Compare two new cars by price, estimated monthly payment, fuel economy, and other specifications. Data comes from the CarPayCheck.com catalog and uses your selected financing terms.
| Sportage | Eclipse Cross | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Kia | Mitsubishi |
| Starting price | $28,790 | $27,795 |
| Monthly payment | $335 | $323 |
| Fuel type | Plug-in hybrid | Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 36.0 mpg | 25.5 mpg |
| CO₂ emissions | 97 g/mi–373 g/mi | 340 g/mi–352 g/mi |
| Annual maintenance cost | — | — |
The 2019-2021 Sportage with the 2.4L GDI engine can develop connecting-rod bearing wear, causing knocking, low oil-pressure warnings, sudden stall, and possible engine compartment fire. Repair usually requires a short-block or complete engine replacement, typically around $5,000-$8,000 at a dealership. Some owners have been covered under Kia's expanded Theta-II engine warranty.
The 2.4L engine in 2019-2021 Sportage models may burn oil between changes, produce blue exhaust smoke, foul spark plugs, and trigger the oil-pressure warning. Untreated, this can damage the catalytic converter and cause engine seizure. Dealer oil-consumption testing costs about $150-$300, while severe cases may require engine replacement at $5,000-$8,000.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in 2019-2021 Sportage 1.6T Turbo models can shudder, jerk, hesitate, and chatter during low-speed driving. The DCT clutch wears and may eventually require clutch or transmission replacement, commonly costing $3,500-$7,000 at independent shops. Earlier software reflashes can be cheaper if the clutch has not already been damaged.
Some early-production 2023-2024 Kia Sportage models experience 12V battery drain, 'battery discharge' warnings, and no-start conditions after sitting overnight or for several days. The typical repair starts with a replacement 12V battery costing roughly $180-$350, plus $100-$200 for diagnosis if a parasitic draw is suspected. Intermittent resets of infotainment and electrical accessories can accompany the issue.
The 2022-2023 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross received a 'Poor' rating in the updated IIHS Moderate Overlap and Side Impact tests, despite earning 'Good' ratings under the older, less stringent protocols. This indicates a higher risk of injury in specific moderate overlap and side-impact collision scenarios compared to competitors. The concern is primarily a crashworthiness and structural safety issue rather than a mechanical defect, affecting the North American market first-generation models. Crash-test ratings do not typically involve a repair cost, so the price is not applicable.
Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross suit different driving needs. The main differences below cover price, monthly payment, fuel economy, and running costs.
Sportage starts at $28,790; Eclipse Cross starts at $27,795. The difference is $995, making Eclipse Cross about 3% cheaper before financing.
Estimated monthly payment: Sportage — $335; Eclipse Cross — $323. The difference is $12 per month, with Eclipse Cross lower.
The models use different powertrains: Sportage — Plug-in hybrid; Eclipse Cross — Gasoline. The better choice depends on your daily route and access to charging.
The final choice is about more than numbers: annual distance, city or highway use, and the space your household needs all matter. Use the CarPayCheck.com calculator to apply your financing terms and evaluate both cars in your situation.
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