Compare the2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse CrossVS 2026 Mazda 3

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the Eclipse Cross. But it costs extra on the 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 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, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

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 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 or 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).

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). Mazda doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 3.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mitsubishi vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mitsubishi higher than Mazda.

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 on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Eclipse Cross 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 has 2.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Mazda 3 FWD’s standard fuel tank (15.8 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/Ralliart/Black Edition’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 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Eclipse Cross flat and controlled during cornering. The Mazda 3’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Eclipse Cross’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (58% to 42%) than the Mazda 3’s (60.2% to 39.8%). This gives the Eclipse Cross more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the Eclipse Cross has a 3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Mazda 3 (8.5 vs. 5.5 inches), allowing the Eclipse Cross to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

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.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Eclipse Cross’ liftgate can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

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.”

The Eclipse Cross’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the Mazda 3 Select Sport/Preferred/Carbon/Premium.

Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mazda 3 offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The Eclipse Cross offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Mazda 3’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

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.

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 Mazda 3 Premium.