The 2026 Chevy Equinox vs the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross: Which Machine Will Reign Supreme?

Drivers have a lot of options when it comes to compact SUVs; in fact, it might feel like there are just too many options. What happened to the days when a driver picked the vehicle size they needed, compared features with their budget, and went home happily with a new car? In the case of the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, only the Chevy takes the straightforward approach.

It’s not that we think the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a bad car; it’s just that the Equinox has brought its A-game to the new model year, outperforming and outwitting the Eclipse Cross in a few significant ways.

Take a look at some of the reasons we feel the 2026 Chevy Equinox is one of the best little SUVs on the market today.

Power and Performance

Both the 2026 Chevy Equinox and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It’s only natural to assume that these engines perform to similar standards, but they do not.

Both the Equinox and the Eclipse Cross can tow up to 1,500 pounds, which means both engines are doing a great job.

However, while the Mitsubishi chugs along with a placid 152 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, the Chevy is cruising down the road, getting things done with 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.

The Equinox is also more efficient, with an EPA estimated fuel consumption of 29 MPG on the highway, regardless of whether you choose a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive model.

Most of the Eclipse Cross trims have an EPA estimated fuel economy of just 26 MPG on the highway, which may be because the Eclipse Cross is strictly offered as an all-wheel drive model.

What Trims Are Offered?

Chevy and Mitsubishi simply have differing views of how to give the driving public what they want.

Chevy offers the 2026 Equinox in three trims: LT, Activ, and RS.

Each vehicle has its own personality, too. The Activ trim adds all-terrain tires and a specially-tuned suspension for more adventures. The RS trim has a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and bright interior contrast stitching. Both the Activ and RS are offered in two-tone paint options with a contrasting roof.

While each trim comes equipped with its own robust suite of features, Chevy also offers a variety of optional packages, allowing drivers to customize everything from floor mats to safety features.

Mitsubishi, on the other hand, has released an extensive range of trims: ES, LE, SE, RALLIART, Black Edition, and SEL.

For the most part, RALLIART and Black Edition are appearance-based options. The Eclipse Cross RALLIART has exclusive graphics, trim, spoiler, and mud flaps, while the Black Edition has a full black-out exterior, along with a rear bumper step protector and sport pedals.

Which Has the Most Enjoyable Interior?

Drivers who spend any amount of time behind the wheel want a car they can enjoy every mile of the way.

Cargo Space

Chevy understands that space and roominess are among the most important features for many drivers. The Equinox includes a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which, when completely stowed, reveals up to 63.5 cubic feet of space for your cargo. There’s even an extra hidden storage compartment under the rear cargo floor for especially precious cargo.

The Eclipse Cross has a maximum of just 50.1 cubic feet for your belongings, though the 60-40 split-folding rear seat does offer reclining adjustments, which is a nice touch.

Amenities

Inside the 2026 Equinox, a heated steering wheel and heated front seats are standard. Both the RS and Activ trims heap on extra amenities, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with two lumbar settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, Rain-Sense front wipers, and a cabin humidity sensor that helps keep the windows clear when all seats are occupied.

The RS trim features Evotex seating. The Activ trim is upholstered in Evotex and sueded microfiber.

The 2026 Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, lacks heated front seats until the LE trim, and power-adjustable front seats don’t come into the lineup at all until the SE trim.

Most Eclipse Cross trims have standard fabric seating, though the RALLIART and Black Edition include synthetic suede, and the top SEL trim is designed with real leather seating appointments. Compared to the Equinox, Mitsubishi spreads useful features across more trims. Shoppers who like their amenities standard will prefer to shop with Chevrolet.

Tech That Makes Sense

Over the past decade, Chevy has increasingly embraced new auto technology and features that make a simple SUV more comfortable and convenient for the average driver.

With the Equinox, Great Tech Comes Standard

This can be seen in the number of standard features found on the 2026 Equinox LT. The cockpit surrounds the driver with the most important details, including an 11-inch Driver Information Center behind the steering wheel and an 11.3-inch color liquid crystal infotainment display.

The infotainment display is the key to the Equinox’s most helpful features, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot capability with 5G vehicle connectivity, and Google built-in, allowing you to keep in touch with the real world, even when you’re stuck in traffic.

Add in the HD rear vision camera, a handful of USB ports in the front and rear seats, and Active Noise Cancellation technology, and the cabin of the Equinox becomes an inviting, helpful place to commute.

Choosing the RS or Activ trim adds more useful goodies to the cabin, like a heated wiper park, wireless device charging pad, and a Universal Home Remote.

High Tech Upper Trims in the Eclipse Cross

The Eclipse Cross has a simpler approach to technology. What Mitsubishi terms a “Smartphone-Link Display” measures in at eight inches, and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections both require a wire. Bluetooth is on board, along with a rearview camera, but the Mitsubishi has just four speakers to the standard six in the Equinox, and there’s no Google built-in to speak of.

You’ll have to step all the way up to the SE trim to get features like a power tailgate and adaptive cruise control, both of which are included on the Equinox RS and Activ trims.

In fact, to create an Eclipse Cross model that outshines the Equinox, you’ll need to get the top SEL trim with the optional Touring Package. Here, you’ll find heated rear seats, a head-up display, and an eight-speaker Mitsubishi Power Sound System.

While the Eclipse Cross takes the win with the HUD and the Power Sound System, adding the Convenience Package III to the Equinox provides heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and driver’s seat memory functions, all of which are pretty enjoyable in their own right.

Make the 2026 Chevy Equinox Your Next New SUV

When it comes to selling new SUVs, some manufacturers make the process a little more difficult than it needs to be. While the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a nice car, its not-too-plentiful features are spread out across many trim levels, meaning drivers have to make more upgrades to get everything they want.

In addition to having a more powerful engine and greater cargo space, the 2026 Chevy Equinox has a streamlined lineup, in which each trim is well-outfitted with plenty of standard features, along with the opportunity to customize the driving experience.