Compare the2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossVS 2020 Kia Sorento

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sorento doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Eclipse Cross SE/SEL has standard Mitsubishi Connect, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Sorento doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Sorento have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact 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, daytime running lights, 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 Kia Sorento:

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 and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is safer than the Kia Sorento:

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

The Eclipse Cross’ corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Sorento’s (7/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

The Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 6 lbs.-ft. more torque (184 vs. 178) than the Sorento’s standard 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Eclipse Cross gets better fuel mileage than the Sorento:

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 Sorento doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Eclipse Cross stops shorter than the Sorento:

For better maneuverability, the Eclipse Cross AWD’s turning circle is 2.4 feet tighter than the Sorento’s (34.8 feet vs. 37.2 feet). The Eclipse Cross’ turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Sorento AWD’s (35 feet vs. 37.3 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Eclipse Cross has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento (8.5 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Eclipse Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 600 pounds less than the Kia Sorento.

The Eclipse Cross is 10 inches shorter than the Sorento, making the Eclipse Cross easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Eclipse Cross has a much larger cargo volume than the Sorento with its rear seat up (23.4 vs. 11.3 cubic feet).

The Eclipse Cross SEL offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Sorento doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Sorento’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The Sorento doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Sorento doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Sorento 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 second row seats aren’t available in the Sorento.

On extremely cold winter days, the Eclipse Cross SEL’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Sorento doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Sorento L doesn’t offer automatic air conditioning.

The Eclipse Cross SE/SEL’s standard GPS navigation system has a real-time traffic update feature that plots alternative routes to automatically bypass traffic problems. (Service not available in all areas.) The Sorento’s navigation system doesn’t offer real-time traffic updates.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be $2566 to $10235 less than for the Kia Sorento.