Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV starts from $46,490 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen Tiguan opens at $44,990. That makes the Volkswagen Tiguan the more affordable entry point by $1,500.

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 $51,139 and $49,489 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 Volkswagen Tiguan, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $10,445 in fuel alone.

Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Volkswagen Tiguan hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 83% for the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen Tiguan 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 9 in the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan adds a 360-degree camera that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV misses.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen Tiguan gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. 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 Volkswagen Tiguan. The Volkswagen Tiguan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Volkswagen Tiguan responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds.

The Volkswagen Tiguan has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Tiguan is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV measures 4,545mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 6mm longer than the Volkswagen Tiguan at 4,539mm (2,681mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen Tiguan generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 615L in the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving the Volkswagen Tiguan a 206L advantage.

For towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $77/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and $2,166/year for the Volkswagen Tiguan. That is a $2,089 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.

Estimated annual total: $77 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs $2,166 (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $2,089 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Tiguan). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.