Subaru BRZ vs Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 Subaru BRZ starts from $43,790 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV opens at $43,490. That makes the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV the more affordable entry point by $300.
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 $48,169 and $47,839 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV by roughly $11,260 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Subaru BRZ.
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 4 in the Subaru BRZ.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Subaru BRZ and 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Feature Showdown
The Subaru BRZ features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Subaru BRZ uses a Petrol producing 174kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.3 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 Subaru BRZ has the clear power advantage at 174kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru BRZ is 3.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Subaru BRZ measures 4,265mm long on a 2,570mm wheelbase, 280mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV at 4,545mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 284L in the Subaru BRZ and 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV a 125L advantage. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,708/year for the Subaru BRZ and $456/year for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV. That is a $2,252 annual difference in favour of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
Estimated annual total: $2,708 (Subaru BRZ) vs $456 (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV saves you roughly $2,252 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru BRZ) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Subaru BRZ if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV will save you roughly $2,252 a year in fuel. 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.
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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