Choosing between the 2024 Chevy Equinox vs 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be a difficult decision to make, as both are quality vehicles. Still, there are some advantages one has over the other. Whether you’re looking for an affordable and versatile family vehicle or you’ve decided you want something reasonably sized with an efficient powertrain to handle your daily commute, a compact SUV like these two models is an excellent choice.
Many drivers have turned to compact SUVs over the last few decades because of how versatile they are. Newer SUVs are affordable, efficient, comfortable, and enhanced with plenty of tech and safety features. Many people prefer compact SUVs because they do well in urban and suburban areas where they aren’t too large to squeeze into a parking space but still have plenty of cargo room for things like sporting equipment, camping gear, and groceries for a growing family. The 2024 Chevy Equinox and the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are comparable SUVs––but which one would be best for you? What information will help you decide?
The 2024 Chevy Equinox
The 2024 Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV able to seat up to five people, including the driver. The Equinox was introduced by Chevrolet in 2005 and has remained one of the most popular SUV models for nearly twenty years. Though it has been around for a couple decades, don’t let that fool you into thinking it hasn’t kept pace with innovations in the automotive industry. The 2024 model comes standard with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, depending on your desired trim level. All trim levels come standard with an acoustic laminated windshield, the Chevy Safety Assist suite, and heated power outside mirrors.
The Equinox can be equipped with options like the Blackout Package, Midnight Edition, and Redline Edition, allowing you to customize your vehicle to match your personal sense of style. There are a lot of reasons people love to drive the Equinox, but when it comes down to it, what makes the Equinox so likable is the easygoing feel, the comfortable and spacious interior, and the good fuel economy. You’ll have ample room to haul people and stuff around and have access to plenty of tech to keep everyone entertained while you’re on the road.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Eclipse Cross is all Mitsubishi from head to toe, with a unique front-end design that stands out from other compact SUVs. Like the Equinox, it comes with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but Mitsubishi pairs this motor to a less responsive continuously variable transmission. The Eclipse Cross is also only rated for 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, compared to 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque for the Chevy Equinox. However, if you’re looking for something that can tow smaller loads, both models are capable of towing up to 1,500 lbs.
While the 2024 Eclipse Cross offers six trims against four for the 2024 Equinox, it actually has fewer customization options. That is because two of the trims are variants of other options, and the Eclipse Cross lacks the customization packages of the Equinox. With all this, it’s easy to see why the Equinox is the more popular model, but when you have to choose between an Eclipse Cross from Mitsubishi and an Equinox from Chevrolet, how do you make up your mind? Is one truly better than the other, or does it just come down to people’s preferences?
Equinox vs Eclipse Cross
Can’t decide between the two? Let’s look at a few areas that generally help drivers narrow down which model will be the best fit for them: efficiency, customization options, and standard comfort, convenience, and tech features. People tend to want vehicles that are more efficient, as well as already packed with features without having to upgrade to a higher trim level. While different trim levels and packages can be hit or miss with shoppers, in general, having more options to choose from is better.
When it comes to efficiency, the 2024 Chevy Equinox is rated for 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway in its standard front-wheel drive configuration. In contrast, the 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross tops out at 25 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. That makes the Chevy SUV considerably better suited to commuting and road trips, which is remarkable when you remember that it is also the more powerful of the two vehicles.
If you compare the all-wheel drive variants of the two models, the fuel economy numbers are closer, but the Equinox still pulls ahead. While the 2024 Eclipse Cross with all-wheel drive is rated for 28 MPG on the highway, the all-wheel drive version 2024 Equinox is estimated to achieve 30 MPG on the highway. If you prefer the superior traction provided by all-wheel drive and want to save money at the gas pump, the better highway fuel economy of the Equinox is a compelling selling point.
The Equinox is also a roomier vehicle, providing significantly more cargo space than the Eclipse Cross. Behind the rear seats in the Chevy SUV, you will find 29.9 cu.ft. of cargo space, which extends to a spacious 63.9 cu.ft when you fold down the rear seats. That’s enough to easily accommodate larger items like bicycles or furniture. In contrast, the Mitsubishi model offers a more compact 23.4 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats and 50.1 cu.ft. overall. That’s still enough for most uses but is noticeably less than the Equinox offers.
On the technology front, the Equinox comes standard with three years of OnStar Remote Access, a six-speaker audio system, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a seven-inch color touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the Eclipse Cross also has a standard seven-inch touchscreen, it falls behind in a few other places. For instance, you only get four speakers and one USB port, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available on the base trim. It’s up to you to decide what you want and what you might be ok with leaving out, but overall, the Equinox offers a lot more than the Eclipse Cross.
Who Wins? You Decide!
Though there are advantages to both the Equinox and the Eclipse Cross, it is clear which model the majority of drivers prefer. In fact, Chevy’s compact SUV outsold the Mitsubishi model by a factor of roughly 20 to 1 last year. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but hopefully, this examination of the two compact SUVs has helped you narrow down your choice. There are quite a few people who prefer one over the other, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you.
Chevrolet and Mitsubishi are known for the quality of their vehicles, along with their continual innovation to keep their models up to date with safety research as well as with the convenience features that drivers love most. If you test drive both, you may be able to feel the difference and know which one you’d prefer driving day in and day out. With the Equinox or Eclipse Cross, you’ll have a reliable, comfortable vehicle with which to brave a variety of situations, from traffic to inclement weather to a family road trip. Which one wins? You decide!
