With the price of new vehicles rising, buying a new car by checking out the sticker price first isn’t an unreasonable way to go. With the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, shoppers find that low price doesn’t necessarily mean low value. While the bigger sellers in this class might be tempting, these two alternatives are worth a look.
Let’s see what kind of value proposition these two offer.
2024 Mazda CX-5
Smart and sporty looking, the Mazda CX-5 still catches plenty of eyes. Adding a spirited powertrain and affordability makes the result very appealing.
Mazda produces practical vehicles that offer an excellent driving experience. In the case of the CX-5, it can tackle multiple tasks, such as hauling people and cargo, daily commuting, etc. Mazda engineers ensure drivers can enjoy their time behind the wheel.
With a 187-horsepower base engine, the CX-5 can be a bit of fun, but upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbo, putting out up to 256 horsepower, and now we’re talking about some real performance. Additionally, the cabin is spacious and comfortable. The layout is driver-focused, plus the convenience and safety technology are excellent. Pricing begins at $30,675, including destination fee.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
AWD: All CX-5 SUVs come with all-wheel drive. Dubbed i-AWD, the system can send power to different wheels according to what’s needed at the moment. It can also revert to front-wheel drive for optimum fuel economy.
Recliners: Competitors may enjoy more rear passenger space, but they don’t all recline like those in the 2024 Mazda CX-5, which enhances comfort for rear-seat passengers.
Powerful engine: Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine already puts out 187 hp, but moving up to the turbocharged version with premium fuel unlocks another 69 horses, upping the performance quite a bit. It creates a driving experience the Eclipse Cross can’t match.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-5 models for sale near you.
2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
A bit of a tweener size-wise, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers sporty styling, a reasonable price, and a stellar warranty. Everyone wants an attractive vehicle with plenty of protection, right?
It’s not quite a subcompact nor a compact, which means getting into the Eclipse Cross will likely tell you if it’s a thumbs up or down on going any further. Powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 152 hp means you’re unlikely to win the Traffic Light Grand Prix, but getting around town and onto freeways is certainly doable. Mitsubishi’s standard Super All-Wheel Control makes dealing with rain or snow much easier.
Available in six trim levels, pricing starts at $27,790, including destination fee, for the base ES model. The most popular version is the SE model, which comes in at about $30,500.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Highlights
AWD: The Eclipse Cross comes with the brand’s version of all-wheel drive, dubbed Super All-Wheel Control, as standard equipment across its lineup. This makes the Mitsubishi a good choice for drivers in snowy climates.
Excellent warranty: It gets touted quite a bit when talking about Mitsubishi products because it should. The Eclipse Cross comes with a fantastic warranty set: five years or 60,000 miles overall and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. That beats the warranty of the Mazda CX-5 by quite a bit.
Top tier: At the top of the Eclipse Cross range, the SEL Touring, you get a head-up display, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, upgraded forward collision mitigation, and an upgraded sound system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Eclipse Cross models for sale near you.
Similarities
These small SUVs have stylish exteriors, standard all-wheel drive, and reasonable pricing.
Conclusion
If you’re purely making choices based on what’s best for your bank account, the Eclipse Cross looks attractive. Its starting price is nearly $3,000 less than the CX-5. But is it the best value? Probably not. Although the Mazda is more expensive, it’s more powerful, fuel-efficient, and has more interior space for passengers and cargo. Also, the resale value of the Mazda CX-5 is far greater than that of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. If you can afford the Mazda CX-5, it’s easy to recommend.
| 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | |
| Starting Price | $30,675 | $27,790 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 152 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 26 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg | 25 city/28 highway/26 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/360,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 179.0 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 71.1 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 66.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 37.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 56.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.1cubic feet | 23.4 cubic feet |
