2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek often boils down to balancing raw power against running costs in a compact crossover package. If you prioritize a slightly more spacious feel and need a touch more hauling ability, the Eclipse Cross is 2.6 inches longer and offers 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. However, the Crosstrek clearly wins on efficiency and responsiveness; it achieves a combined 29 MPG, beating the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG, thanks in part to its slightly lower stance and aerodynamics. Furthermore, the Crosstrek packs 180 hp, giving it a noticeable 28 hp advantage over the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp. With an MSRP of $26,995, the Subaru also undercuts the Mitsubishi’s starting price of $27,695, making it the smarter choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Families benefit slightly more from the Eclipse Cross because it provides a larger cargo capacity of 23.4 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Enthusiasts will prefer the Crosstrek because it produces 180 horsepower, offering 28 more horsepower than the Eclipse Cross.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek offers better overall value, starting at a lower MSRP of $26,995 while providing better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require slightly more vertical space, as the Eclipse Cross is 66.5 inches tall.
- Maximum cargo volume is a priority, as it offers 23.4 cu ft versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
- You prefer the slightly longer footprint for visual appeal, measuring 179.0 inches in length.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- Saving money at the pump is critical, given its 29 combined MPG rating.
- You want quicker acceleration, thanks to its 180 hp output.
- You are aiming for the lowest entry price, as its MSRP starts at $26,995.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 62.8" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 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 | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 55.1 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/70R16 | P225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the real-world drivability differ between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Crosstrek offers more pep with 180 hp, which should make merging easier than the 152 hp Eclipse Cross. Both utilize all-wheel drive and a CVT, but the Crosstrek’s power advantage translates to a slightly more spirited drive, even if both are tuned for efficiency.
Is the difference in gas mileage significant for daily driving?
Yes, the 3 MPG combined difference is meaningful; the Crosstrek achieves 29 MPG while the Eclipse Cross manages 26 MPG. Over a year of commuting, that difference in fuel economy on regular unleaded gasoline adds up quickly.
Which vehicle is genuinely better for hauling bulky items?
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is the better hauler, boasting 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space, significantly more than the 19.9 cubic feet offered by the Subaru Crosstrek.
If I frequently drive on snowy or slick roads, does one offer better traction?
Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive, which is excellent for varied conditions. Since specifications don't detail ground clearance, they are likely comparable in raw traction ability, though the Crosstrek is slightly shorter in height at 62.8 inches.
What is the primary cost consideration when comparing the MSRPs?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a lower entry price at $26,995 compared to the Eclipse Cross at $27,695, giving Subaru an immediate $700 advantage on the sticker price alone.
How close are the highway fuel efficiency numbers?
The Subaru Crosstrek has a slight edge on the highway, rated at 33 MPG, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross achieves 28 MPG on the highway, suggesting better highway cruising economy for the Subaru.
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