Southtowne Mitsubishi - How useful is the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Handsfree Power Tailgate around Provo, UT?
Loading kids, groceries, or a couple of paddleboards is always easier when you are not juggling keys and liftgate handles. That is exactly where the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross steps up for in-market shoppers near Provo, UT. On SE and higher trims, the Handsfree Power Tailgate brings real day-to-day convenience to Costco runs in Orem, soccer practices in Springville, and trailhead meetups in Provo Canyon, all while the Eclipse Cross keeps its confident road manners with standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC).
Below, we focus on a single, practical ownership question: how the Handsfree Power Tailgate works in the real world around Provo, what to expect by trim, and how to get the most from it on your daily routes along I-15, University Parkway, and US-189.
What the Handsfree Power Tailgate is and why it matters locally
Mitsubishi designed the Handsfree Power Tailgate to open and close with a quick foot motion under the rear bumper while your FAST-Key Entry System fob is nearby. That means no fumbling for buttons after a Target pickup on Bulldog Boulevard, and no awkward balancing act when your arms are full of camping totes headed for Sundance. It is a small feature that pays big dividends in everyday convenience across the Wasatch Front.
Because every 2026 Eclipse Cross includes Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), the SUV feels stable when you are parked on sloped driveways in the Riverbottoms or angled trailhead pullouts near Bridal Veil Falls. That extra planted feel makes loading and unloading through the power tailgate more confidence-inspiring.
How to use it in a few easy steps
You will be comfortable with the feature after your first try. Here is the simple flow you will use all week long around Provo and Orem.
- Bring the FAST-Key fob with you so the vehicle recognizes you.
- Stand centered behind the bumper with the vehicle in Park.
- Make a slow, deliberate forward-and-back foot motion under the bumper sensor, then step back.
- Wait for the confirmation beeps and allow the power tailgate to open fully.
- Press the tailgate button to close it or repeat the foot motion to power-close.
Our team will gladly demonstrate the ideal foot placement and timing when you stop by Southtowne Mitsubishi, so you can make it second nature before you leave our lot.
Trim availability around Provo shoppers’ favorite picks
If you are comparing trims, the Handsfree Power Tailgate is featured on SE and above. That includes SE, SE Pano, Black Edition, SEL, and SEL Touring. The ES is well equipped with Active Stability Control (ASC), Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Hill Start Assist (HSA), LED lighting, and standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), but the hands-free liftgate is one of the upgrades you gain when you step up.
Shoppers coming from BYU campus or UVU often gravitate to SE because it also brings features like Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), FAST-Key Entry System, Push Button Start, Power Folding Side Mirrors, LED headlights, and Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard And Remote Services And 24-Month Trial (Enrollment Required). The result is an everyday-driving toolkit that pairs perfectly with the convenience of the power tailgate.
Everyday Provo use cases that show the value
The more you live with it, the more you appreciate how the Handsfree Power Tailgate removes friction from normal tasks. Here are local moments where owners tell us it shines.
- Curbside pickups when you are parked tight along Center Street.
- After-practice gear loads at youth fields in Springville or Spanish Fork.
- Farmers market trips at Pioneer Park when your hands are full.
- Weekend laps up Provo Canyon with coolers, camp chairs, and duffels.
- Quick Costco hauls in Orem without setting bags on the ground.
Short, consistent motions work best. If the area under the bumper is coated with slush or dust from canyon drives, a quick wipe can improve sensor detection. And remember, any time you are carrying a hitch-mounted accessory like a bike rack, you can default to the exterior tailgate button or use the key fob for simple power operation.
Helpful ownership tips from our delivery specialists
Bring your everyday routine into your test drive. If you regularly load a jogging stroller, a cello case, or skis, toss them in our demo and practice opening, loading, and closing. We can walk you through customizing how you use the feature, from where to stand to when to use the exterior button, the key fob, or interior controls. If you prefer a lower opening height for a garage with limited clearance in east Provo, ask our team to show you how to set a comfortable stop point during your delivery walkthrough.
We also recommend pairing the tailgate with a few other Eclipse Cross conveniences. The Multi-View Camera System on select trims makes it easier to check for low obstacles before you power-close. Power Folding Side Mirrors help in narrow parking spaces off University Avenue. And for road trips, Mitsubishi Connect with Safeguard And Remote Services And 24-Month Trial (Enrollment Required) can deliver added peace of mind while you are out exploring Nebo Loop or heading toward Strawberry Reservoir.
Confidence after you buy, backed by Mitsubishi Motors Confidence
Convenience is better with coverage. The 2026 Eclipse Cross is backed by Mitsubishi Motors Confidence, which includes standard 2-Year/30,000-Mile Limited Maintenance, an industry-leading 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, and 5 years of 24-Hour Roadside Assistance. That means you can focus on making the most of features like the Handsfree Power Tailgate, while scheduled maintenance and roadside support help keep surprises at bay across your first years of ownership.
And when you want expert help adding utility, our parts and service teams can set you up with cargo accessories, roof systems from brands like Thule and Yakima, and storage solutions that complement how you use the power tailgate. If you need tires, we offer the Mitsubishi Motors Authorized Tire Program with competitive prices, expert installation, and included road hazard coverage on eligible tires.
In short, the Handsfree Power Tailgate is one of those small-seeming features that has a big daily impact for Provo-area drivers. When paired with the Eclipse Cross driving experience and strong warranty coverage, it turns quick errands and longer getaways into a simpler, smoother routine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which 2026 Eclipse Cross trims include the Handsfree Power Tailgate?
SE and above include the Handsfree Power Tailgate. That covers SE, SE Pano, Black Edition, SEL, and SEL Touring. The ES brings a robust set of standard safety and capability features, including Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), but the hands-free liftgate is one of the upgrades on higher trims.
Do I need the FAST-Key fob with me for the hands-free function to work?
Yes. Keep the FAST-Key Entry System fob with you so the vehicle can confirm proximity. Without the fob nearby, the hands-free sensor will not activate the liftgate.
Any tips if the foot-swipe is not triggering on the first try?
Stand at the center of the rear bumper, make a slow in-and-out motion, then step back and wait for the confirmation beeps. If the bumper is covered with heavy dust, mud, or slush from canyon roads, a quick wipe can help. If you have a hitch-mounted rack installed, use the exterior tailgate button or key fob for power-open and power-close.
Can I set a lower opening height for low garage ceilings?
If you prefer a lower opening point for your garage in older Provo neighborhoods, ask our delivery specialist to show you how to set and use a comfortable stop point for everyday use. We will tailor the setup during your handoff so it fits your space.
Is there a manual way to operate the tailgate if I do not want to use the foot motion?
Absolutely. You can press the tailgate button on the liftgate itself or use the key fob to power-open and power-close. Many owners use hands-free in parking lots and default to the button at home garages or when a rack is attached.
How does the Handsfree Power Tailgate work in tight parking near Center Street or University Avenue?
The power tailgate needs a little space behind the bumper so the sensor can detect your foot motion and the liftgate can swing up. If cars are parked closely behind, use the key fob or the exterior button and confirm there is enough clearance before opening. Select trims with the Multi-View Camera System can help you check surroundings as you load up.
Ready to try it in your daily routine from Provo to Orem? Visit us at Southtowne Mitsubishi in Sandy. We will help you compare trims, set up the Handsfree Power Tailgate the way you like it, and send you on a thorough test loop that mirrors where you drive most. With standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), advanced driver assistance features like Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), plus the convenience of the Handsfree Power Tailgate on SE and above, the 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is designed to make every errand and every getaway easier.