Kia Sportage vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $43,490. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $5,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,339 and $47,839 respectively.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Kia Sportage, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $8,450 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Sportage and 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV responds with a Petrol making 96kW and 195Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Kia Sportage has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 140mm longer than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Kia Sportage a 134L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Sportage leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 150kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $1,690 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $1,690 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $1,690 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Sportage has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
