2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
If you are looking for a compact SUV, you might be curious who would win the debate of the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Both SUVs have something to offer today’s drivers, but a closer look has the former edging out the latter in a few significant categories, making it easy to see why it might work best for your everyday travels.
Our team at McCluskey Chevrolet is well-versed in what the Chevy Equinox has to offer and why it’s been a fan favorite for years. When you partner with us, we will take the time to answer any questions you might have to help you feel more confident in your decision moving forward.
You can view our selection of Equinox models online or stop by our dealership for a firsthand look. Either way, you will get the same great customer service. For now, keep reading to see how these two compact SUVs stack up against each other.
| 2026 Chevy Equinox | vs | 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
| $28,800 [a] | MSRP | $27,695 |
| 203 lb-ft | Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| 175 | Horsepower | 152 |
| 63.5 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 50.1 cu.ft. |
Power Output
One of the first things that many drivers look at when shopping for a vehicle is its powertrain options. A quick glance might lead you to believe the Equinox and Eclipse Cross are tied in this category, as both are equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A closer look, however, reveals that the Equinox delivers more power: 175 hp versus 152 hp.
This might not seem like a big deal, but when you consider that horsepower determines the vehicle’s maximum speed, its ability to maintain momentum, and its high-speed acceleration rates, you realize it’s actually more important than you realized. A higher horsepower stat also helps ensure the vehicle has what it takes to pass and merge. Each of these traits contributes to a better overall driving experience.
Capabilities
While neither of these compact SUVs offers enough towing capacity to haul a family camper, they are able to accommodate smaller trailers and pop-up campers, as both have a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
It is also worth noting that the Equinox has an available all-wheel drive system and a rugged ACTIV trim for light off-road use. On the other hand, the Eclipse Cross’s Super All-Wheel Control is standard, but it is more tuned for fuel efficiency than pure performance.
Fuel Efficiency
Nevertheless, the Equinox holds the lead in fuel economy! In front-wheel drive, it is rated at 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, and in all-wheel drive, it is rated at 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
The Eclipse Cross’s base ES trim provides this SUV’s best numbers, at 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway—close, but nevertheless not as good as the Equinox.
Cabin Space
Both the Equinox and the Eclipse Cross have a seating capacity of five, but it’s the interior dimensions and layout that matter most. With that in mind, you will find that the Equinox’s front seats are spacious, with a commanding view and ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats also offer plenty of space for passengers to remain comfortable, whether running errands around town or driving across the state.
For the Eclipse Cross, the sloping roofline limits rear headroom, which might cause rear-seat passengers to feel more cramped than they would in the Equinox.
Cargo Capacity
Here is where the Equinox truly pulls ahead—and why it tends to appeal to a wide range of drivers, from small families to empty nesters to DIYers, outdoor enthusiasts, first-time SUV buyers, young professionals, and more:
- Cargo Space Behind Rear Seats: The Equinox offers up to 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row, versus only 23.4 cubic feet in the Eclipse Cross.
- Cargo Space Behind Front Seats: Both vehicles offer easy-to-fold-down rear seats, expanding cargo space for when you need more room for things than passengers. For the Equinox, you can access a total of 63.5 cubic feet this way, while the Eclipse Cross gives you 50.1 cubic feet.
Convenience
Something else to consider is how the space is used. For instance, the Equinox was engineered for practicality. Its available pass-through center console gives you extra cubby space and easy access to stored items. On the other hand, the Eclipse Cross only offers the more traditional option: a fixed center console.
The Equinox also includes other handy features, such as multiple storage bins, front-door trays, and an underfloor cargo compartment. These small details make daily use simpler. In contrast, the interior of the Eclipse Cross is rather sparse.
Material Comfort
It is also worth mentioning that the Equinox comes with upscale touches even at its base trim levels, such as standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. To be fair, you can also access these features when choosing the Eclipse Cross, but they are only available in the SUV’s higher trims.
Additionally, the Equinox showcases high-quality materials and finishes with soft surfaces, refined stitching, and unique accents throughout. This gives it a plush, inviting feel, while the Eclipse Cross cabin’s hard surfaces don’t have the same effect.
Tech Features
While cargo space and cabin comfort are ideal, today’s drivers also want to stay connected on the road. Both Chevy and Mitsubishi understand this, but how they go about it is different:
- Infotainment Screen: Both SUVs offer a center infotainment touchscreen, and the Equinox’s is a generous 11.3 inches across all trims. For the Eclipse Cross, base trims provide you with a seven-inch screen, which is upgraded to an eight-inch screen on higher trims.
- User-Friendly Options: The Equinox’s interface is easy to understand and even offers features such as Google built-in for access to things like turn-by-turn directions and more. Meanwhile, the Eclipse Cross feels less intuitive, and its base trim lacks built-in navigation entirely, forcing you to move up a trim level to access the features you might use most.
- Smartphone Integration: The Equinox begets cable-free convenience thanks to standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It also provides dual USB ports and an optional wireless charging pad. With the Eclipse Cross, smartphone syncing is only offered on higher trims, and it does not offer dual USB ports or wireless charging.
Driver Assistance
Safety is a priority for all drivers, which is one of the reasons why automotive brands focus on improving their systems with each new model that arrives on dealership lots. Each brand also tends to have its own suite of standard features, such as Chevy Safety Assist.
Chevy Safety Assist is a collection of six advanced driver assistance features included at no extra cost. This suite includes the following:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist
- Following Distance Indicator
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- IntelliBeam auto high beams
In addition to these six, the 2026 Chevy Equinox offers a few other standard and available features, depending on the trim you choose. These include Side Bicyclist Alert, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control, just to name a few. Additionally, premium upgrades offer even more protection, including HD Surround Vision, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and a Rear Camera Mirror.
For the 2026 Eclipse Cross, each model includes the following:
- Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Active Stability Control & Hill Start Assist
Additionally, safety features that are standard or available (depending on the trim) include Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Multi-View Camera System.
Comparing the two, it is easy to see that the Equinox offers more features without the need to upgrade to a higher trim. This is not only a strong motivation for drivers who want to stick to their budget but also for anyone who wants added confidence and security on the road.
Price Differences
Speaking of, you might wonder about the pricing of these two SUVs. What you find might surprise you, especially given the preceding information. Firstly, the 2026 Chevy Equinox’s base LT trim has an MSRP of $28,800.[a] Meanwhile, the Eclipse Cross’s base ES trim has an MSRP of $27,695. However, as mentioned, you get a lot more for your money when choosing the Equinox—and it’s not too much more money!
Looking at the rest of the Equinox’s trim lineup, both the RS and ACTV trims have a starting MSRP of $33,600, while the top trim for the Eclipse Cross, the SEL Touring, has a nearly identical MSRP of $33,695.[a]
Check Out the 2026 Chevy Equinox Today
If you are looking for a compact SUV, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2026 Chevy Equinox, especially when you compare it to other vehicles in its class, such as the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Simply put, the former delivers greater capability, comfort, and confidence for roughly the same price as the latter. Plus, its combination of power, efficiency, and advanced features gives you added reassurance on the road.
If you are ready to take a closer look at what the 2026 Equinox has to offer, reach out to our team online or visit our dealership today. Either way, we here at McCluskey Chevrolet are excited to help you find the right fit for your everyday driving routine.
