2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Which Is the Better Compact SUV?

Compact SUVs are in high demand thanks to their ideal blend of capability, versatility, and efficiency. Many drivers have transitioned from the sedans and coupes of past decades to compact crossovers like the Chevy Equinox and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Though both models offer similar versatility and svelte styling, they are two quite different entries into the crowded compact crossover class.

In the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross face-off, it’s clear that one SUV stands above the other in terms of performance, interior space, fuel efficiency, and available infotainment and driver assistance technology. The Equinox outpaces the Eclipse Cross across most metrics, delivering better performance, greater fuel economy, and a better overall driving experience.

Powertrain Options

Though both the Equinox and Eclipse Cross have similarly sized engines, Chevy’s SUV delivers more power, resulting in better overall performance and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Beneath the hood of the 2026 Eclipse Cross, there’s a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) thanks to Mitsubishi’s S-AWC drivetrain. The aluminum-block powerplant generates 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for basic tasks and everyday driving.

However, the 2026 Equinox bests the Eclipse Cross’s output thanks to its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection and variable valve timing. The Equinox is standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a CVT, while an optional AWD version has an eight-speed automatic transmission that provides more precise shifting.

In either configuration, Chevy’s powertrain produces significantly more output than its import counterpart, delivering 175 hp and either 184 lb-ft of torque in FWD or 203 lb-ft of torque in AWD. This gives the Equinox the nod in power and performance, which makes it the more exciting SUV to drive.

While most compact crossover SUVs are built with efficiency and maneuverability in mind, drivers who want extra power should opt for the Equinox. It offers faster acceleration, the choice of FWD or AWD, and greater versatility as an efficient urban daily driver and a highway-capable vehicle for open-road travel.

Fuel Efficiency

Another point upon which the 2026 Equinox boasts a distinct advantage over the 2026 Eclipse Cross is in its fuel economy. Compact SUVs are generally lauded for their fuel efficiency, but even with a more powerful engine, the Equinox’s fuel efficiency bests the Eclipse Cross’s estimated figures.

The 2026 Eclipse Cross has an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency rating of 26 MPG combined—of course, in AWD. Its 25 MPG in the city is adequate for most commuting, while its 28 MPG on the highway provides solid performance on the open road.

A 2026 Equinox with AWD slightly bests those fuel-efficiency ratings, with an EPA-estimated 26 MPG combined, 25 MPG in the city, and 29 MPG on the highway. However, a 2026 Equinox with FWD gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined, with 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

With better highway fuel economy when equipped with AWD, but also the option of the more efficient FWD, the Equinox is the clear winner in terms of fuel economy. Its efficiency means fewer stops at the gas pump, saving Equinox drivers both time and money.

Interior Space

For drivers who prioritize interior space, the Equinox once again provides the most bang for the buck. It offers a larger and more comfortable cabin, with greater passenger volume and additional cargo space, making it better equipped to handle the rigors of commuting and everyday use.

Although categorized as compact, the 2026 Eclipse Cross is considered a subcompact SUV in some circles, and its cabin volume and shorter wheelbase demonstrate this smaller footprint when compared to the Equinox. On the other hand, the 2026 Equinox cleanly falls into the compact SUV category, as its wheelbase is 2.5 inches longer than the Eclipse Cross’s, giving it greater stability and additional cabin space. It also has superior cabin volume, boasting 104.3 cubic feet of passenger volume compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 96.7 cubic feet.

The additional passenger volume in the Equinox translates into enhanced comfort for its occupants, as reflected in the headroom and legroom measurements in the two vehicles. In the front row, the Equinox has half an inch more headroom compared to the Eclipse Cross, and in the rear row, the Equinox boasts 1.9 inches more headroom and 4.6 inches of additional legroom.

When it comes to cargo volume, the Equinox is once again the winner by a significant margin. The Eclipse Cross has a dedicated cargo area offering 23.4 cubic feet of volume that can expand to 50.1 cubic feet with the rear row folded down. The Equinox, however, has 29.8 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seat, which expands to 63.5 cubic feet with the second row stowed. This is significantly more room, resulting in even greater versatility compared to the Eclipse Cross.

Infotainment Tech

Infotainment and connectivity features are major considerations for modern drivers, and the 2026 Equinox once again beats the 2026 Eclipse Cross: in screen size and cutting-edge tech. The Equinox is built for the modern era of in-cabin technology, making it a better choice for those who depend on infotainment systems, a large interface, intuitive operation, and simple connectivity.

The Equinox is equipped with an 11.3-inch color infotainment touchscreen, while the Eclipse Cross gives drivers a choice between a seven-inch and eight-inch touchscreen display. The Equinox adds an 11-inch driver information center display that presents key information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Both SUVs offer a standard six-speaker audio system and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but the Equinox adds an available in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot that provides easy connection no matter where you roam.

Driver Assistance

Though both the Equinox and the Eclipse Cross earned the coveted 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2026 Equinox includes active safety and driver assistance features that aren’t available in the 2026 Eclipse Cross.

The Equinox comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assistance features. It includes Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning—features that help prevent collisions by heading off many of the common causes of accidents. The safety suite in the Eclipse Cross includes basic features, like a lane departure warning and a rearview camera, but it can’t match the number of standard features in the Equinox.

The Equinox also offers access to additional optional features that likewise aren’t available in the Eclipse Cross. For example, Equinox drivers can opt for HD Surround Vision, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking; these features have no equal in Mitsubishi’s compact SUV.

The Equinox Is the Superior Compact SUV

With more power, better fuel efficiency, a larger cabin, and more standard infotainment and driver assistance tech, the 2026 Chevy Equinox is the clear winner in a head-to-head matchup with the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

While both SUVs provide basic versatility and commuter-friendly capabilities, the Equinox outperforms the Eclipse Cross in nearly every metric that matters to commuters and daily drivers. The Equinox’s better fuel economy results in lower operating costs without sacrificing performance, and its larger passenger and cargo volumes give it added versatility that the Eclipse Cross simply can’t match.

For those who prioritize performance, versatility, efficiency, and comfort, the 2026 Chevy Equinox is the clear choice in the compact SUV class.