We know the idea of a Hyundai beating a Mitsubishi sounds a little crazy. But the fact that the Mitsubishi Eclipse returned as an SUV instead of a sports car is also insane. So, the truth of the matter is, the Hyundai Kona beats the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, and here’s why. 

The Hyundai Kona Beats the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that begins around $20k. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a fellow compact SUV option that starts around $22k. Both of these options are pretty tempting at prices these low, but the Hyundai Kona is a more reliable bet. 

However, we do have to admit that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a clever name. It’s not a sports car anymore, but instead, it’s a crossover. The name is literal. But does the SUV offer a sporty performance? 

Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Performance 

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes with one engine option, which is a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It offers 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. To our surprise, that’s a lot of torque, but the Eclipse Cross can only tow up to 1,500 lb. But there is a significant lack of power for the Eclipse title as it takes 8.6 seconds for this SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph. 

The Hyundai Kona base model engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. You can also upgrade to the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. 

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Also, the Hyundai Kona can tow about 1,500 lb, but both of these options are not recommended for towing. But if you want a sporty ride, you can count on the Hyundai Kona. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. 

If you want a capable SUV, avoid the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. It’s only offered in front-wheel-drive. It has Active Yaw Control that supposedly acts the way four-wheel-drive does, but we aren’t taking that bait. We even discovered this typo when reading about the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross capabilities, “you?re behind the wheel.” The Hyundai Kona has optional all-wheel-drive to help you manage snow, mud, gravel, and other slippery conditions. 

Hyundai Kona and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Features 

The Hyundai Kona may look smaller than the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, but looks can be deceiving. The Mitsubishi Cross offers up to 48.9 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Hyundai Kona provides up to 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The Hyundai Kona also has a drop-down storage bin in the trunk. 

In terms of tech, both SUVs have Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a heads up display that provides crucial vehicle information. However, the Hyundai offers a lot more safety features including, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, auto high beam assistance, and driver attention warning. 

The Hyundai Kona is also a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick and the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. With the Kona, you’ll get a reliable, safe SUV that’s great for adventuring and daily driving. With the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, you get a gamble.