2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs. 2023 Hyundai Tucson

Small SUVs are ideal for drivers who want a vehicle that can make its way through crowded city traffic but is also spacious and comfortable. Their versatility makes them very popular, and there are many manufacturers competing for a share of the market. The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2023 Hyundai TUCSON are two good examples of small SUVs. This is how they compare.

Pros and Cons

While both the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2023 Hyundai TUCSON are good choices if you’re looking for a small SUV, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. The 2023 Eclipse may not be the best choice for drivers who prefer a more aggressive driving style, as its handling abilities tend to be underwhelming. Luckily, not many small SUV drivers choose to drive this way. Its design and comfort level make it ideal for city driving, however.

One of the 2023 Eclipse’s main selling points, its price, is one of the 2023 TUCSON’s biggest downsides. Even the basic Eclipse is very well equipped, and all-wheel drive is standard. While the Eclipse’s top trim has a recommended selling price of $31,440, the TUCSON’s top trim is almost $10,000 more expensive, with a price of $40,445. The TUCSON’s main pros are its excellent ride quality and comfortable interior.

Interior and Exterior Comparisons

The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross features a spacious and smartly designed interior. The materials used don’t quite reach the level of a luxury SUV, but they’re stylish and will stand the test of time. There’s plenty of space for both passengers and cargo, which makes the Eclipse suitable for family road trips. If you want to swap passenger space for cargo space, the back row folds down easily. On the exterior, the Eclipse Cross has a modern SUV look, with stylish LED headlights and fog lights and 18-inch wheels on all except the base trim.

The 2023 Hyundai TUCSON’s cabin is also spacious, with plenty of room for passengers and their luggage. The large windshield provides great visibility for the driver, and there are plenty of small storage spaces throughout. However, the lack of any physical buttons means that almost everything is controlled via the touch-screen interface, which can be challenging while driving.

Performance

Neither the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross nor the 2023 Hyundai TUCSON are built for performance, and their specs reflect that. The 2023 Eclipse has one engine option for all trims—a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that can produce up to 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. This powertrain pushes the Eclipse Cross from zero to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds, which is a respectable time for an SUV of its type.

The 2023 Hyundai TUCSON’s standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a maximum power output of 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite having more power than the Eclipse Cross, the TUCSON takes more than 10 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph. There’s also a hybrid version of the TUCSON, which uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and produces 227 horsepower. While this cuts the zero-to-60-mph time to just over seven seconds, the least expensive hybrid is over $5,000 more expensive than the standard Eclipse.

Trim Styles Available

The 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is available in four trim levels: the ES, LE, SE, and SEL. Some of its standard features include LED headlights, automatic climate control, cruise control, a 7-inch touch-screen interface, and useful driving aids such as lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add more stylish and useful amenities, such as 18-inch alloy wheels, smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a navigation system, and leather upholstery. The top SEL trim features a Touring package that adds elements such as a panoramic sunroof and roof rails. Prices range from $27,240 to $31,440.

The 2023 Hyundai TUCSON has five standard trim levels: the SE, SEL, XRT, N Line, and Limited. It also has three additional hybrid-only trims that offer the same features as their corresponding standard trims but with a hybrid powertrain. The basic trim comes with many useful tech features, such as wireless smartphone connectivity, an 8-inch touch-screen interface, and advanced driver aids. Higher trims mainly focus on adding luxury and tech features, with the exception of the off-road-oriented XRT trim. Prices range from $28,235 to $40,445.

And the Winner Is

Both the 2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Hyundai TUCSON are great examples of small SUVs that are fit for many purposes. They both feature comfortable cabins and useful tech features, including multiple driver aids. They’re also smooth and easy to drive in city traffic and highway speeds, making them excellent choices for drivers who don’t want to get separate cars for everyday tasks and occasional road trips.

The main differentiating factor between the two is their price. Although their base prices are similar, the 2023 TUCSON’s higher trims are considerably more expensive than those of the 2023 Eclipse Cross. Although the TUCSON’s additional trims provide more luxury and tech features and even an off-road-oriented trim, their much higher prices put the TUCSON in direct competition with other more capable vehicles, including the Mitsubishi Outlander. Also, the Eclipse’s standard version is slightly superior to the TUCSON’s as it features standard all-wheel drive. Overall, the Eclipse Cross takes this one.

Test-Drive a Mitsubishi Eclipse Today

Here at Performance Mitsubishi in Delray Beach, Florida, we understand that even though a vehicle may seem ideal on paper, you still have to take it for a drive before committing to buy it. Our extensive inventory features new and used Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUVs, as well as other Mitsubishi models. We invite you to test-drive them and determine which suits you and your family more. We can also help you find the best way to finance your purchase and service your vehicle after you’ve bought it. Call us today or use our website to schedule a test drive.

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