The 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross straddles the line between a subcompact and a compact SUV. Regardless of class size, this Mitsubishi can’t help but stand out thanks to its sporty and aggressive shape. Beyond its intriguing design, the Eclipse Cross offers an equally impressive warranty and comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
A veteran in the compact SUV segment, the 2025 Ford Escape is a popular choice thanks to its generous amount of standard tech features, multiple powertrain choices, and spacious interior.
Here’s how the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Ford Escape compare.
2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
2024 model shown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross starts at $28,110, including destination fee fee. It’s offered in six trims, all of which are powered by a turbocharged 152-horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD).
While the low price of its base models are tempting, if you’re smitten by the Eclipse Cross, we suggest stepping up to at least SE model. That trim costs around $31,000 but adds feature you’ll appreciate, including power-adjustable driver’s seat, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, hands-free power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and navigation.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Highlights
Youthful design: With so many SUVs now ruling roadways, it’s nice to stand out from the masses. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a memorable design that pays homage to its namesake, the now-discontinued Eclipse sport coupe and convertible.
Warranty coverage: Like other Mitsubishi models, the Eclipse Cross is backed by an impressive 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also included are five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance. This easily, ahem, eclipses the warranty coverage of the Escape.
Super All-Wheel Control: Mitsubishi’s long record in rally racing pays off with the Eclipse Cross. Dubbed Super All-Wheel Control, this all-wheel-drive hardware is standard.
Optional Touring package: Available on the top SEL variant, this package includes handy extras like a head-up instrument display, upgraded automatic emergency braking, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and an 8-speaker audio system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Eclipse Cross models near you.
2025 Ford Escape
2024 model shown
The Ford Escape starts at $29,645, including destination charge. Ford’s popular compact SUV is offered in five main trims: Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite.
Serving as the standard drivetrain is a 180-hp turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that sends power to the front wheels courtesy of an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional, or it’s standard on trims equipped with an available 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Ford also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations of the Escape. The latter of the two delivers 37 miles of electric-only range.
Ford Escape Highlights
Available turbo 4-cylinder: Many SUV shoppers will be fine sticking with the standard turbo 3-cylinder engine. It keeps the price lower and returns 30 mpg combined. However, drivers itching for quite a bit more pep might want to take the 250-hp turbo 4-cylinder for a spin. Fitted to the ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite, it adds considerably more punch when quick acceleration is needed.
Sliding second row: The Escape already has a commendable amount of rear legroom, quite a bit more than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Having a sliding second row makes this even better since it allows you to add even more passenger space or maximize cargo volume.
Intuitive infotainment system: In the center of the dash is an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, a digital instrument display, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. A larger 13.2-inch screen is available. While it has even sharper graphics and larger icons, we’ve found both systems a breeze to navigate during road testing.
Bang & Olufsen audio: An available 10-speaker B&O audio system provides rich sounds and incredible quality. It gives the Escape a premium listening experience.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Escape models near you.
Similarities
Thanks to their manageable size, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Ford Escape are easy to maneuver around city centers. They’re also relatively good on gas, though the Escape has the added advantage of plug-in and hybrid variants.
Pricing
New 2025 Ford Escape Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (29102)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$29,895 |
$28,400 |
|||
$30,890 |
$29,450 |
|||
$33,725 |
$32,554 |
|||
$33,985 |
$32,805 |
|||
$35,685 |
$33,786 |
|||
$37,040 |
$35,754 |
|||
$37,110 |
$35,365 |
|||
$38,035 |
$36,475 |
|||
$39,605 |
$38,488 |
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape 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
| 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 2024 Ford Escape | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm | 199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 25 city/28 highway/26 combined | 27 city/34 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, AWD; hybrid; plug-in hybrid | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 inches | 106.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 179.0 inches | 180.1 inches |
| Width | 71.1 inches | 74.1 inches |
| Height | 66.5 inches | 66.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 38.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.5 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 37.3 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 40.9 inches | 42.4 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 37.1 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.2 inches | 57.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.1 inches | 56.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 23.4 cubic feet | 37.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross looks the part of a fun-loving small SUV. We’re fans of its design but less enamored by the weak performance of its turbocharged 4-cylinder. It simply doesn’t have the speed to match its racy shape. On the plus side, it provides excellent warranty coverage and has a lower base price than other companies.
All in all, it’s the Ford Escape that feels more poised and polished. It has a much roomier cabin, a greater choice of drivetrains, and stronger acceleration. In this case, the one that costs more is the better value.
