What To Know
- Its front fascia is dominated by a prominent V-motion grille and sleek headlights, while the rear end is characterized by a sloping roofline and taillights that wrap around the sides.
- Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a sleek and refined design or a more daring and dynamic aesthetic.
- Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer respectable fuel economy figures.
Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task, with so many options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders in this segment are the Nissan Rogue and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, style, and technology, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of these two SUVs, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Approaches
The Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross adopt distinct design philosophies, appealing to different tastes. The Rogue boasts a more conventional and refined aesthetic, featuring smooth lines and a familiar SUV silhouette. Its front fascia is dominated by a prominent V-motion grille and sleek headlights, while the rear end is characterized by a sloping roofline and taillights that wrap around the sides.
In contrast, the Eclipse Cross embraces a bolder and more angular design language. Its sharp lines, aggressive front grille, and distinctive split taillights give it a sportier and more futuristic appearance. The Eclipse Cross’s sloping roofline and coupe-like profile further enhance its sporty appeal. Ultimately, the choice between these two SUVs comes down to personal preference and whether you prioritize a sleek and refined design or a more daring and dynamic aesthetic.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Battle of Amenities
Both the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer comfortable and well-equipped interiors, but they differ in their specific features and amenities. The Rogue’s cabin is spacious and airy, with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its dashboard is clean and functional, featuring a user-friendly infotainment system and a variety of storage compartments. The Rogue also boasts a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat with power adjustments, contributing to a relaxing driving experience.
The Eclipse Cross, while offering a comfortable interior, prioritizes a sportier and more driver-focused experience. Its cockpit features a more aggressive design with a driver-oriented layout. The Eclipse Cross’s infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, while its sport seats provide good support during spirited driving. However, the Eclipse Cross’s rear headroom and cargo space are slightly less generous than the Rogue’s.
Performance and Handling: Power and Agility on the Road
When it comes to performance, the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer different driving experiences. The Rogue is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising, but it doesn’t offer the same level of acceleration as the Eclipse Cross.
The Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine delivers a more spirited performance, particularly at lower RPMs, and provides a more engaging driving experience. Both SUVs offer a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, allowing you to tailor the vehicle to your driving needs and preferences.
Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road
Both the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross prioritize safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. The Rogue comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beam assist.
The Eclipse Cross is also equipped with a robust set of safety features, including forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Both SUVs offer optional driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a driver attention monitor.
Fuel Efficiency: Saving Money at the Pump
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, and both the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer respectable fuel economy figures. The Rogue’s 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.
The Eclipse Cross‘s turbocharged 1.5-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. While the Rogue offers slightly better fuel efficiency, both SUVs provide reasonable fuel economy for their size and performance capabilities.
Value and Price: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
The Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are priced competitively within the compact SUV segment. The Rogue starts at around $27,000, while the Eclipse Cross has a starting price of around $25,000. Both SUVs offer a variety of trim levels, allowing you to customize your vehicle’s features and amenities to suit your budget and preferences.
When comparing value, the Rogue offers a slightly more spacious interior, a wider range of features, and a more refined driving experience. The Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, provides a sportier driving experience, a more aggressive design, and a lower starting price. Ultimately, the best value for your money depends on your individual priorities and needs.
The Verdict: Choosing Your Compact SUV Champion
The Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, style, and technology. The Rogue excels in its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and comprehensive safety features, while the Eclipse Cross stands out with its sporty design, agile handling, and lower starting price.
Which one is right for you?
- Choose the Nissan Rogue if you prioritize:
- Spacious interior: The Rogue offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.
- Comfortable ride: The Rogue’s suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride, even on rough roads.
- Comprehensive safety features: The Rogue comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes a wide range of advanced safety features.
- Refined driving experience: The Rogue’s engine provides adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising.
- Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if you prioritize:
- Sporty design: The Eclipse Cross boasts a bold and angular design that stands out from the crowd.
- Agile handling: The Eclipse Cross’s turbocharged engine and responsive steering provide a more engaging driving experience.
- Lower starting price: The Eclipse Cross is slightly more affordable than the Rogue.
- Driver-focused interior: The Eclipse Cross’s cockpit features a more aggressive design with a driver-oriented layout.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Begins Here
Ultimately, the choice between the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross boils down to your individual preferences and needs. Both SUVs offer a compelling package that will satisfy the demands of most compact SUV buyers. By carefully considering your priorities and comparing the features, performance, and value of each vehicle, you can make an informed decision that will lead you to the perfect compact SUV for your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which SUV has better fuel economy?
The Nissan Rogue offers slightly better fuel economy than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Rogue achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined, while the Eclipse Cross delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.
2. What are the key differences in interior space?
The Nissan Rogue has a larger and more spacious interior than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Rogue offers ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, as well as a more generous cargo area. The Eclipse Cross’s interior is comfortable but slightly more cramped, particularly in the rear seats.
3. Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
Both SUVs offer optional all-wheel drive systems, but the Nissan Rogue is generally considered to be better equipped for off-road driving. The Rogue’s higher ground clearance and more robust all-wheel drive system make it more capable of handling challenging terrain.
4. Which SUV has a more advanced infotainment system?
Both the Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offer user-friendly infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and a variety of connectivity options. The Rogue’s infotainment system is generally considered to be more intuitive and responsive, while the Eclipse Cross’s system offers a more visually appealing interface.
