2025 Volkswagen Taos vs 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lies in fuel economy, with the Taos achieving a 31 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined—a 5 MPG advantage. The Taos also holds a measurable power lead, boasting 174 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp, although both achieve 184 lb-ft of torque. Pricewise, the Taos begins at a lower MSRP of $25,495 against $27,695 for the Mitsubishi. The Taos is shorter overall at 175.9 inches, while the Eclipse Cross is taller at 66.5 inches, translating to 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity for the VW versus 23.4 cu ft for the Mitsubishi. These metrics clearly delineate priorities: the Taos prioritizes efficiency and a lower initial cost, while the Eclipse Cross offers standard AWD and a slightly larger frame.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers 27.9 cu ft of cargo space, substantially more than the Eclipse Cross’s 23.4 cu ft, which benefits families needing capacity.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
With 174 hp, the Taos provides 22 more horsepower than the Eclipse Cross for potentially more engaging driving dynamics.
2025 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos has a lower entry price point at $25,495 and delivers 5 better MPG for lower long-term running costs.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You prioritize minimizing fuel stops, as the Taos achieves 31 MPG combined.
- Your budget requires a lower starting MSRP of $25,495.
- You need maximum accessible cargo volume, benefiting from 27.9 cu ft.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- All-wheel drive capability is a mandatory requirement, which comes standard on the Eclipse Cross.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance, as the Eclipse Cross measures 66.5 inches in height versus 64.5 inches for the Taos.
- You prefer the standard inclusion of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over an 8-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Volkswagen Taos | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 175.9" | 179.0" |
| Width | 72.5" | 71.1" |
| Height | 64.5" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5500 rpm | 152 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 28/36 MPG | 25/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/475.2 mi. | 395.0/442.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 1 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.1 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.9 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.9 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.4 in. | 52.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/55R H | 215/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Volkswagen | Mitsubishi |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. | 2 yr./ 30000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.
What is the primary difference in powertrain performance between the 2025 Taos and the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
The Volkswagen Taos produces 174 hp, giving it a 22 hp advantage over the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp; however, both models achieve an identical 184 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover offers better efficiency for daily driving?
The Taos is the clear efficiency leader, rated at 31 MPG combined and achieving 36 MPG on the highway, significantly outpacing the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined rating.
How do the dimensions and cargo capacities compare?
The Taos is slightly shorter in length (175.9 inches vs. 179.0 inches) but provides 4.5 cubic feet more maximum cargo capacity at 27.9 cu ft, compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 23.4 cu ft.
Does the price difference account for the differences in drivetrain?
Yes, the Eclipse Cross costs $2,200 more at $27,695, which covers its standard all-wheel drive system, whereas the base Taos comes in at $25,495 with front-wheel drive.
What transmission types are utilized in these two models?
The 2025 Volkswagen Taos utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Which vehicle utilizes regular unleaded fuel?
Both the 2025 Volkswagen Taos and the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, offering consistency in fuel requirements.
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