In today's automobile market, SUVs are quickly becoming the most popular vehicle type for a wide range of reasons, including versatility and their appeal to families and adventurous drivers. Today, we'll take a look at two major figures in the SUV market: the Hyundai TUCSON and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Though the TUCSON may be more instantly recognizable to the average customer, we'll take a look at why the Eclipse Cross may, in fact, be a better choice for you, depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Let's compare some of the most notable similarities and differences between the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2023 Hyundai TUCSON, including their power and performance capabilities, pricing, and interior and exterior designs.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. the 2023 Hyundai TUCSON
There's no doubt that the Hyundai TUCSON has cemented itself as one of the most popular compact SUVs on the market, with its contemporary design traits and reasonable price tag. However, a competing SUV has arguably been overlooked: the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Boasting many of the same features but with Mitsubishi's more striking, iconic design style and a slightly more accessible price tag, the Eclipse Cross is one to watch when it comes to beating the TUCSON's current popularity.
Where the TUCSON is reasonably customizable, the Eclipse Cross is even more so, offering a greater number of trim level options and special edition designs. Plus, with its wide range of available technology features and drive modes, you can set up your personal driving experience exactly the way you desire for the ultimate level of comfort and control. As a result, your particular Eclipse Cross has the ability to feel less like an extension of its brand manufacturer and more like an extension of you as the owner.
Exterior and Interior Design
With sleek silhouettes and a modern design, these two compact SUVs appear similar enough at first glance. Both offer a smooth, sloping roof line and feature angular details throughout their designs. However, each SUV maintains the signature style of their respective manufacturers, with the Hyundai TUCSON offering a modern, versatile style and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross flexing the brand's iconic sporty, speedy look. While both SUVs offer enough seating for five, the Eclipse Cross has a noticeably more compact footprint, making it a better choice for squeezing into tight spots and maneuvering around sharp corners.
Inside the SUVs, the cabins offer two distinct looks. The TUCSON's interior appears luxurious, if simple. On the other hand, the cabin of the Eclipse Cross feels more akin to a customizable control center, with plenty of buttons and knobs within reach across the dashboard and steering wheel. Thus, as a Mitsubishi, the Eclipse Cross has perhaps a more stylistically recognizable interior design if that appeals to you as an owner.
Power and Performance Capabilities
The most easily noticeable difference when driving the two SUVs is that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a bit easier to handle when it comes to cornering and parking in tighter spaces because of its more compact size. The TUCSON's wider stance can definitely be felt when you're behind the wheel. However, both SUVs are about the same length. In terms of the engine, the Eclipse Cross features a standard 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 152 horsepower, while the TUCSON features a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces up to 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque.
One major feature to note is that the 2023 Eclipse Cross offers Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which combines four-wheel drive, Active Stability Control, anti-lock braking, and Active Yaw Control into one convenient package. The S-AWC system also gives you the ability to swap between three drive modes, Auto Mode, Snow Mode, and Gravel Mode, which automatically adjust handling and performance settings to best serve a particular type of terrain based on your selection. The SUV also has a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.
Safety and Technology Features
The safety and technology features on both SUVs are fairly similar in terms of what's available on their standard trim levels. They offer basic four-speaker sound systems, USB ports, and typical safety tech such as forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning. Both come with plenty of feature upgrades, such as a multiview camera system, auto-dimming mirrors, and adaptive cruise control.
Notably, unlike the TUCSON, the Eclipse Cross offers the option to add a head-up display and Mitsubishi's Connect safety system, which includes a 24-month trial of its Safeguard and Remote Services.
Available Trim Levels and Pricing
While the Hyundai TUCSON is available in five different trim levels — the SE, SEL, XRT, N Line, and Limited trims — the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers seven trim levels to choose from: the ES, LE, SE, SE Package, SEL, SEL Touring, and Ralliart trims. Though their standard trim levels are relatively similar in terms of the features available, such as remote keyless entry, cloth seats, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the Eclipse Cross offers a greater range of choices, allowing you more customization than the TUCSON.
When it comes to pricing, the Eclipse Cross has a more accessible price tag, with a starting MSRP of $25,795, whereas the starting MSRP for the TUCSON is slightly higher at $26,900. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks, the Eclipse Cross looks to be the better choice between the two.
Shop the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at Boardman Mitsubishi
If you're interested in checking out the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross for yourself, we'd love to invite you for a test drive here at our dealership in Boardman, Ohio. Not only can you give this outstanding SUV a try, but you can also check out the rest of our expansive brand-new inventory or our high-quality used inventory to find the perfect fit for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us via our website with any questions or inquiries, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to give you a nudge in the right direction.