Compare the2024 Mazda CX-5VS 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The CX-5 has standard Whiplash-Reducing Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-5 Turbo Signature has standard Smart Brake Support-Rear that use rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CX-5 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Eclipse Cross SE/SEL offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The CX-5 Turbo Signature’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CX-5 and the Eclipse Cross have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	82	248
Neck Injury Risk	23%	38.7%
Neck Stress	274 lbs.	424 lbs.
Neck Compression	23 lbs.	33 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	160/307 lbs.	184/324 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	156	215
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.7 inches
Neck Injury Risk	37%	39.7%

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 Mazda CX-5 is safer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	81	145
Chest Movement	.5 inches	.5 inches
Abdominal Force	126 lbs.	154 lbs.
Hip Force	189 lbs.	292 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	44 G’s
Hip Force	435 lbs.	622 lbs.

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

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda CX-5 is much safer than the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	223 lbs.	268 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Shoulder Deflection	.51 in	.71 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	2.28 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	848 lbs.	1294 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	22 lbs.	45 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	1.42 in	1.73 in
Torso Max Deflection	1.26 in	2.01 in
Torso Deflection Rate	9 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the CX-5 is 1.1% to 1.6% less likely to roll over than the Eclipse Cross.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the CX-5 the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 54 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Eclipse Cross does not qualify as a “Top Safety Pick.”

Warranty

The CX-5’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Eclipse Cross’ (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 67 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

Reliability

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the CX-5’s reliability 21 points higher than the Eclipse Cross.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda above average in long-term dependability. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Mitsubishi is rated lower.

Engine

The CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 35 more horsepower (187 vs. 152) and 1 lbs.-ft. more torque (185 vs. 184) than the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 104 more horsepower (256 vs. 152) and 136 lbs.-ft. more torque (320 vs. 184) than the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mazda CX-5 is faster than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5 4 cyl.	CX-5 turbo 4 cyl.	Eclipse Cross
Zero to 60 MPH	8.3 sec	6.4 sec	9.6 sec
Quarter Mile	16.3 sec	14.9 sec	17.3 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	80.4 MPH	93.6 MPH	78.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the Eclipse Cross:

			MPG
CX-5
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	26 city/31 hwy
Eclipse Cross
	AWD	ES 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/28 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/26 hwy

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s fuel efficiency. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the CX-5 (except Turbo)’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CX-5 Turbo’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	CX-5 Turbo	Eclipse Cross
Front Rotors	11.7 inches	12.6 inches	11.6 inches

The CX-5 stops much shorter than the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
70 to 0 MPH	167 feet	178 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	123 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CX-5 has larger tires than the Eclipse Cross (225/65R17 vs. 215/70R16).

The CX-5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Eclipse Cross ES’ standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-5 has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Eclipse Cross ES. The CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL.

Suspension and Handling

The CX-5 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 1.1 inches longer than on the Eclipse Cross (106.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-5 is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the Eclipse Cross.

The CX-5 handles at .82 G’s, while the Eclipse Cross SE pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-5 Carbon Turbo executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Eclipse Cross SEL (27.7 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 29 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The CX-5 has 6.9 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Eclipse Cross (103.6 vs. 96.7).

The CX-5 has .2 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front hip room, .9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear headroom, 2.5 inches more rear legroom and 3.3 inches more rear hip room than the Eclipse Cross.

Cargo Capacity

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Eclipse Cross with its rear seat up (30 vs. 23.4 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Eclipse Cross with its rear seat folded (59.3 vs. 50.1 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the CX-5’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the CX-5 Preferred/Carbon/Premium/Turbo has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Towing

The CX-5’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Eclipse Cross’ (2000 vs. 1500 pounds).

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CX-5 Preferred/Carbon/Premium/Turbo, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer memory seats.

The CX-5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Eclipse Cross has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The CX-5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Eclipse Cross’ standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

The CX-5’s power locks have a lockout prevention feature. When the key is in the passenger compartment and the driver’s door is open, the locks unlock every time you lock them. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t provide lockout prevention.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The CX-5’s standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights.

The CX-5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Eclipse Cross ES’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-5 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Eclipse Cross only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports rated the CX-5’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Eclipse Cross’ headlights, which were rated “Good.”

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The CX-5’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Eclipse Cross’ headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

The CX-5 has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Eclipse Cross has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the SE/SEL.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium/Turbo has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Both the CX-5 and the Eclipse Cross offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-5 Premium Plus/Turbo has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) for the front seat. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross by over 14 to one during 2022.