Compare the2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossVS 2026 Kia Niro

The Eclipse Cross has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Niro doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The Eclipse Cross SEL has a standard Multi-View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Niro only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Niro 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 blind spot warning systems 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 Niro:

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 Niro:

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 Niro’s (7/100,000 vs. 5/100,000).

Mitsubishi pays for scheduled maintenance on the Eclipse Cross for 2 years and 30,000 miles. Mitsubishi will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance (up to 3 visits). Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Niro.

The Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 13 more horsepower (152 vs. 139) than the Niro’s 1.6 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid.

The Eclipse Cross has 4.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Niro (15.8 vs. 11.1 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 Niro doesn’t offer a CVT.

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

The Eclipse Cross stops shorter than the Niro:

For better traction, the Eclipse Cross has larger standard tires than the Niro (215/70R16 vs. 205/60R16).

The Eclipse Cross has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Niro; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Eclipse Cross’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the Niro’s (61% to 39%). This gives the Eclipse Cross more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Eclipse Cross has a 2.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Niro (8.5 vs. 6.3 inches), allowing the Eclipse Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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

The Eclipse Cross has a larger cargo volume than the Niro with its rear seat up (23.4 vs. 22.8 cubic feet).

The Eclipse Cross has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Niro has no towing capacity.

The Eclipse Cross SEL’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 Niro SX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The Eclipse Cross’ LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Niro’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

Both the Eclipse Cross and the Niro 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 Niro.

Compared to traditional radio, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the Niro EX/SX.