hp, which is 35 more horsepower than the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides superior entry-level value by achieving the same 26 MPG combined rating while carrying a $2,205 lower base MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- Maximum passenger and cargo hauling capacity is a priority (31.4 cu ft vs. 23.4 cu ft).
- A higher power output of 187 hp is required for merging and highway driving.
- Preference is given to a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- A strict initial budget under $28,000 is required, as its MSRP is $27,695.
- Slightly better city efficiency (25 MPG) is desired for stop-and-go driving.
- A narrower vehicle (71.1 inches wide) is preferred for tight urban parking spaces.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-50 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 179.0" |
| Width | 75.6" | 71.1" |
| Height | 63.5" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 185 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
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) | 24/30 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 381.6/477.0 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 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 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.6 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.8 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | 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 | P225/65R17 | 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-50 and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
Which crossover is physically smaller for parking situations?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is noticeably smaller, measuring 179.0 inches long and 71.1 inches wide. The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is longer at 185.8 inches and substantially wider at 75.6 inches.
Does the lower horsepower in the Eclipse Cross affect highway cruising economy?
No, both vehicles are rated identically at 26 MPG combined. The CX-50 is rated for 30 MPG highway, whereas the Eclipse Cross manages 28 MPG highway, suggesting the CX-50 is slightly more efficient on the open road despite its higher power.
How significant is the difference in torque between the two models?
The difference in torque is negligible for most drivers; the CX-50 offers 185 lb-ft while the Eclipse Cross provides 184 lb-ft. This minimal 1 lb-ft variation means real-world pulling power will be almost identical at low speeds.
Which vehicle offers better resale value potential based on specifications?
While specific resale data isn't provided, the Mazda CX-50 offers superior specification density, including 187 hp and greater utility, which often correlates with stronger long-term value retention, despite its higher initial MSRP.
Are there any differences in the type of fuel required?
Both the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, simplifying refueling options for owners of either crossover.
How does the height difference impact entry and visibility?
The Eclipse Cross is significantly taller at 66.5 inches compared to the CX-50's 63.5 inches, which typically translates to a higher seating position and potentially better outward visibility for Eclipse Cross occupants.
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