2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross vs 2026 Volkswagen Taos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Volkswagen Taos often comes down to prioritizing fuel savings versus capability. The Taos kicks things off with a lower starting MSRP at $26,500 compared to the Eclipse Cross’s $27,695. For drivers focused on the pump, the Taos shines, delivering 31 MPG combined versus the Eclipse Cross’s 26 MPG combined—a meaningful 5 MPG difference. However, the Taos is FWD standard, while the Eclipse Cross includes standard All-Wheel Drive. Power metrics show the Taos has a noticeable edge with 174 hp compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 152 hp, though both share the same 184 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the Taos offers more usable space with 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft. Deciding hinges on whether you value better efficiency and power, or standard AWD and a slightly larger footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos offers 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing more room for family gear than the Eclipse Cross's 23.4 cu ft.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos excites slightly more with 174 hp available versus the Eclipse Cross's 152 hp.
2026 Volkswagen Taos
The Taos wins on base value by offering a lower MSRP of $26,500 and better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross if...
- You absolutely require standard All-Wheel Drive for slippery conditions without paying for an optional package.
- You prefer the taller, slightly wider dimensions of the Eclipse Cross (66.5 inches high vs 64.5 inches).
- You are comfortable with the 25/28 MPG city/highway rating that comes with the standard AWD system.
Choose the Volkswagen Taos if...
- You want to save money upfront, as the Taos has a lower MSRP of $26,500.
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, given the Taos’s 31 MPG combined rating versus 26 MPG for the Mitsubishi.
- You need the extra utility provided by its 27.9 cu ft of maximum cargo space.
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 | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| 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 Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/70R16 | 215/55R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
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./ 30000 mi. | 2 yr./ 20000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and 2026 Volkswagen Taos.
Which crossover is better for highway driving based on specs?
The 2026 Volkswagen Taos is generally better for highway driving, achieving 36 MPG highway compared to the Eclipse Cross's 28 MPG highway. The Taos also has 174 hp to the Mitsubishi’s 152 hp, which may feel more effortless at cruising speeds.
How much more cargo room does the Taos offer over the Eclipse Cross?
The Taos provides a significant advantage in the back, offering 27.9 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Eclipse Cross trails with 23.4 cu ft. That’s nearly 4.5 cubic feet more space for luggage or groceries.
Is the standard AWD on the Eclipse Cross worth sacrificing 5 MPG?
This is a personal trade-off; the Eclipse Cross includes AWD standard, which is great for snow or mild off-roading, but it costs you 5 MPG combined. If you live where AWD is essential year-round, the penalty might be worth it for the stability.
Does the base engine provide enough power for everyday driving in either model?
While both use regular unleaded fuel, the Taos offers 174 hp, while the Eclipse Cross only delivers 152 hp, though both share 184 lb-ft of torque. The Taos should feel quicker off the line and merging onto busy roads.
What is the difference in the transmission types offered?
The Eclipse Cross utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, which is designed for seamless operation and efficiency. Conversely, the Taos uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which drivers often prefer for a more traditional feel under acceleration.
Which car has the lower entry price point?
The Volkswagen Taos is the more affordable entry point into this comparison, starting at $26,500. The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has a slightly higher starting MSRP of $27,695.
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