Are you in the Youngstown area and on the search for a new compact SUV? If so, you've likely looked into a Toyota RAV4, which has been one of the most popular compact SUVs out on the road for a long time now. But if you want to stand out, that can be difficult to do in a Toyota RAV4 since so many of them are hitting the highway these days. So instead, you may want to consider buying a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if you want a new vehicle that's equally reliable yet surprisingly affordable and well-equipped.
Before you decide which SUV would be a better fit, we suggest learning as much as possible about each. So we've compared the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with the 2023 Toyota RAV4 to help you make an informed decision before buying. Let's take a look at what each of these compact SUVs has to offer below.
Size
Both vehicles are considered compact SUVs, but the 2023 Eclipse Cross will be your top choice if you need maneuverability in tight spots. It comes in at just over 173 inches long, 71 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. The 2023 Toyota RAV4, meanwhile, is a bit bulkier at more than 181 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 70 inches tall. This makes the RAV4 a little less compact than you might like. However, whether you drive in the city or take the curves on country roads, the 2023 Eclipse Cross makes handling a breeze.
Exterior
If you've seen one Toyota RAV4 in recent years, you've seen them all. Toyota doesn't tinker with the design of the RAV4 very often as it continues to stick with a tried-and-true formula. It works for the brand, but it's started to make some RAV4s look stale. The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a more modern look, and its appearance is unique compared to many other compact SUVs in its class. From its aggressive, sleek nose to its sharply sculpted rear window, it provides a unique and stylish take on what a compact SUV can be.
Engine
The RAV4 pulls slightly ahead regarding engine performance. Its base trim has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 203 horsepower, while the 2023 Eclipse Cross has a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 152 horsepower. But the Eclipse Cross makes up for this with a continuously variable automatic transmission instead of the eight-speed automatic transmission found in the RAV4. Not only that, but all trim levels of the Eclipse Cross come standard with all-wheel drive, while the RAV4 includes standard front-wheel drive with the option to pay for the upgrade to all-wheel drive.
Interior
Although the 2023 Toyota RAV4 is the larger of the two, you might not be able to tell once you get behind the wheel of the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. With 95 cubic feet of passenger space inside, it isn't far behind the 99 cubic feet found in the 2023 RAV4. The Eclipse Cross also has an interior that is every bit as stylish as the interior found in the 2023 RAV4. From the high-quality, durable fabric on its comfortable seats to the sleek lines and modern design of the dashboard and steering wheel, it's a beautiful SUV inside and out.
Cargo
The 2023 Toyota RAV4 pulls ahead in available cargo space, which is no surprise due to the Eclipse Cross’ smaller dimensions. The RAV4 offers 37 cubic feet of cargo space compared to 23 cubic feet found in the Eclipse Cross, but cubby storage compensates for this to some degree. Both rows of seats on the Eclipse Cross are roomy and comfortable, and the doors swing wide, providing easy access to both rows. Rear passengers will enjoy plenty of headroom and legroom as this SUV provides enough cargo space and seating for most small families.
Technology
Both the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 include infotainment touch screens. You'll receive a standard 7.0-inch display in the base model of the Eclipse Cross, with a larger 8.0-inch display in the higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-dash navigation are included in all but the base trim. The RAV4 8.0-inch touch screen is standard in all but its highest trims, which include a 10.5-inch touch screen.
Safety
You won't have to worry about safety in the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or the 2023 Toyota RAV4. Both come equipped with a variety of standard safety features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. When you upgrade to higher Eclipse Cross trims, you can receive additional optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control or a surround-view camera system. Premium RAV4 trims can also provide extra features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Price
The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross manages to keep up with the 2023 Toyota RAV4 in most categories, so you might guess that these compact SUVs would have similar price tags. But the 2023 Eclipse Cross is the clear-cut winner when it comes to affordability. It has a starting MSRP of just $25,795, while the 2023 RAV4 starts at $27,975. This price difference can save you money from the start or allow you to upgrade to a higher 2023 Eclipse Cross trim at a cost comparable to a base RAV4.
2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. Toyota RAV4: Which One Wins Out?
So, should you pick the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or the 2023 Toyota RAV4? It isn't enough to simply read about these two compact SUVs. The best way to determine which would be right for you is to test-drive both options. It'll put you in a much better position to see which option will fit your lifestyle and personal preference.
Boardman Mitsubishi would love to get you behind the wheel of a 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross so you can see everything it has to offer. For more information or to schedule a test drive at our dealership in Youngstown, Ohio, contact us online, or give us a call at 888-891-9049.