Small SUVs draw a broad cross-section of buyers. Some are first-timers looking to get into a reasonably priced vehicle with a few options and good looks. Yet others are looking for commuter cars or second vehicles, so they need good fuel economy and reliability.
With the 2025 Honda HR-V and 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, consumers can check a lot of boxes on their wish list. Let’s take a closer look at these two subcompact SUVs.
2025 Honda HR-V
Redesigned for 2023, the Honda HR-V followed the lead of its larger sibling, the CR-V, adopting a more conventional-looking shell than its predecessor. It’s a stellar upgrade for the subcompact SUV and will surely attract more shoppers. Moreover, Honda moved it to a bigger platform, translating into more interior room, a better ride, and an upgraded engine.
That upgraded engine is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive (AWD) is available for an extra $1,500. The HR-V posts solid fuel economy at 28 mpg combined, which is about average in the segment.
In addition to being invitingly roomy for passengers, the HR-V also provides plenty of new technology to make the ride enjoyable. For example, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and noise cancellation technology are all standard. Pricing begins at $26,795, including the factory-to-dealer destination fee.
Honda HR-V Highlights
HondaLink: Tied to a smartphone, the driver can access various services, such as stolen vehicle location, geofencing, automatic collision notification, and service appointments.
Walk away: Peace of mind comes in many forms, and never again will owners of the HR-V need to wonder, “Did I lock the car?” courtesy of Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock. Put the key fob in your pocket or purse, and as you walk away, the SUV will lock automatically. That’s not an option with the Eclipse Cross.
Safety first: The Honda HR-V gets a 5-Star crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+. Whereas the Eclipse Cross rated the IIHS worst score of Poor in two out of four crash tests.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the HR-V models for sale near you.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross boasts a sporty look, a reasonable price, and a class-leading warranty. It’s one of the bigger vehicles in its segment, falling between the subcompact and compact classes.
Power comes from a turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 152 horsepower. While the Eclipse Cross looks quick, you’re unlikely to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix. However, running errands and merging on the freeway is not a problem. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control — all-wheel drive and standard in the Eclipse Cross — makes dealing with rain or snow much easier.
Available in six trim levels, pricing starts at $28,110, including the destination fee, for the base ES model, but the most popular version is the SE model, which comes in at about $30,810.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: The Eclipse Cross comes with the brand’s version of all-wheel drive, dubbed Super All-Wheel Control, as standard equipment across its lineup — it’s a $1,500 upcharge on the Honda HR-V. No matter what you call this feature, it will help you remain in control of the vehicle in some challenging situations.
Excellent warranty: Praised quite a bit when discussing Mitsubishi vehicles because, well, it should: The Eclipse Cross has an industry-best warranty set: 5 years or 60,000 miles overall and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Modern technology: At the top of the Eclipse Cross range, the SEL Touring, you get a head-up display, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, upgraded forward collision mitigation, and an upgraded sound system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Eclipse Cross models for sale near you.
Similarities
As expected, the Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross come with reasonable price tags. Buyers will find attractive exteriors and spacious cabins for their size. Additionally, neither automaker skimped on technology.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Honda HR-V vehicles and New 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Honda HR-V | 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 152 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT automatic | 9-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg | 25 city/28 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/360,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Stars | 5-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.8 inches | 179.0 inches |
| Width | 72.4 inches | 71.1 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 66.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 35.1 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.4 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.0 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.9 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.7 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.6 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.2 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4 cubic feet | 23.4 cubic feet |
Conclusion
With a lower starting price, better fuel economy, and historically good resale value, we argue that the Honda HR-V is the value choice. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has more torque, standard all-wheel drive, and a better warranty. If all-wheel drive is a must-have, we’d consider the Eclipse Cross; however, if front-wheel drive (FWD) is your jam, we think the HR-V is the sensible and more affordable pick.
