2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Nissan Kicks
Comparison Overview
When you're deciding between two small crossovers like the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Nissan Kicks, the common dilemma is balancing initial cost versus long-term usability and power. The Kicks is immediately attractive with a significantly lower MSRP of $22,430 compared to the Eclipse Cross's $27,695, a difference of $5,265. However, the Eclipse Cross brings more muscle to the table, boasting 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Kicks' 141 hp and 140 lb-ft. For daily driving, the Kicks shines brighter in efficiency, delivering 31 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG, potentially saving you serious money over the ownership span. Conversely, the Eclipse Cross offers standard all-wheel drive, which might be worth the trade-off for those facing adverse weather conditions, even though it sacrifices 6.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kicks' generous 30 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG, promising lower running costs during routine travel.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Kicks offers more usable space with a larger 30 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross provides a noticeable advantage in output with 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque for more spirited driving.
2026 Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks offers superior overall value by saving the buyer $5,265 upfront and achieving 5 MPG better fuel economy.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require the confidence of standard all-wheel drive for year-round traction.
- You prefer the feel of a slightly more powerful engine, utilizing 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You need a slightly larger footprint, as the Eclipse Cross is 7.1 inches longer than the Kicks.
Choose the Nissan Kicks if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is critical, as the Kicks MSRP is $27,695 less expensive.
- Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, given its 31 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.
- You need maximum hauling capability, as the Kicks provides 30 cu ft of cargo room.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 171.9" |
| Width | 71.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.6" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 141 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 28/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 333.2/416.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 11.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 52.4 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 | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 34.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 50.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/70R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Material | — | Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Nissan Kicks.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Nissan Kicks compared to the Eclipse Cross?
The Kicks holds a distinct advantage in fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 city/35 highway). The Eclipse Cross is rated at only 26 combined MPG (25 city/28 highway), meaning the Kicks saves about 5 miles per gallon in mixed driving.
Is the $5,265 price difference between these two crossovers justified by the Eclipse Cross's features?
The higher price for the Eclipse Cross covers standard all-wheel drive and a more potent engine delivering 152 hp. However, for buyers focused only on daily commuting, the Kicks' lower MSRP of $22,430 presents a significant initial saving.
Which vehicle offers better cargo capacity for hauling groceries or gear?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner here, offering a maximum of 30 cu ft of cargo space. The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lags behind with 23.4 cu ft available behind the rear seats.
Does the drivetrain difference impact performance, considering the power disparity?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross produces 184 lb-ft of torque standard with its AWD system, significantly more than the Kicks' 140 lb-ft torque with standard FWD. This means the Eclipse Cross will feel stronger, especially when accelerating onto highways.
Are the overall dimensions very different for parking purposes?
The Kicks is generally the more compact vehicle, being 7.1 inches shorter in length (171.9 inches vs. 179.0 inches) and slightly shorter in height. Both crossovers share similar widths, making either relatively easy to manage in tight parking structures.
Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, neither vehicle demands expensive fuel; both the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Nissan Kicks are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.
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