LaFontaine Mitsubishi Ann Arbor – Everyday S-AWC Confidence and Handsfree Tailgate Convenience for Plymouth, MI in the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
If your Plymouth, MI days bounce between packed morning commutes on I-275, quick stops around downtown, and family errands on Ann Arbor Road, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross lines up perfectly with your routine. Two features rise to the top for local shoppers: standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) for dependable traction and an available Handsfree Power Tailgate for low-stress loading. Put simply, the Eclipse Cross makes daily driving easier, from the first cold start to the last parking spot of the day.
Because S-AWC is standard on every trim, you do not have to calculate add-on costs or step up to a particular package to get real traction benefits. You can choose your ideal trim—ES, SE, SE Pano, BLACK EDITION, SEL, or SEL TOURING—and know that S-AWC is already part of the equation. That has big implications for shoppers who value confident acceleration on wet ramps, stability when a pothole surprises you on Sheldon or Haggerty, and predictable control when traffic stacks up. This built-in capability pairs neatly with the available Handsfree Power Tailgate, turning hot coffee, gym bags, groceries, and a packed-to-the-brim stroller into a one-motion load instead of a balancing act.
Why S-AWC Matters on Plymouth Roads
S-AWC is more than an “AWD included” badge—it is Mitsubishi’s integrated approach to traction, stability, and predictable handling. On Plymouth’s mix of paved arterials, neighborhood streets, and occasional gravel cut-throughs, the system helps you pull away from a stop more cleanly, maintain stability as the surface changes, and keep the SUV settled through quick lane shifts. The calibration prioritizes smoothness over drama, which is exactly what you want when traffic density varies and you have passengers to keep comfortable.
When you are comparing compact SUVs, it is common to see AWD limited to higher trims or positioned as a separate option. The 2026 Eclipse Cross flips the script. By making S-AWC standard, Mitsubishi ensures your trim decision can focus on comfort and tech preferences—like seating surfaces, camera systems, and connection features—without worrying whether you also need to factor in traction hardware. That approach saves time and helps you choose on your terms.
Handsfree Power Tailgate: A Small Feature That Feels Big
It is remarkable how much easier daily life feels when your SUV anticipates what you are about to do. The available Handsfree Power Tailgate on the Eclipse Cross is a great example. Keys in your pocket or bag? Hands full of takeout for the family, a laptop bag, and a youth sports duffel? A small gesture opens the gate and frees you from awkward contortions. For Plymouth drivers juggling downtown parking near Kellogg Park, school pickups, and weekend runs to big-box stores along Ann Arbor Road, this is the kind of convenience that quickly becomes non-negotiable.
Pair that tailgate with the Eclipse Cross’s wide cargo opening and flexible rear seats, and you have a compact SUV that plays in a bigger league for loading and unloading. The cargo floor makes it easy to slide in larger items, and the split-folding rear seatbacks create useful configurations for mixing passengers and gear. Add the available Multi-View Camera System, and angling into a tight spot for curbside pickup gets far simpler.
Feature Alignment: What Plymouth Drivers Tend to Prioritize
- Standard Traction: S-AWC on every trim for confident starts, turns, and lane changes
- Easy Parking: Available Multi-View Camera System for better low-speed visibility
- Cargo Simplicity: Available Handsfree Power Tailgate plus a wide hatch opening
- Everyday Comfort: Available 8-way power driver’s seat and supportive cushioning
- Smart Safety: Standard FCM with Pedestrian Detection and LDW, with BSW, LCA, and RCTA available
- Ownership Peace of Mind: Strong warranty coverage and roadside assistance
Those priorities fit Plymouth well: dense morning traffic, variable surfaces, frequent parallel parking, and the constant shuffle of backpacks, groceries, and sports gear. The Eclipse Cross’s blend of built-in traction and easy-loading features answers those needs without pushing you into a bigger vehicle or a pricier class.
Trim Thoughts: Picking Your Sweet Spot
Since S-AWC is standard, you can focus your trim decision on convenience, visibility, and cabin feel. The SE trim is a strong middle ground for many Plymouth drivers, bringing features like LED Headlights, a power driver’s seat, and Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Prefer a blacked-out look inside and out? The BLACK EDITION adds dark exterior accents and sportier touches. If leather seating and a Multi-View Camera System are must-haves, the SEL lands you there. The SEL TOURING builds further for a flagship feel. Bottom line: you get to choose the experience you want, not the traction you need—that part is standard.
Real-World Utility: Beyond the Morning Commute
The Eclipse Cross carries small-but-mighty versatility, including a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. If you need to move a small trailer, a pair of bikes on a lightweight rack, or seasonal gear, that extra margin of capability is there. Inside, the rear bench folds quickly, and the flat load surface simplifies sliding bins and boxes forward—ideal for quick projects and weekend reorganizing.
From a technology standpoint, the available 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Mitsubishi Connect keep your day synced without complicating the interface. It is designed to be approachable so you can navigate, queue up music, and answer calls with minimal distraction.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is S-AWC always active on the 2026 Eclipse Cross?
S-AWC is integrated into the vehicle’s systems and continuously monitors traction, sending power where it is needed. You can also choose drive modes to tailor responses to conditions.
Do I have to step up to a higher trim to get the Handsfree Power Tailgate?
The Handsfree Power Tailgate is available on select trims. Our team can show you which configurations include it so you can match the right package to your priorities.
Which safety features are standard?
Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Warning are standard. Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a Multi-View Camera System, and Adaptive Cruise Control are available on higher trims.
How does the Eclipse Cross compare to similar-size SUVs without standard AWD?
Because S-AWC comes standard, you get confident traction from the start, while some rivals require a higher trim or option package to add AWD. That means you can prioritize interior and tech features without sacrificing capability.
Can I tow with the Eclipse Cross?
Yes. When properly equipped, the Eclipse Cross offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. It is a useful margin for small trailers and lightweight gear.
If you are weighing compact SUVs for Plymouth roads, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross offers a smart combination of must-have traction and practical convenience. LaFontaine Mitsubishi Ann Arbor can walk you through the best trim fit for your daily routes and show how features like the available Handsfree Power Tailgate, Multi-View Camera System, and thoughtful interior storage add up to stress-free driving. We are proudly serving Canton, Plymouth, and Farmington with a consultative, low-pressure approach that makes shopping feel easy. When you are ready to see how this SUV fits your life, our team is here to help—online or in person. LaFontaine Mitsubishi Ann Arbor looks forward to earning your business with straightforward guidance and genuine local expertise.
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