2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable difference between the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Subaru Forester lies in performance metrics, where the Forester delivers 180 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, a substantial 28 hp advantage. This performance edge is coupled with superior efficiency, as the Forester achieves a combined 29 MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG, extending highway mileage to 33 MPG from the Mitsubishi's 28 MPG. Conversely, the Eclipse Cross offers a lower entry point at $27,695, saving $2,300 over the Forester's $29,995 MSRP. Utility clearly favors the Subaru, boasting 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly outperforming the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. While both utilize AWD and CVTs, the Forester's greater physical dimensions, with a length of 183.3 inches versus 179.0 inches, suggest a more substantial footprint overall.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Forester wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG.
2026 Subaru Forester
Families benefit from the Forester's 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft, offering more room for gear.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester for its higher power output of 180 hp, compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross presents better transactional value with an MSRP of $27,695, which is $2,300 less than the Forester's starting price.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- Budget constraints necessitate the lowest entry price point at $27,695.
- Maximum external dimensions are not a priority, given its smaller 179.0-inch length.
- Slightly less power (152 hp) is acceptable in exchange for cost savings.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- Maximum utility is required, supported by 29.6 cu ft of standard cargo space.
- Performance is important, highlighted by the 180 hp engine output.
- Superior efficiency is sought, evidenced by the 29 combined MPG rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.1" | 72.0" |
| Height | 66.5" | 68.1" |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 |
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 | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 54.7 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. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H |
| 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 Forester.
What is the precise difference in horsepower between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Forester generates 180 hp, providing a distinct advantage over the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which is rated at 152 hp. This 28 hp difference suggests notably quicker acceleration times for the Forester.
How much more cargo space does the Forester offer over the Eclipse Cross?
The Forester leads significantly in utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Eclipse Cross offers only 23.4 cu ft, meaning the Forester provides an additional 6.2 cubic feet for hauling.
Is the price gap substantial enough to warrant choosing the less powerful car?
The Eclipse Cross has an MSRP of $27,695, which is $2,300 less than the Forester's $29,995 MSRP. Buyers must weigh this upfront saving against the Forester's advantages in power and fuel economy.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2026 Subaru Forester is more efficient on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Are there significant differences in size between the two AWD crossovers?
Yes, the Forester is physically larger; it measures 183.3 inches long compared to the Eclipse Cross's 179.0 inches, and is slightly taller at 68.1 inches versus 66.5 inches.
Do both models use the same type of transmission?
Both the 2026 Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Forester are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, both competitors come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
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