Compare the2026 Mazda CX-5 VS 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

The Mazda CX-5 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Mazda CX-5 achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has not been tested.

The CX-5 has a standard Secondary Collision Reduction System, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The CX-5 has a standard Rear Smart Brake Support that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the CX-5 has standard Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Braking Support - Rear Crossing automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Eclipse Cross SE/SEL/Ralliart/Black Edition offers Rear Cross Traffic Alert and the Eclipse Cross’ Rear Cross Traffic Alert does not include automatic braking.

The CX-5’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the CX-5 and the Eclipse Cross 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, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and available around view monitors.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the CX-5 is much safer than the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	POOR
Chest Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4189-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Mazda CX-5 is much safer than the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	86	155
Neck Tension	223 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Torso Max Deflection	1.38 in	2.28 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	10 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	MARGINAL
Pelvis Force	781 lbs.	1294 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	67	166
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	134 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	1.73 in
Shoulder Force	134 lbs.	402 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.79 in	2.01 in
Torso Deflection Rate	4 MPH	11 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Mazda CX-5 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2026 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test, and a “Good” score in the revised vehicle-to-vehicle crash prevention test. The Eclipse Cross is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2026.

The CX-5’s corrosion warranty is unlimited miles longer than the Eclipse Cross’ (unlimited vs. 100,000 miles).

There are over 81 percent more Mazda dealers than there are Mitsubishi dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the CX-5’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Mazda vehicles are more reliable than Mitsubishi vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Mazda third in reliability, above the industry average. With 95 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mitsubishi is ranked 30th.

The CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 35 more horsepower (187 vs. 152) and 2 lbs.-ft. more torque (186 vs. 184) than the Eclipse Cross’ 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Mazda CX-5 is faster than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
Zero to 30 MPH	3.3 sec	3.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	9 sec	9.9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.6 sec	6.1 sec
Quarter Mile	17 sec	17.6 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	84 MPH	80 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the CX-5 gets better mileage than the Eclipse Cross:

			MPG
CX-5
		2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy
Eclipse Cross
		ES 1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/28 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/26 hwy

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the CX-5’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Mazda CX-5 higher (6 out of 10) than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (2). This means the CX-5 produces up to 27.7 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Eclipse Cross every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the CX-5’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
Front Rotors	12.9 inches	11.6 inches

The CX-5 stops shorter than the Eclipse Cross:

	CX-5	Eclipse Cross
70 to 0 MPH	173 feet	178 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	125 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the CX-5 has larger tires than the Eclipse Cross (225/65R17 vs. 215/70R16).

The CX-5’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 65 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Eclipse Cross ES’ standard 70 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CX-5 has standard 17-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Eclipse Cross ES. The CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL/Ralliart/Black Edition.

The CX-5 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the CX-5’s wheelbase is 5.6 inches longer than on the Eclipse Cross (110.7 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the CX-5 is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than on the Eclipse Cross.

The CX-5 S Premium Plus handles at .83 G’s, while the Eclipse Cross SE pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CX-5 S Premium Plus executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Eclipse Cross SEL (28.2 seconds @ .59 average G’s vs. 29 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

The CX-5 has 9.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Eclipse Cross (106.5 vs. 96.7).

The CX-5 has .2 inches more front headroom, .8 inches more front legroom, 2.2 inches more front hip room, 1.4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.9 inches more rear headroom, 2.8 inches more rear legroom, .4 inches more rear hip room and .5 inches more rear shoulder room than the Eclipse Cross.

The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Eclipse Cross with its rear seat up (33.7 vs. 23.4 cubic feet). The CX-5 has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Eclipse Cross with its rear seat folded (66.5 vs. 50.1 cubic feet).

When two different drivers share the CX-5 Preferred/Premium, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer a memory system.

The CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s standard Entry/Exit Assist glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The CX-5’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Eclipse Cross has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The CX-5’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Eclipse Cross’ standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

On a hot day the CX-5’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Eclipse Cross can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Eclipse Cross’ standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The CX-5’s standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights. (The power lock’s automatic feature may have to be activated by your dealer.)

The CX-5 has a standard Pushbutton Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from pocket or purse. Only the Eclipse Cross LE/SE/SEL/Ralliart/Black Edition offers FAST-Key.

The CX-5’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Eclipse Cross ES’ standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the CX-5 has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the Eclipse Cross only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

The CX-5 has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Eclipse Cross has an automatic headlight on/off feature standard only on the SE/SEL.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Premium Plus has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer cornering lights.

When the CX-5 Preferred/Premium is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Eclipse Cross’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the CX-5 Premium keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The CX-5 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Eclipse Cross SE/SEL/Black Edition.

Both the CX-5 and the Eclipse Cross offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Premium has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mazda CX-5 Select/Preferred/Premium has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Eclipse Cross doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Mazda CX-5 retains 57.6% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 49.95% resale value of the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross after five years, which can save the Mazda’s owner up to $1087 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Mazda CX-5, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross isn't recommended.

The Mazda CX-5 outsold the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross by almost 8 to one during 2025.