Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Eclipse Cross or the 2026 Taos around Sewell, NJ?

Matt Blatt Mitsubishi – Is all-wheel drive standard on the 2026 Eclipse Cross or the 2026 Taos around Sewell, NJ?

Among the most common questions we hear is straightforward: Is AWD standard on the compact SUV I’m considering? If you’re comparing the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos around Sewell, NJ, the answer makes your decision easier—Eclipse Cross builds all-weather traction into every trim, while Taos offers AWD as an option.

For Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi specifies Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) as standard equipment on every model, from ES to SEL Touring. S-AWC is more than a simple power shuffle between axles; it’s an integrated control strategy that coordinates Active Stability Control, braking, and torque distribution to help maximize grip and stability in everyday conditions. You also get selectable drive modes—Auto, Snow, and Gravel—so the system’s behavior aligns with the surface beneath you without guesswork. Whether you’re leaving a crowded lot with uneven pavement or easing onto a fast-moving highway, S-AWC is primed to make the transition feel secure and consistent.

What about the Taos and 4MOTION®?

Volkswagen’s 4MOTION® is a proven AWD technology and it’s available across Taos trims, but it does not come standard. If you want AWD, you’ll need to be sure you select a 4MOTION®-equipped Taos. With 4MOTION®, Taos offers Snow and Off-Road profiles, which is helpful for tailoring responses to conditions. In everyday usage, that means Taos can be configured for surefootedness—provided you choose the right trim and options.

If your short list includes unpaved lots by the fields, damp mornings with slick pavement, and frequent highway merges, the simplicity of “AWD standard on every Eclipse Cross” is tough to beat. You don’t have to shop packages, and you don’t have to ask yourself if the one on the lot has the right box checked. It’s already covered.

How do the systems feel in real life?

On the road, Eclipse Cross prioritizes smooth, predictable traction. The CVT pairs with the 1.5-liter turbo to keep torque in the sweet spot, and S-AWC sends it where it helps most. Turn-in remains calm on patchy asphalt, and the system’s Snow and Gravel modes are reassuring on loose shoulders or during low-traction starts. Taos with 4MOTION® is similarly competent; its 1.5-liter turbo and stepped gearbox offer a familiar feel, with valid traction benefits when equipped. The difference is that Eclipse Cross gives you this confidence baseline by default. You never wonder if your SUV is the AWD version—because it is.

Feature availability that supports confidence

Eclipse Cross backs up S-AWC with straightforward driver-assistance tools: Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection is standard, Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available, and the Multi-View Camera System (available on SEL) turns tight-parking maneuvers into a low-stress routine. Taos answers with IQ.DRIVE®, which brings a robust set of assistance features to the table and can be an asset on longer highway stretches. If you prioritize close-quarters visibility, Eclipse Cross’s available 360-degree view gives it a practical edge you notice every day.

• AWD availability: Eclipse Cross includes S-AWC on every trim; Taos requires selecting a 4MOTION® configuration.
• Drive modes: Eclipse Cross offers Auto/Snow/Gravel; Taos offers Snow and Off-Road profiles when equipped with 4MOTION®.
• Parking visibility: Eclipse Cross offers a Multi-View Camera System on SEL; Taos does not offer a comparable 360-degree camera.
• Warranty support: Eclipse Cross carries a 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty; Taos offers a shorter powertrain term.

Why standard AWD matters for your schedule

Life rarely offers perfect timing—sometimes you leave later than planned, catch a passing shower en route, or hit a detour onto a less-than-smooth back road. Standard S-AWC on Eclipse Cross means your SUV is ready for all of that, every time you start it. There’s no second vehicle to take on wet days and no mental checklist to ensure you bought the right drivetrain. For many Sewell-area drivers, that default capability is the difference between “mostly fine” and “confident without thinking about it.”

And day to day, the utility perks add up. Eclipse Cross’s available handsfree power tailgate, leather-appointed seating, available heated steering wheel, and the optional panoramic roof make commutes and errands feel considered. Taos brings a nice cabin of its own, highlighted by the Digital Cockpit and available connectivity via myVW®, but if you want AWD locked in—without trimming choices—Eclipse Cross is the simpler, surer path.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is AWD really standard on every 2026 Eclipse Cross?

Yes. Every trim of the 2026 Eclipse Cross includes Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) as standard equipment.

Can I get AWD on the 2026 Taos?

Yes. Volkswagen offers 4MOTION® all-wheel drive on the Taos, but it is not standard, so you should confirm your selected vehicle includes it.

Does the Eclipse Cross offer a 360-degree camera?

Yes. A Multi-View Camera System is available on SEL, giving a stitched, top-down view that makes parking easier.

Which SUV is the better fit if I want AWD without upsizing or adding packages?

The Eclipse Cross is the straightforward choice if you want AWD by default. You won’t need to move up trims or add a separate AWD package.

One last note: our team is committed to clear, practical guidance that fits your daily routine—test drives, walkarounds, and quick feature tutorials included. For a friendly, focused comparison and standard-AWD peace of mind, stop by for a drive and see which setup feels more natural to you. Matt Blatt Mitsubishi is proudly serving Sicklerville, Williamstown, and Sewell with a knowledgeable team and a thoughtful, low-stress process that respects your time.

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