Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV vs smart #1
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 smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV the more affordable entry point by $11,410.
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 $60,390 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 smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 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 smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. 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 smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 3.0s 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 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 55km and 420km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 150kW (smart #1).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV measures 4,545mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 275mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV a 206L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV 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.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and smart #1?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is the cheapest at $43,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $11,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses the least fuel at 1.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the largest boot at 409L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has the longest warranty at 10 years / 200k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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