2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
| 2026 Chevy Equinox | VS | 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
| $28,800 [a] | MSRP | $27,695 |
| 175 | Horsepower | 152 |
| 63.5 cu. ft. | Cargo Space | 50.1 cut. ft. |
| 11.3 inches | Screen Size | 8 inches |
Taking a look at all of your options across the compact SUV spectrum, you have quite a selection to enjoy. This may or may not be a good thing, especially since having all these options can be a bit overwhelming. The great news is that the Chevy Equinox exists, offering a fantastic blend of practicality, style, and innovation to your ride.
There are other models that seek to rival the Equinox, and one of these is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. So, when it comes to the 2026 Chevy Equinox vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which compact traveler is better suited to your needs?
Let the pros here at DePaula Chevrolet help you decide, especially in the areas of cargo, convenience, performance, interior, exterior, tech, and safety. You’ll soon realize that one of these models outperforms the other and can enhance your ride in all the right ways.
Space for Life’s Adventures
Many drivers are drawn to compact SUVs due to the fact that they showcase car-like handling in a more accommodating package. This is perfect for first-time SUV drivers, small families, city commuters, and many others who don’t have a need for a larger vehicle. You will find that although these two models are compact, they don’t skimp on space—at least, one of them doesn’t.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox offers a maximum of 63.5 cu.ft. of space for your gear, making it perfect for strollers, groceries, school projects, work materials, luggage, and anything else you’re looking to pack inside. It also offers 29.8 cu.ft. behind the second row, which makes it a fabulous small-size traveler for drivers who need plenty of space for all of their travel gear.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, on the other hand, only offers a maximum of 50.1 cu.ft. of cargo space with its rear seats folded, and 23.4 cu.ft. behind the back row. This really limits your cargo-carrying potential. If you want a compact SUV with loads of space for just about anything, the Equinox offers just that.
Convenience That Keeps You Moving
In addition to offering an impressive amount of cargo space, the Equinox is also highly configurable, which really adds a level of heightened convenience to your ride. From a folding 60/40 split-bench seat to hidden storage beneath the rear cargo floor, the Equinox proves that it can keep your items organized while in transit.
Both the Equinox and Eclipse Cross can be equipped with a hands-free power tailgate to help you access your cargo hold when you could use an extra hand. However, the Equinox goes further with its AutoSense Power Liftgate, which opens automatically as you approach, along with its larger cargo hold and handy onboard storage solutions.
Performance You Can Count On
Whether you’re a commuter fighting traffic on the interstate each day or a parent dropping your little one off at preschool, you deserve to enjoy your ride to the fullest. This all comes down to how your vehicle performs, and rest assured that you won’t be disappointed when you’re riding in the 2026 Chevy Equinox.
Despite the fact that both the Equinox and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are armed with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder, it’s the Equinox that offers the more exciting ride. Sailing forward with 175 horses at the reins, as opposed to the Eclipse Cross, which only makes 152 hp, you’re sure to enjoy a lively ride when you trust your journeys to the Equinox.
In addition, the Equinox can be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission to enhance control and responsiveness, making your ride even better. Unfortunately, the Eclipse Cross only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs are designed to be efficient, but can be less enjoyable to drive than a traditional automatic transmission.
Efficiency That Saves You Money
You will also find that the 2026 Equinox is better on gas than the 2026 Eclipse Cross, which is something that today’s drivers prioritize. Gas prices are soaring, and the last thing you want is to spend more time and money at the gas station. Fortunately, the Equinox is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
The Eclipse Cross just doesn’t match these numbers, getting only an estimated 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. It may not seem like much, but that difference can really add up. This is especially true when you find yourself clocking in miles for a work trip or navigating stop-and-go traffic on grid-locked city streets. If you want a vehicle that’s smooth and efficient, the Equinox is it.
Style That Stands Out
There are a number of trims to choose from with both the 2026 Chevy Equinox and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Whether you prioritize elegance, excitement, practicality, or a perfect blend of all three, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for, especially when you’re interested in the Equinox.
Choosing the Equinox RS trim, for example, lets you enjoy stylish features that elevate your ride, including vibrant red accent stitching on its high-quality seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and black badging throughout to set the tone. The Equinox gives off a modern, upscale feel that allows you to enjoy your experience—all for an affordable price.
The Eclipse Cross is a nice-looking vehicle as well, with access to elegant appointments and quality materials; however, entry-level models can be a bit plain, lacking certain comfort elements. This means you’ll need to upgrade to a more expensive trim to access some features that are more widely available in Equinox models.
Design Details That Make a Statement
The cool thing about the Equinox is that each trim has its own personality. You’ll find sporty, stylish accents on the RS, adventure-ready features on the ACTIV, and a modern, practical approach to the ride with the LT. With distinct grille and front fascia designs for each trim, plus the availability of a two-tone roof, you’re sure to make a statement in the Equinox.
Although the Eclipse Cross definitely has a unique look, it may not fit with every driver’s tastes. Its sweeping curves and distinctive bodywork stand out, and its low-mounted headlights are a controversial choice.
If you want a model that’s a bit more practical yet offers a variety of styling elements that are unique to each trim, the Equinox may be perfect for you. It has a great blend of modern styling and the rugged SUV design cues that today’s drivers typically seek out in their vehicles.
Stay Connected and Secure
Today’s vehicles excel at keeping drivers and passengers in tune with their day from wherever they happen to be traveling. Shoppers who want a better tech experience, however, will want to choose the Equinox. This feature-packed model comes standard with an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the Eclipse Cross comes with a much smaller seven-inch or eight-inch display.
In addition to a larger touchscreen, the Equinox offers access to a Google-based software interface, an available wireless phone charger, and wireless smartphone integration to ensure that you remain seamlessly connected to your day. It also has an 11-inch Driver Information Center that displays pertinent details about your ride right behind the steering wheel.
Your Safety Is Always a Priority
Both vehicles offer a spectacular suite of safety tech to ensure a secure ride, no matter where you’re heading. The 2026 Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes features like Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, and more.
You will also find additional standard features, including Rear Park Assist, an HD Rear Vision Camera that provides a clear view of what is behind you, and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Eclipse Cross has its own set of safety tech, which is very similar to what’s found in the Equinox.
This makes both vehicles great for those who prioritize safety; however, it takes more than that to stand out with today’s drivers. If you want a slew of tech that impresses, plus access to a fine lineup of safety aids to make the drive better, you’ll want to choose the Equinox to take you wherever you need to go.
Ready to Meet Your New Equinox?
If you are in the market for a compact SUV, there’s no better model out there than the 2026 Chevy Equinox. It’s spacious, enjoyable to drive, stylish, safe, and innovative—the hallmarks of a fantastic everyday travel companion. It’s also highly affordable, which is perfect for budget-conscious shoppers, and saving money at the pump is a reality, as the Equinox is one fuel-efficient machine.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox appeals to daily drivers of all types, and it’s waiting to wow you here at DePaula Chevrolet. We invite you to take a closer look at this particular model and get ready to elevate the quality of your daily commute, family time on the road, errand running, and more.
Visit our dealership today and take a model or two for a test drive. We are sure that there’s an Equinox in our selection that will impress you with its comfortable interior, confident ride quality, and Chevy-level quality leading the way.