2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$27,695 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Eclipse Cross explodes onto the scene with a torque advantage, boasting 184 lb-ft to the Impreza’s 145 lb-ft, giving it a more spirited feel off the line, despite both having 152 hp. Its crossover stance provides a commanding 66.5 inches of height and slightly more bulk at 179.0 inches long, offering a feeling of security. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Impreza captures the efficiency crown; this nimble wagon sips fuel, achieving an impressive 33 MPG highway against the Eclipse Cross’s 28 MPG highway, thanks in part to its lower 58.3-inch height. While the Eclipse Cross offers marginally more space with 23.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Impreza starts $1,100 cheaper at $26,595, making it a formidable value contender. Both utilize capable AWD systems paired with CVTs, but their core appeal diverges sharply: muscle versus mileage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 33 MPG highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross is better suited for families due to its larger crossover body and superior cargo capacity of 23.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Eclipse Cross’s higher torque output of 184 lb-ft, promising better pulling power than the Impreza's 145 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza offers better value by providing comparable performance at a lower starting MSRP of $26,595.

Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...

You prioritize a higher torque rating of 184 lb-ft for more confident acceleration.
You need the greater cargo flexibility offered by its 23.4 cu ft capacity.
You prefer the commanding road presence of a taller crossover body style (66.5 inches high).

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is key, especially with its 33 MPG highway rating.
You want the lower entry price point of $26,595.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the Impreza is 2.8 inches shorter in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross	Subaru Impreza
Length	179.0"	176.2"
Width	71.1"	70.1"
Height	66.5"	58.3"
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	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 5500 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	145 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	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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	395.0/442.4 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
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	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

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	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mitsubishi	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/70R16	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

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 Impreza.

How do the AWD systems differ between the 2026 Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Impreza?

Both vehicles come standard with all-wheel drive and use a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for power delivery. However, the mechanical execution and specific tuning of their respective AWD systems will provide different driving characteristics in adverse conditions.

Which vehicle is significantly more powerful for passing maneuvers?

While both achieve 152 horsepower, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a distinct advantage in torque with 184 lb-ft available versus the Subaru Impreza’s 145 lb-ft. This extra rotational force should make the Eclipse Cross feel peppier in everyday driving.

Is the increased height of the Eclipse Cross worth the trade-off in fuel economy?

The Eclipse Cross stands 66.5 inches tall compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches, providing a higher seating position. This crossover height comes at the expense of fuel economy, as the Impreza achieves 29 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined.

How much more cargo space does the Eclipse Cross actually offer?

The Eclipse Cross provides 23.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is exactly 3.0 cubic feet more than the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. This difference is noticeable for bulkier luggage or shopping trips.

How big is the price difference between these two AWD options?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza is the more accessible choice with an MSRP of $26,595. The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at a slightly higher $27,695, creating a $1,100 price gap between the base models.

Are either of these vehicles suitable for towing based on these specifications?

Based purely on the provided engine and size specifications (Horsepower, Torque, Body Type), neither vehicle is presented as a dedicated towing machine. Buyers should consult the manufacturer's official towing ratings, as neither car’s listed specs suggest significant trailering capability.