Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross trim comparison
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE vs SEL
The Eclipse Cross LE starts at $29,295 while the SEL is $31,845. That $2,550 gap buys 2 meaningful differences.
$2,550 more is ~$45/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Stay with the LE if keeping roughly $45/month in your budget matters. Step up to the SEL only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty. That is the real decision hiding inside this $2,550 trim jump.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the LE to the SEL is about $45/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $2,700 more by the time interest is counted. For a budget-minded buyer, that payment change is large enough that the added equipment should matter every week, not just on the brochure.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
Both the LE and SEL share the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,550 for 1 measurable difference, which works out to about $2,550 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 2 specification differences, 5 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | LE | SEL |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,295 | $31,845 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 1.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 152 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 26 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.8 gal | 15.8 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,450 lbs | 3,483 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
| Length | 179.0" | 179.0" |
| Width | 71.1" | 71.1" |
| Height | 66.5" | 66.5" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/100k | 7yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE vs SEL Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lineup, the Mitsubishi brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Eclipse Cross SEL cost than the LE?
The SEL starts at $31,845 compared to $29,295 for the LE. That is a $2,550 difference, or approximately $45/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE and SEL have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 1.5L I4 Turbo producing 152 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2026 Eclipse Cross LE and SEL have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 Eclipse Cross LE or SEL safer?
Both share the same Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross come with?
All 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross trims, including both the LE and SEL, come with Mitsubishi's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,550 Gets You
The Eclipse Cross SEL costs $2,550 more but shares the same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy as the LE. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
What Both Trims Share
The Eclipse Cross LE and SEL share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $2,550 difference comes down to 1 feature and equipment change, not mechanical differences.
Summary
$2,550 more for the Eclipse Cross SEL gets you 1 real difference. At $45/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LE
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the LE best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SEL when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mitsubishi or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.