Eclipse Cross vs Outlander Sport
If you like how Mitsubishi does things, the Eclipse Cross and the Outlander Sport are two different answers from the same company. The Eclipse Cross has the edge in 3 of the 5 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Eclipse Cross wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Eclipse Cross wins
- Space & Practicality Eclipse Cross wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance2.9
- Fuel Economy & Range0.3
- Space & Practicality4.8
- Engine & Performance1.7
- Fuel Economy & Range0.1
- Space & Practicality3.8
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Eclipse Cross has 39 lb-ft more torque
Few buyers will miss this one. The Eclipse Cross brings 184 lb-ft to the table; the Outlander Sport brings 145 lb-ft. The Eclipse Cross’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Eclipse Cross has 7.8% more cargo space
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Eclipse Cross (23.4 cu ft versus 21.7 cu ft). Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Eclipse Cross has better city fuel economy
The Eclipse Cross gets a small bonus on fuel economy (city), with 25 mpg against the Outlander Sport’s 23 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Eclipse Cross starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
- Eclipse Cross 179 in × 71.1 in × 66.5 in
- Outlander Sport 171.9 in × 71.3 in × 64.8 in
On overall dimensions, the Eclipse Cross and the Outlander Sport are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.1 in | 71.3 in |
| Height | 66.5 in | 64.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 105.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Eclipse Cross leads
When it comes to engine & performance, the Eclipse Cross is comfortably ahead. The Eclipse Cross takes this one with 39 lb-ft more torque. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type. So if engine & performance tops your list, lean toward the Eclipse Cross.
Torque
Eclipse Cross: 184 lb-ft Outlander Sport: 145 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Eclipse Cross leads
In the fuel economy & range category, the Eclipse Cross is a step ahead rather than a leap ahead. The Eclipse Cross makes its case with better city fuel economy. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Eclipse Cross is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (city)
Eclipse Cross: 25 mpg Outlander Sport: 23 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Eclipse Cross has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Eclipse Cross leads
The Outlander Sport comes close on space & practicality, but the Eclipse Cross does just enough to lead. In its favor, the Eclipse Cross has 7.8% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. Prioritize space & practicality, and the Eclipse Cross is where you should land.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Eclipse Cross: 23.4 cu ft Outlander Sport: 21.7 cu ft The Eclipse Cross’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
On paper, the safety & tech comparison ends all square. Either car will serve you equally well on safety & tech.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 152 hp | 148 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft (winner) | 145 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (S-AWC) | AWD (AWC) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 25 mpg (winner) | 23 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 28 mpg Thirstiest on the highway | 29 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23.4 cu ft (winner) | 21.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 50.1 cu ft | 49.5 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 1,500 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 8 in | 8 in |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179 in | 171.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.1 in | 71.3 in |
| Height | 66.5 in | 64.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 105.1 in |
Price
| Spec | Eclipse Cross | Outlander Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $27,695 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Eclipse Cross if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (184 lb-ft vs 145 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (23.4 cu ft vs 21.7 cu ft)
- you want better city fuel economy (25 mpg vs 23 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Eclipse Cross or the Outlander Sport?
On the specs compared here, the Eclipse Cross makes more sense for most buyers; the Outlander Sport doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Eclipse Cross or the Outlander Sport?
Neither by much. The Eclipse Cross and the Outlander Sport have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Two siblings, one decision. Here’s how I’d think about the Eclipse Cross versus the Outlander Sport. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the Eclipse Cross has 39 lb-ft more torque. Stack 7.8% more cargo space on top of that, and the Eclipse Cross’s lead grows.
I’d steer engine & performance fans toward the Eclipse Cross and the things a spec sheet can’t capture fans toward the Outlander Sport.
My pick: the Eclipse Cross.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.