2026 Outlander vs 2026 Eclipse Cross: Which Mitsubishi S-AWC Vehicle Fits Your Family?
Two Mitsubishi models, two very different answers to the question of what a family vehicle should do. The 2026 Outlander...
The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross comes in four trim levels: ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, NOIR S-AWC, and GT S-AWC. Every trim includes Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system as standard, along with a 1.5L DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 152 hp at 5,500 RPM and 184 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 3,500 RPM. The differences between trims come down to safety technology, cabin materials, connectivity, and a few key design choices that make the NOIR stand apart from the rest.
Two trims received notable changes for 2026. The GT now includes remote engine start in place of embedded navigation, a practical swap that most daily drivers will find more useful. The NOIR sees updated audio and the removal of the panoramic sunroof, resulting in a content-adjusted package that maintains its distinctive blackout exterior identity. For buyers finalizing their Eclipse Cross decision, here is what each trim delivers.
ES S-AWC: The Full Foundation
The ES S-AWC establishes a stronger baseline than the entry-level price point might suggest. Standard across all trims, the S-AWC system with Normal, Snow, and Gravel drive modes is the headline item, but the ES also includes Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and FAST-Key keyless entry with push-button start.
Connectivity starts with an 8-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio featuring wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and a hands-free power liftgate. The ES rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, uses automatic climate control, and comes equipped with a rearview camera.
Key ES highlights:
- 152 hp / 184 lb-ft turbocharged 1.5L engine, S-AWC standard
- Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay on 8-inch display
- Heated front seats and heated steering wheel standard
- FAST-Key keyless entry and hands-free power liftgate
The ES is the right starting point for buyers who want full S-AWC capability and a complete safety foundation without additional cabin upgrades.
SE S-AWC: The Most Complete Mid-Level Trim
The SE adds the features that make daily driving noticeably more comfortable and connected. Dual-zone automatic climate control steps up to dual-zone automatic on the ES and full dual-zone on the SE, with the SE specifically including automatic climate control with auto LED headlights, LED fog lights, paddle shifters, electric parking brake, and heated and power-folding side-view mirrors with integrated turn signal lights.
The SE's cabin gains a rear centre armrest with cup holders, rear USB inputs (Type A and Type C), and interior door accent lighting. Fabric seats on the ES give way to premium fabric seats on the SE. The SE also comes with a rear spoiler, black roof rails, and privacy glass.
Key SE additions over ES:
- Auto LED headlights and LED fog lights
- Paddle shifters and electric parking brake
- Heated and power-folding side-view mirrors
- Rear USB inputs and rear centre armrest
- Premium fabric seating
The SE is built for buyers who use the vehicle every day and want the features that reduce friction in a regular routine.
NOIR S-AWC: Purpose-Built Blackout Trim
The NOIR S-AWC builds from the SE's content list and layers on a distinct visual identity. The NOIR specification includes 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels with black wheel lug nuts and locks, gloss black skid plate styling, a black grille, black hood emblem, black side-view mirrors with body-colour door handles, a large black rear spoiler, and the NOIR badge.
Inside, the NOIR gets heated 2nd row seats, a 6-way power driver's seat, microsuede/synthetic leather seating, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, a Multi-View Camera System (MVCS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) plus Lane Departure Warning (LDW). Aluminum pedals are unique to this trim. The NOIR does not include the Head-Up Display.
For 2026, the NOIR trim's sunroof has been removed and the audio system updated, with the trim adjusted to reflect those content changes.
Key NOIR additions over SE:
- 18-inch black-painted wheels, black exterior styling package, NOIR badge
- Heated 2nd row seats
- Microsuede/synthetic leather seating
- Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning
- Multi-View Camera System (MVCS)
- Aluminum pedals
The NOIR suits buyers for whom visual identity and a blacked-out exterior carry real appeal, and who want upgraded cabin materials and rear passenger comfort.
GT S-AWC: The Fully-Equipped Top Trim
The GT S-AWC delivers the complete Eclipse Cross safety and comfort package. Starting from the SE's feature base, the GT adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, a Multi-View Camera System, a Head-Up Display, a power panoramic sunroof with dual sunshades, leather-appointed seating in black or grey, body-colour lower garnish, and power driver and front passenger seats. Remote engine start is standard on the GT for 2026.
The Mitsubishi Power Sound System with 8 speakers is standard on the GT, and the full safety suite includes the same ADAS package as the NOIR, plus the Head-Up Display that the NOIR excludes.
Key GT additions over SE:
- Leather-appointed seats (black or grey)
- Power driver and power front passenger seats
- Head-Up Display
- Power panoramic sunroof with dual sunshades
- Remote engine start (new for 2026 on GT)
- Body-colour lower garnish and Mitsubishi Power Sound System
2026 Eclipse Cross Trim Comparison
|
Feature |
ES |
SE |
NOIR |
GT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Engine |
1.5L Turbo, 152 hp |
1.5L Turbo, 152 hp |
1.5L Turbo, 152 hp |
1.5L Turbo, 152 hp |
|
S-AWC with Drive Modes |
S |
S |
S |
S |
|
Heated Front Seats |
S |
S |
S |
S |
|
Heated 2nd Row Seats |
- |
- |
S |
S |
|
Seat Material |
Fabric |
Premium Fabric |
Microsuede/Synth. Leather |
Leather-Appointed |
|
Power Driver's Seat |
- |
- |
6-way power |
Power (both front) |
|
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) |
- |
- |
S |
S |
|
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) |
- |
- |
S |
S |
|
Multi-View Camera System (MVCS) |
- |
- |
S |
S |
|
Head-Up Display |
- |
- |
- |
S |
|
Panoramic Sunroof |
- |
- |
- |
S |
|
Remote Engine Start |
- |
- |
- |
S |
|
Aluminum Pedals |
- |
- |
S |
- |
|
Black Exterior Styling |
- |
- |
S |
- |
|
Cargo Cover |
- |
S |
S |
S |
|
Towing Capacity (2 occupants) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
2,000 lbs (907 kg) |
S = Standard | - = Not included on this trim
Find Your Trim at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi
The team at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi can help you compare all four 2026 Eclipse Cross trims in person. Stop in to explore the ES, SE, NOIR, and GT and find the configuration that fits the way you drive.
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