2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos often comes down to prioritizing fuel economy versus standard capability. If you need confident traction regardless of weather, the Eclipse Cross offers standard all-wheel drive (AWD) right from its $27,345 starting price, though it lags behind in efficiency, achieving only 26 combined MPG. Conversely, the slightly cheaper Taos, starting at $26,500, shines brightly on the highway, boasting 36 MPG on the highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway rating. While the Taos offers a pepier 174 hp versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, buyers must note the Taos comes standard with front-wheel drive. For sheer hauling potential, the Taos provides a more generous 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet, making the choice a trade-off between efficiency/power and standard grip/size.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG, saving more money on regular trips.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
Families will appreciate the Taos's larger cargo capacity of 27.9 cubic feet, offering more room for strollers and gear.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos is the clear winner here, delivering 174 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque from its smaller engine, outperforming the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers better efficiency (31 combined MPG) and more power (174 hp) for a lower initial MSRP of $26,500.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You live in an area with frequent snow or rain and need the confidence of standard all-wheel drive capability.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Eclipse Cross is 2 inches taller than the Taos.
- You value the slightly higher torque rating of 184 lb-ft which is delivered across both vehicles.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- Maximizing fuel budget is critical, as the Taos achieves 36 highway MPG versus the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG.
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from the Taos's significantly larger 27.9 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You prioritize acceleration, since the Taos delivers 22 more horsepower (174 hp vs 152 hp).
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 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Does the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross come standard with AWD?
Yes, the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes standard with all-wheel drive right out of the box, which is a major plus if you frequently encounter slippery conditions. This contrasts with the 2026 Volkswagen Taos, which requires opting for an AWD system separately.
Which crossover has better city fuel economy?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is significantly more efficient in city driving, achieving 28 MPG city versus the Eclipse Cross's 25 MPG city rating. This 3 MPG difference adds up quickly on daily commutes.
How much more cargo room does the Taos offer?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos offers noticeably more room with 27.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cubic feet. That's nearly 4.5 cubic feet extra space for luggage or groceries.
Is the horsepower difference between these two crossovers significant?
Yes, the 2026 Taos is notably more powerful with 174 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp, giving the Taos a 22 hp advantage for merging or passing maneuvers.
Are these vehicles expensive to fuel up?
Both vehicles run on regular unleaded fuel, which keeps the cost low. However, the Taos is cheaper to run overall due to its superior combined MPG of 31 compared to the Eclipse Cross's 26 MPG.
Which car is larger based on exterior dimensions?
While the Eclipse Cross is slightly longer at 179.0 inches, the 2026 Taos is actually wider at 72.5 inches, though it is lower in height than the Mitsubishi.
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