Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV vs BYD Atto 3
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV starts from $43,490 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 3 opens at $39,990. That makes the BYD Atto 3 the more affordable entry point by $3,500.
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 $47,839 and $43,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and BYD Atto 3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 82% for the BYD Atto 3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Atto 3 packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 7 in the BYD Atto 3.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 3 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Atto 3 counters with Dirac audio that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a Petrol producing 96kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 responds with a Electric making 150kW and 310Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BYD Atto 3 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 3 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 13.8kWh (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 49.9kWh (BYD Atto 3), giving WLTP ranges of 55km and 345km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 80kW (BYD Atto 3).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV measures 4,545mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 90mm longer than the BYD Atto 3 at 4,455mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Atto 3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 440L in the BYD Atto 3, giving the BYD Atto 3 a 31L advantage.
For towing, the BYD Atto 3 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 0kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 3). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 3 takes 7 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 3 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
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