2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2025 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
The primary measurable divergence between the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2025 Volkswagen Taos lies in fuel economy, with the Taos achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 26 combined MPG, a 5 MPG advantage. Power output is also dissimilar; the Taos generates 174 horsepower while the Eclipse Cross offers 152 horsepower, though both vehicles deliver identical torque figures at 184 lb-ft. Pricing presents another contrast, with the Taos starting at $25,495 against the Eclipse Cross's $27,345 MSRP, creating a $1,850 initial cost difference. Furthermore, cargo capacity favors the Taos at 27.9 cu ft versus the Eclipse Cross’s 23.4 cu ft. While the Eclipse Cross is slightly longer at 179.0 inches, the Taos is wider by 1.4 inches. The transmission specifications also differ significantly, with the Taos utilizing an 8-speed shiftable automatic and the Eclipse Cross featuring a continuously variable transmission.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating, offering significant long-term fuel savings over the Eclipse Cross's 26 combined MPG.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Families benefit from the Taos's larger 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
Enthusiasts will favor the Taos's higher 174 horsepower output and its 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over the Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower and CVT.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos presents better immediate value with an MSRP of $25,495, which is $1,850 less than the Eclipse Cross's $27,345 starting price.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You require the standard 25/28 MPG city/highway rating coupled with standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the slightly taller stance of the Eclipse Cross, measuring 66.5 inches in height.
- You favor the inherent simplicity of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission in stop-and-go traffic.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, given the 31 combined MPG rating.
- You prioritize a higher base output of 174 horsepower and a 27.9 cu ft cargo area.
- You are looking for the lowest entry price point, starting at $25,495.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | Volkswagen Taos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.0" | 175.9" |
| Width | 71.1" | 72.5" |
| Height | 66.5" | 64.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/28 MPG | 28/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 395.0/442.4 mi. | 369.6/475.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.2 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.0 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.1 in. | 37.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.1 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.0 in. | 45.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/70R16 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mitsubishi | Volkswagen |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2025 Volkswagen Taos.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2025 Volkswagen Taos compared to the Eclipse Cross?
The Taos offers a distinct advantage in fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG. This is a measurable 5 MPG improvement over the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which is rated for 26 combined MPG.
What is the horsepower and torque difference between the two crossovers?
The Volkswagen Taos leads in power with 174 horsepower, surpassing the Eclipse Cross's 152 horsepower by 22 hp. However, both vehicles produce an identical torque figure of 184 lb-ft.
Which vehicle provides more storage space for cargo?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos offers superior cargo utility, boasting 27.9 cubic feet of space. This exceeds the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which provides 23.4 cubic feet.
Does the standard drivetrain and transmission differ significantly?
Yes, the standard Taos configuration listed features Front Wheel Drive paired with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the base Eclipse Cross comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
What is the difference in starting MSRP between the two models?
The Volkswagen Taos has a lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $25,495. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is priced higher, beginning at $27,345, creating an $1,850 variance at the entry level.
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