Both models offer eight variations, including analogous special editions: the Black Edition of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Carbon Edition of the Mazda CX-5. They each have a palette of exterior colors, including bold shades of red and blue. Still, the Eclipse Cross ventures into progressive territory with its striking Bronze Metallic pigment; the Mazda has nothing comparable.

Further distinguishing itself, only the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross includes a motorsports-inspired trim: the RALLIART. It allows you to channel your inner race car driver and turn a few heads in the process with such singular features as:

• White Diamond finish
• 18-inch black painted alloy wheels and mud flaps
• RALLIART graphics and effects
• RALLIART spoiler and tailgate lip trim
• Exclusive accessories

When driving an SUV, size matters. After all, you’ll want to have enough room for you and your fellow travelers. Inside their cabins, the Eclipse Cross and the CX-5 offer nearly equivalent amounts of interior space for their respective passengers. Similar standard and available amenities await those riders, increasing the comfort and enjoyment for everyone on board:

• Bluetooth® for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming
• HD Radio®
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated front and rear seats
• Panoramic roof

Still, there are benefits to driving a vehicle with a small exterior footprint. You’ll more easily navigate crowded city streets and narrow alleys and be able to fit into tight parking spaces, whether along the street or in a parking lot or garage.

As a result of its slightly more compact build, the Eclipse Cross will be easier to maneuver when there’s less room available.

Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Mazda CX-5 offer turbo-charged engines that deliver more than 150 horsepower from the jump and essentially the same amount of torque. While the CX-5 pairs its motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the Eclipse Cross engine mates with an 8-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). With its expanded power band, the Mitsubishi’s CVT offers optimal performance and smoother, more consistent acceleration.

Does your wanderlust ever encourage you to venture off the beaten path? If so, you’ll want to be behind the wheel of the Eclipse Cross. Its 8.5 inches of ground clearance will come in handy when you head off-road (more about that later). On the other hand, you’ll be a bit more limited in the CX-5 with its lesser ground clearance of 7.6 inches.

All-wheel drive (AWD) and 4-wheel drive (4WD) both send power from the engine to all four wheels, although there are distinctions that impact how they operate when conditions are less than ideal. The CX-5’s i-ACTIV AWD decides when to drive with all four wheels, primarily sending power to the front wheels, meaning it’s better for dry pavement and limited in more extreme conditions.

On the other hand, the Eclipse Cross comes with Super All-Wheel Control (essentially 4WD) that evenly divides power between the front and rear wheels. As a result, it automatically controls acceleration, cornering, and braking while increasing stability and delivering smooth handling for all types of weather and road conditions. So, that means you can confidently head off-road and into the unknown.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that works to promote safer vehicles. Its 5-star system rates vehicles based on how well they protect occupants in the event of a collision.

The NHTSA has awarded the current model years of both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Mazda CX-5 with its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.

J.D. Power provides independent and unbiased ratings from hundreds of thousands of verified car owners related to:

• Quality & Reliability
• Driving Experience
• Resale Value
• Dealership Experience

Based on its 100-Point Score, the latest model year of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross rated 82/100 and was ranked 4th Best Compact SUV.^*

When you purchase a vehicle, you have certain expectations, including that it will continue to perform as intended for many years and miles. Still, a manufacturer’s warranty goes a long way toward providing reassurance to drivers. Mitsubishi and Mazda provide warranties for their models, although the coverage for the Eclipse Cross goes the extra mile(s)—literally.

Plus, with the Eclipse Cross, you’ll benefit from included Limited Maintenance, for two years or 30,000 miles, that includes:

• 3 oil/filter changes
• 3 tire rotations
• 1 cabin filter

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5’s warranty doesn’t cover regular maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations. With the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, coverage equals confidence.