Toyota Corolla Cross vs Eclipse Cross: Which SUV Should You Buy?

Choosing the right compact SUV can be a daunting task, with a plethora of options vying for your attention. Two popular contenders in this segment are the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Both vehicles offer a blend of practicality, efficiency, and style, but which one emerges as the champion? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each SUV, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Styling: A Tale of Two Approaches

The Toyota Corolla Cross boasts a sleek and modern design, drawing inspiration from its popular sedan sibling. Its sharp lines, sculpted bodywork, and signature Toyota grille create a sophisticated and refined aesthetic. The Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, adopts a more aggressive and sporty approach. Its distinctive coupe-like roofline, sharp angles, and bold grille give it a dynamic and eye-catching presence.

Interior Comfort and Features: A Focus on Functionality

Both SUVs prioritize practicality and comfort for their occupants. The Corolla Cross offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its dashboard is ergonomically designed, featuring intuitive controls and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Eclipse Cross, while offering a comfortable interior, prioritizes a sportier feel. Its cabin is adorned with premium materials and features a driver-centric layout with a focus on technology and connectivity.

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency: A Balance of Power and Economy

Under the hood, the Corolla Cross is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering adequate performance for everyday driving. It offers a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, catering to different driving needs. The Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides spirited acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. However, the Eclipse Cross’s fuel efficiency falls slightly behind the Corolla Cross.

Safety and Technology: A Commitment to Protection and Connectivity

Both SUVs prioritize safety and technology, offering a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and modern connectivity features. The Corolla Cross comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Eclipse Cross also boasts a comprehensive safety suite, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing for seamless smartphone connectivity.

Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The Toyota Corolla Cross starts at a lower price point compared to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. However, the Eclipse Cross offers more standard features and a more powerful engine, which can justify its higher price tag. Ultimately, the best value proposition depends on your individual needs and priorities.

The Verdict: A Matter of Personal Preference

Choosing between the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes down to personal preferences and priorities. If you prioritize fuel efficiency, practicality, and a comfortable driving experience, the Corolla Cross is an excellent choice. If you seek a sportier driving experience, a more aggressive design, and a higher level of standard features, the Eclipse Cross might be a better fit.

Beyond the Numbers: Exploring the Unseen

While objective factors like performance, features, and price are crucial, it’s equally important to consider the intangible aspects of each SUV. The Corolla Cross embodies Toyota’s reputation for reliability and durability, offering peace of mind and long-term value. The Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, appeals to those seeking a more individualistic and stylish driving experience.

Embracing the Journey: Finding Your Perfect Companion

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose the Toyota Corolla Cross or the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and driving preferences. Both SUVs offer a compelling package of features, performance, and value, ensuring a satisfying ownership experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference in fuel economy between the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross?

The Toyota Corolla Cross offers slightly better fuel economy than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Corolla Cross achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined, while the Eclipse Cross gets 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

2. Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area?

The Toyota Corolla Cross boasts a larger cargo area than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The Corolla Cross offers 26.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 66.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Eclipse Cross offers 22.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 52.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

3. Which SUV offers a more advanced infotainment system?

Both SUVs offer modern infotainment systems with smartphone integration, but the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross‘s infotainment system is generally considered to be more advanced and user-friendly. The Eclipse Cross features a larger touchscreen display, a more intuitive interface, and a wider range of connectivity options.

4. Which SUV offers a more comfortable ride?

The Toyota Corolla Cross is known for its comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and spacious cabin. The Eclipse Cross, while comfortable, has a slightly firmer ride due to its sportier suspension tuning.

5. Which SUV is more reliable?

Toyota vehicles are renowned for their reliability, and the Corolla Cross is no exception. While the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a reliable vehicle, Toyota’s reputation for long-term durability and low maintenance costs gives it an edge in this category.