Mitsubishi AWD Cars

Mitsubishi offers AWD on most of their vehicles, including the Eclipse Cross and the Outlander. Click here for more details.
Written by Liz Jenson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Winter driving can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking, but you’ll be in for a smoother ride if you’re behind the wheel of a
Mitsubishi
with AWD. Vehicles like the
Mitsubishi Outlander
and the
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
offer increased traction and control, even in slippery conditions, making your drive that much safer.
If you live in an area with a lot of storms, you know that all-wheel drive (AWD) is a must. AWD will offer you more traction and control in slippery conditions, making the drive safer for everyone on the road.
All-wheel drive isn’t always necessary, though. So, how do you know if AWD is the right choice for you? And which Mitsubishi vehicle will best fit your needs?
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Jerry
, the
super app
and
car insurance
comparison tool, is here to answer all of your questions. We’ll break down the way that Mitsubishi AWD works, explain your vehicle model options, and help you decide whether or not AWD is right for you.

How do Mitsubishi AWD models work?

While Mitsubishi does offer AWD options for most of their vehicles, the company’s version of AWD is slightly different. Mitsubishi’s version of AWD is called the Super All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC) system.
A typical AWD system always splits the
engine's torque
evenly between the front and rear axles, but Mitsubishi’s S-AWC can transfer power between the front and rear as needed. This makes S-AWC vehicles a good option for drivers looking for better traction and stopping abilities because the shifting power gives you more control.
So, how does S-AWC work? To understand S-AWC, you’ll need to learn about the three elements of the system.

Active Center Differential (ACD)

The ACD part of S-AWC uses a specific type of sensor to keep track of the front-wheel and rear-wheel torque. Then, your car uses this information to balance out the torque between the front and rear axles. This keeps your vehicle’s traction and steering response balanced.

Active Yaw Control (AYC)

AYC’s main function is to limit the amount of wheelspin when you accelerate quickly. It controls the brakes and power steering and makes real-time adjustments to reduce spinning and loss of traction.

Active Stability Control (ASC)

ASC uses a series of sensors to monitor for sudden jerks of your steering wheel and traction loss in slippery conditions, like rain or ice. If either of these things is detected, your car will automatically apply the brakes to one or more of your tires and adjust engine power. This will help you maintain control of your vehicle, even in bad weather.

Which Mitsubishi models have AWD?

The following Mitsubishi models are available with AWD in at least one trim.

Mitsubishi Outlander

Starting price: $26,095
Body style: Compact SUV
Engine type: 2.5L 4-cylinder
As the name suggests, the
Mitsubishi Outlander
is designed for adventure. All Outlander models can be equipped with S-AWC, Mitsubishi’s version of AWD. 
It’s also a great family car due to the optional extra row of seating that can be used to squeeze in some extra passengers.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Starting price: $36,995
Body style: Compact SUV
Engine type: 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid
Looking for something a little more environmentally friendly? The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that comes with AWD in every trim option, so you’ll be able to enjoy increased control with the bonus of a great fuel economy

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Starting price: $21,445
Body style: Subcompact SUV
Engine type: 2.0L 4-cylinder or 2.4L 4-cylinder
If you love the idea of the Outlander but you’re looking for something a little smaller, look no further than the
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
. This subcompact SUV can hold its own against slippery conditions just like the standard Outlander, but you’ll need to choose a trim level with AWD since the Outlander Sport is also offered in front-wheel drive (FWD).

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Starting price: $25,795
Body style: Compact SUV
Engine type: Turbocharged 1.5L 4-cylinder
The
Eclipse Cross
is Mitsubishi’s latest addition to the lineup. This compact SUV is also smaller than the Outlander, but it’s still equipped with the latest S-AWC technology to keep you and your passengers safe in slippery conditions.
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What are the benefits of having AWD?

It’s true that AWD isn’t for everyone, but it can be a lifesaver for drivers who live in areas with poor weather conditions, unpaved roads, or steep inclines. Following are some areas and conditions that might require AWD.

States that get lots of snow

Those who live in Northern states with heavy snowfall might want to invest in an AWD vehicle to make driving in the winter weather a little easier. Places like
Vermont
and
Maine
, for example, are known for getting lots of snow, ice, and storms in the winter months, so drivers in these states should consider an AWD vehicle for safety reasons.

States with heavy rainfall

Snow and ice are dangerous, but rain can be dangerous, too—especially if your car has poor traction. If you live in a state like
Hawaii
or
Mississippi
, you probably experience heavy rainfall fairly regularly. As such, it’s a good idea to invest in an AWD vehicle to give yourself more control during stormy weather.

Rural areas

Places with poor road conditions will require more traction for safe driving. Unfortunately, rural roads aren’t always as well-maintained as the roads in more populated areas. As such, AWD vehicles can be helpful for those who live off the beaten path.

Mountainous areas

When you drive up a steep incline, the grip of your tires is extremely important. Those who drive through mountainous areas might want an AWD vehicle to increase their vehicle’s power and traction so that they can climb steep roads with ease.

Off-road or off-pavement driving

Driving on dirt, gravel, or a trail makes it much more difficult to maintain control of your vehicle. There are often unexpected bumps, obstacles, and dips in the road that can cause your tires to lose traction. If you plan to take your car on any roads or trails that fit these conditions, AWD is a good choice.

Do I need AWD?

Of course, it’s ultimately up to you to decide whether or not AWD is right for you. AWD can be a really helpful safety feature if you regularly drive in conditions with decreased traction, but it’s not always necessary for daily driving.
When deciding whether or not AWD is for you, you’ll want to consider a few factors:
1. What are your daily driving habits?
2. Do you ever spend time on roads with poor traction?
3. What kind of climate do you live in?
4. Will you use your car for road trips to areas with poor driving conditions?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not AWD is a necessary feature for you. Regardless of necessity, however, AWD is nice to have in any driving climate, so it’s never a bad option!

How to save money on car insurance

Regardless of whether or not you have AWD, accidents can still happen. That means, even if you have great safety features on your car, it’s still important to have a
car insurance
policy in place to protect you in the event of an unexpected accident or breakdown.
Luckily,
Jerry
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Once you find the perfect policy, Jerry can help you cancel your old one and sign up, making the switch as simple as possible. Plus, the average user saves over $800 per year!
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