LaFontaine Mitsubishi Ann Arbor – Which SUV handles Michigan winters better — 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross or 2026 Hyundai Kona for Dearborn, MI drivers?
When winter weather arrives, the most common question we hear is simple: Which compact SUV puts down confident traction without forcing a trim-level upgrade? Here’s a clear, real-world take on the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the 2026 Hyundai Kona through the lens of snowy commutes, slushy intersections, and ice-glazed neighborhood streets around Dearborn, MI.
The Eclipse Cross equips standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) on every trim. That means torque transfer, brake-based yaw control, and drive-mode logic are always on tap, working together to help you start, steer, and stop with poise. The Kona’s available HTRAC All Wheel Drive improves traction too, but it is an option you must add, and its logic is tuned differently, placing more emphasis on axle-to-axle slip control. In practice, S-AWC’s integrated control can feel more composed in transitions—like exiting a slick side street into faster-moving traffic—because it manages wheel slip, lateral stability, and torque distribution as a single system. That unified tuning is the key to confidence when conditions change within a single block.
- Traction philosophy: S-AWC manages torque and stability together; HTRAC distributes torque to front and rear axles when slip is detected.
- Always on: Eclipse Cross brings S-AWC standard; Kona requires selecting HTRAC All Wheel Drive.
- Driver feedback: Eclipse Cross feels calm and predictable mid-corner; Kona feels secure when pulling away from a stop on low-grip surfaces.
- Visibility aids: Eclipse Cross offers a Multi-View Camera System; Kona Limited offers Surround View Monitor.
- Cold-weather touches: Both offer a heated steering wheel and heated front seats on upper trims.
What about day-to-day drivability on plowed highways and rutted side roads? The Eclipse Cross’s comfort-tuned suspension and quiet cabin help reduce fatigue on longer cold-weather drives. Its turbocharged 1.5-liter pairs smoothly with the transmission to deliver usable torque without drama, which matters when you need delicate throttle inputs across patchy ice. Kona’s available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is energetic with an 8-speed automatic and paddle shifters, which some drivers will enjoy on dry pavement. But when snowbanks line the curb, standard S-AWC in Eclipse Cross means you don’t have to plan your purchase around weather—you’re already covered.
For tech and convenience, both vehicles check off winter-friendly essentials. Eclipse Cross offers a Handsfree Power Tailgate that makes loading groceries with gloved hands easier, plus Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard And Remote Services And a 24-Month Trial (Enrollment Required) for remote start and more. Kona counters with Bluelink+ across trims and available Remote Smart Parking Assist on Limited. Each SUV also offers a 360-degree camera system on upper trims to ease tight parallel parking when snow piles steal curb space.
If you’re choosing with Michigan winters in mind, prioritize the system that works for you every day, not just on spec sheets. Eclipse Cross gives you integrated, standard all-wheel confidence from the first turn of the wheel—no options, no guesswork. Kona delivers strong available capability, but you must select the right trim or package to get it. For many local drivers, eliminating that uncertainty is the difference between “I hope I have enough traction” and “I know I do.”
LaFontaine Mitsubishi Ann Arbor is serving Dearborn, Livonia, and Commerce Township with side-by-side test drives that let you feel how each system behaves in real time. Bring your winter driving questions, and we’ll tailor a route that includes a variety of surfaces and speeds so you can evaluate both SUVs the way you actually drive.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does S-AWC change how the Eclipse Cross handles daily driving on dry roads?
Yes. S-AWC unobtrusively enhances stability and steering feel in normal conditions, then adds traction benefits as grip falls, so the driving character remains calm and consistent regardless of weather.
Can I get Kona’s all-wheel drive on any trim?
HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available on multiple Kona trims, but it is not standard. Review the trim you are considering to ensure it includes or allows HTRAC if winter traction is a priority.
Do both offer a 360-degree camera?
Yes. Eclipse Cross offers a Multi-View Camera System on upper trims, and Kona Limited offers a Surround View Monitor. Both are helpful in snow-lined parking scenarios.
Are heated features available on both?
Yes. Both offer a heated steering wheel and heated front seats on upper trims, adding welcome comfort during cold snaps.
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