The subcompact SUV segment is flush with unique entries. Whether you’re looking for affordability, fuel efficiency, sportiness, or spaciousness, you’re bound to find a model to match your needs. The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport and the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are a couple of vehicles that may fit the bill for many drivers.

These small SUVs are great commuter vehicles, as both achieve impressive gas mileage and are relatively safe. However, one of these models stands head and shoulders above the other.

Many shoppers may instantly gravitate toward the Eclipse Cross since its base MSRP is just $22,995. Meanwhile, the Rogue Sport seems pricey in comparison, with a starting price of $25,650. But does the more affordable model offer the best value?

Let’s see what both subcompact SUVs have to offer so you can make the best buying decision.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport is extremely versatile

Nissan’s small SUV has been one of the most unappreciated models in the automotive industry for quite some time. However, it’s about time that the Rogue Sport got the respect it deserves. Nissan fully redesigned the Rogue Sport for the 2021 model year, and it’s better than ever.

The 2021 Rogue Sport provides more storage space than almost any other model in the subcompact SUV class. Its cargo hold provides 31.6 cubic feet of space, and it opens up to 74.1 cubic feet when the rear seats are lowered.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross seems puny in comparison. It only offers 22.6 cubic feet in the cargo area and 48.9 cubic feet of max storage space.

The all-new Nissan Rogue Sport isn’t just big on space; it also delivers sizable horsepower and fuel-efficiency numbers. You won’t be blown away by its 181-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but it’s enough strength to overtake slowpokes on the highway. Plus, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport achieves a healthy EPA-estimated 29 MPG city/highway combined.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can’t keep up. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 152 hp and gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined.

The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers peace of mind

The Eclipse Cross doesn’t have many positives, but it does excel in a significant area – affordability. On top of its low price, Mitsubishi also paired the 2020 Eclipse Cross with an outstanding warranty. The manufacturer offers basic coverage for five years/60,000 miles. Additionally, Mitsubishi provides a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Comparatively, Nissan gives buyers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Drivers will also get a sense of security from an SUV that can protect them. The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport are decent in this regard. 

Mitsubishi only equipped the base Eclipse Cross with a rearview camera. However, upgrading to the SE trim, which only costs $25,645, affords you many driver-assistance technologies. These include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more.

The NHTSA awarded the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a five-star safety rating. Notably, the organization hasn’t fully evaluated the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport at the time of this writing.

Meanwhile, Nissan loaded the Rogue Sport with standard smart safety systems. But then again, its base trim is comparable to the Eclipse Cross SE in price.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport holds the advantage of coming standard with automatic emergency braking. Mitsubishi only makes this crucial feature available in the top-tier trim of the Eclipse Cross.

The final verdict: Which SUV wins?

Car buyers shouldn’t hesitate to choose the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport over the 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Despite being more expensive, it provides much more value than its rival. Even those who upgrade to the Eclipse Cross SE or SEL won’t get as many features or as good of performance.