Mitsubishi Connect, S-AWC, and the Handsfree Tailgate: Why the 2026 Eclipse Cross Fits Everyday Drives around Des Moines, IA
Mills Mitsubishi - Davenport - Mitsubishi Connect, S-AWC, and the Handsfree Tailgate: Why the 2026 Eclipse Cross Fits Everyday Drives around Des Moines, IA
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross makes the right kind of first impression if you want a compact SUV that’s confident in motion and easy to live with. Two features define its everyday smarts: Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services and 24-Month Trial (Enrollment Required) and Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). Add an available Handsfree Power Tailgate, and you have a compact SUV that feels built for quick downtown errands, cross-town commutes on I-235, and weekend trips to Gray’s Lake without breaking stride.
Why traction you can feel matters on mixed city routes
Des Moines streets can give you a little of everything—bridge joints, concrete patches, and quick on-ramps that demand steady, predictable traction. The Eclipse Cross makes S-AWC standard on every trim, which means four-wheel torque distribution and yaw control aren’t only for top models. The system constantly evaluates grip and driver input, quietly optimizing power delivery so you launch smoothly from lights, settle into steady freeway cruising, and round cloverleafs with composure. It is a difference you notice most in transitions: lane changes feel clean, and the steering stays calm and reassuring.
Because S-AWC is integrated across the lineup, you don’t have to overthink packages to get all-weather traction and cornering stability. If your day includes I-80 interchange work, a stop near the East Village, and a late pick-up in Beaverdale, the Eclipse Cross keeps everything feeling familiar and simple.
How Mitsubishi Connect streamlines your day
Smartphone connectivity gets a lot of the attention, but Mitsubishi Connect adds the kind of remote convenience that reduces small frustrations. After enrollment, you can check vehicle status from your phone, confirm doors are locked, or use remote functions that help when your hands are full. It’s the kind of tool that becomes part of your routine—less time second-guessing where you parked or if you locked up, more time focusing on what’s next on the calendar.
Paired with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the cabin tech is set up to reduce friction. Navigation apps, playlists, and calls are right where you expect. Then Mitsubishi Connect stands by to handle assistance and remote tasks that you’d usually juggle manually. Together, these systems lighten the mental load of daily driving in a city that’s always moving.
The case for a hands-free tailgate in real life
An available Handsfree Power Tailgate might sound like a luxury, but it’s really a convenience multiplier. Juggling groceries from Gateway Market or gear for a quick Raccoon River Park outing? A simple hands-free motion releases the gate so you can load up without setting everything down. Add the smart cargo layout inside, and the Eclipse Cross feels custom-built for that “I’ve got three errands left and 30 minutes” kind of afternoon.
In a compact SUV class where utility sometimes comes at the cost of comfort, the Eclipse Cross balances both in a way you appreciate right away. The tailgate is emblematic of Mitsubishi’s approach here—less show, more substance—making frequent stops and quick turnarounds just easier.
Trims that match how you drive
If your priority is value, the ES S-AWC brings you the core upgrades that matter most: S-AWC stability, Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and practical LED lighting. If you want more driver aids for city driving, the SE S-AWC adds Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), plus convenience touches like a FAST-Key Entry System, Push Button Start, and power folding side mirrors.
Choose the SE Pano S-AWC if you prefer a brighter, airier cabin—the panoramic roof is a great match for open-sky stretches along the Des Moines River. The Black Edition S-AWC introduces distinctive styling cues you’ll notice in the mirror and on the curb. For the most comfort and visibility tech, the SEL S-AWC and SEL TOURING S-AWC elevate the cabin with Leather Appointed Seating Surfaces, a Heated Steering Wheel, Handsfree Power Tailgate, and the available Multi-View Camera System to help ease you into tight downtown spots.
How Eclipse Cross compares to familiar alternatives
Many compact SUVs offer traction systems, but a good number limit them to higher trims or treat them as add-ons. The Eclipse Cross bakes S-AWC into every trim for consistent confidence. Competitors may also gate advanced safety features into premium bundles, while the Eclipse Cross makes the essentials standard—FCM with Pedestrian Detection and LDW—then layers on BSW with LCA, RCTA, and a Multi-View Camera System as you move up.
In the cabin, the available Handsfree Power Tailgate stands out as a genuine time saver versus models that only include a standard power gate. Mitsubishi Connect also gives the Eclipse Cross a daily-use edge; once you rely on remote status and assistance features after enrollment, it becomes difficult to live without them. The result is a compact SUV that feels attuned to real city life, not just brochure specs.
Ownership confidence that lasts
Strong warranty coverage matters if you’re planning to keep your SUV for the long haul. Mitsubishi vehicles include an Industry-Leading 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, 2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance, and 5 years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. That’s reassurance built into the ownership experience, and it’s a meaningful advantage when you’re thinking beyond the test drive to the next decade of life with your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is S-AWC standard on all 2026 Eclipse Cross trims?
Yes. Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is included across the full trim lineup, so you don’t have to step up to a specific package to get traction and stability benefits.
Which trims include advanced driver assistance like BSW with LCA and RCTA?
These features are available on SE S-AWC and above, along with helpful touches such as LED headlights, FAST-Key, and a power driver’s seat.
What does Mitsubishi Connect add to the experience?
After enrollment, Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard and Remote Services and a 24-Month Trial can provide remote functions, status checks, and assistance features that streamline daily use and add peace of mind.
Is a power tailgate standard?
A Handsfree Power Tailgate is available on upper trims. It’s a top convenience feature if you make frequent stops or carry lots of cargo in and out of the vehicle.
When you’re ready to take a closer look, our team can help match your priorities—traction, tech, style, or comfort—to the trim that fits your life in and around Des Moines. Mills Mitsubishi - Davenport is here to make selection, trade-in, and your first drive straightforward and enjoyable, proudly serving Silvis, Des Moines, and East Moline.
