Compare the2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossVS 2021 Mazda 3

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Mazda 3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is safer than the Mazda 3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is safer than the Mazda 3:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Eclipse Cross comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 3’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years and 24,000 miles sooner.

Mitsubishi’s powertrain warranty covers the Eclipse Cross 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the 3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Mazda 3 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Eclipse Cross’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Mazda 3’s (7 vs. 5 years).

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 36 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 22nd, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi 13th in reliability, above the industry average. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is ranked 14th.

The Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 34 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 150) than the Mazda 3’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Mazda 3 with the 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder engine requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost 20 to 55 cents more per gallon.

The Eclipse Cross AWD’s standard fuel tank has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 AWD’s standard fuel tank (15.8 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The Eclipse Cross FWD’s standard fuel tank has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (16.6 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The Eclipse Cross has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a CVT.

For better stopping power the Eclipse Cross’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Mazda 3:

For better traction, the Eclipse Cross has larger standard tires than the Mazda 3 (215/70R16 vs. 205/60R16). The Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Mazda 3 (225/55R18 vs. 215/45R18).

For superior ride and handling, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda 3 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Eclipse Cross’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the Mazda 3’s (60.8% to 39.2%). This gives the Eclipse Cross more stable handling and braking.

The Eclipse Cross is 4.5 inches shorter than the Mazda 3 Sedan, making the Eclipse Cross easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Eclipse Cross has 3.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Sedan (96.7 vs. 92.8). The Eclipse Cross has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Mazda 3 Hatchback (96.7 vs. 92.7).

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Eclipse Cross’ rear seats recline. The Mazda 3’s rear seats don’t recline.

The Eclipse Cross has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Mazda 3 has no towing capacity.

Consumer Reports rated the Eclipse Cross’ headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the Mazda 3’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Mazda 3 offer available heated front seats. The Eclipse Cross SEL also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Mazda 3.

Insurance will cost less for the Eclipse Cross owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Eclipse Cross will cost $100 to $1620 less than the Mazda 3 over a five-year period.