Compare the2024 Kia SorentoVS 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Ergonomics
Model Availability
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the Sorento and Eclipse Cross have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Sorento S/EX/SX/Prestige/X-Line has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Eclipse Cross’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Sorento are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Sorento Prestige has standard Parking Collision Avoidance-Rear that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Sorento’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Sorento has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Eclipse Cross SE/SEL offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the Eclipse Cross’ Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

The Sorento’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 Sorento and the Eclipse Cross have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, 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 and 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 Kia Sorento is safer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	21%	38.7%
Neck Stress	168 lbs.	424 lbs.
Neck Compression	22 lbs.	33 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.7 inches
Neck Stress	159 lbs.	182 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	81/191 lbs.	331/198 lbs.

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

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	280	358
Spine Acceleration	32 G’s	44 G’s

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

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Sorento is 2.6% less likely to roll over than the Eclipse Cross.

Warranty

There are over 2 times as many Kia dealers as there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sorento’s warranty.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Sorento has a standard 760-amp battery. The Eclipse Cross’ 520-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 23 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia first in reliability, above the industry average. With 38 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 14th.

Engine

The Sorento LX/S’ standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 39 more horsepower (191 vs. 152) than the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The Sorento EX/SX’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 129 more horsepower (281 vs. 152) and 127 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 184) than the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Sorento EX/SX 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
Zero to 30 MPH	2.6 sec	3.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.5 sec	9.9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.9 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	17.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	99 MPH	80 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Sorento’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.

The Sorento has 1.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the Eclipse Cross (17.7 vs. 15.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Kia Sorento higher (7 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (5). This means the Sorento produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Eclipse Cross every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Sorento’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Eclipse Cross:

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12 inches	11.9 inches

The Sorento stops much shorter than the Eclipse Cross:

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
60 to 0 MPH	115 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Sorento has larger standard tires than the Eclipse Cross (235/65R17 vs. 215/70R16). The Sorento SX/SX Prestige’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Eclipse Cross (255/45R20 vs. 225/55R18).

The Sorento LX’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. The Sorento SX/SX Prestige’s tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Sorento LX has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Eclipse Cross ES. The Sorento SX/SX Prestige’s 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL.

Suspension and Handling

The Sorento has vehicle 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 Sorento’s wheelbase is 5.7 inches longer than on the Eclipse Cross (110.8 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Sorento is 4.1 inches wider in the front and 4.5 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Eclipse Cross.

The Sorento X-Line SX Prestige handles at .85 G’s, while the Eclipse Cross SEL pulls only .74 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Sorento X-Line SX Prestige executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Eclipse Cross SEL (26.5 seconds @ .67 average G’s vs. 29 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

Passenger Space

The Sorento has standard seating for 7 passengers; the Eclipse Cross can only carry 5.

The Sorento has 8.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Eclipse Cross (105.3 vs. 96.7).

The Sorento has .8 inches more front headroom, .5 inches more front legroom, 2.6 inches more front hip room, 2.9 inches more front shoulder room, 1.8 inches more rear headroom, 4.6 inches more rear legroom, 3.1 inches more rear hip room and 3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Eclipse Cross.

Cargo Capacity

The Sorento’s cargo area provides more volume than the Eclipse Cross.

	Sorento	Eclipse Cross
Third Seat Folded	38.5 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	45 cubic feet	23.4 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	75.5 cubic feet	50.1 cubic feet

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Sorento’s optional second row seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Sorento. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

Towing

The Sorento’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Eclipse Cross’ (2000 vs. 1500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is only 1500 pounds. The Sorento offers up to a 4500 lbs. towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Sorento uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Sorento Prestige, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Sorento Prestige’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Sorento’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 power windows standard on both the Sorento and the Eclipse Cross have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Sorento is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Eclipse Cross prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

On a hot day the Sorento’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Eclipse Cross can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Sorento’s power locks have a lockout prevention feature. When the driver’s door is open, it won’t lock, so you can’t possibly lock your keys in the vehicle. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t provide lockout prevention.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Sorento’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.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Sorento 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.

The Sorento has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. When the ignition turns off, the headlights turn off after a delay timed to allow you to securely get to your front door. The Eclipse Cross has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the SE/SEL.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Sorento to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Sorento Prestige is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Eclipse Cross’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Sorento SX/Prestige 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 Sorento and the Eclipse Cross offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Sorento 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 Kia Sorento S/EX/SX/Prestige has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The Sorento Prestige has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

Model Availability

The Sorento is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the Sorento owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Sorento will cost $245 to $3025 less than the Eclipse Cross over a five-year period.

The Sorento will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Sorento will retain 52.6% to 54.37% of its original price after five years, while the Eclipse Cross only retains 46.63% to 47.42%.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Sorento, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn't recommended.

The Kia Sorento outsold the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross by almost 9 to one during 2023.