How Does the Mitsubishi Super-All Wheel Control Work?

Driving in South Florida comes with challenges. You may not ever see snow, but you often see heavy rain. Slick and slippery roads make many drivers uncomfortable. That’s why Mitsubishi created its Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Mitsubishi engineers developed this safety system to provide enhanced control in any weather and on any road surface. As a result, drivers have better control and feel more confident, even on dry pavement.

As with all new technology, we know our Delray Beach, Florida, customers have questions that need answering. So we asked our experts to explain what S-AWC is, how it works, and how helpful it can be. After reading, you’ll have a complete understanding of how best to utilize this feature.

What Is S-AWC?

Super-All Wheel Control is the evolution of four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology resulting from decades of engineering development and field testing in various environments. In addition, Mitsubishi tested its S-AWC in vehicles participating in different professional racing circuits around the globe, such as the Dakar Rally and World Rally Championship events.

This system seamlessly controls vehicle movements without pause while you steer, accelerate, corner, and brake. The S-AWC delivers enhanced traction and control on slippery roads, loose sand, mud, snow, and dry pavement. As a result, you enjoy impressive handling and stability that improves driver confidence.

How S-AWC Works

Mitsubishi developed S-AWC to enhance traction and control no matter what driving conditions and road surfaces you might encounter. You can consider the S-AWC the master controller of three traction and control systems — AWD, active yaw control (AYC), and active stability control (ASC). Instead of letting these systems work independently, S-AWC seamlessly integrates these systems as you drive.

Your AWD system controls the front and rear torque distribution to keep you moving forward under various conditions. The S-AWC continuously captures acceleration, braking, steering, and wheel slippage data and adjusts your AWD to send torque to the wheels that can use it most.

Active yaw control works like a limited-slip differential for the front axle. The difference is the AYC provides braking and steering input based on data the S-AWC provides as you steer, giving you more control while cornering.

The S-AWC system also controls the ASC system. When the ASC detects a sudden loss of traction or steering control, it activates brake force in one or more wheels using the anti-lock braking system. The ASC also adjusts engine torque to help keep the vehicle under control.

As the S-AWC system collects and examines data, it automatically and efficiently directs these three systems to enhance stability, traction, and control. Without S-AWC, these systems would operate independently and, in some cases, require driver input. With S-AWC, the driver has less distraction and more control leading to improved performance and confidence.

When and How To Use S-AWC

As we said, S-AWC continuously and automatically engages systems, so it’s always on. However, your Mitsubishi has a drive mode selection system that allows you to tune the S-AWC to your current conditions. Your Mitsubishi may have some or all of these modes, depending on the model and trim.

For example, you would select the Normal drive mode for your everyday Delray Beach commute, and the S-AWC will distribute torque to each wheel as necessary for optimal performance. You can choose Eco mode on those long road trips. When in Eco mode, the S-AWC sends power to only the front wheels, which enhances fuel efficiency.

You would choose the Tarmac mode when encountering winding roads on dry pavement. The S-AWC dials in your steering, braking, and throttle to improve cornering. Snow mode provides more traction and control on snowy, icy, slippery roads.

Gravel mode takes full advantage of the S-AWC system as it dynamically controls torque distribution, engine throttle, brake support, and steering input to keep you moving over uncertain terrain. Mud mode offers enhanced traction when surfaces get soft and slippery.

A Power mode captures the maximum performance and response of your vehicle. For instance, you can activate Power mode and get an extra boost for passing maneuvers on the highway.

Which Mitsubishi Models Have S-AWC?

Mitsubishi currently has four vehicles equipped with its S-AWC system. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model offers you access to a competent SUV with style and performance, an opportunity to stay on budget.

Of course, the Mitsubishi Outlander has S-AWC. Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV was the first to have S-AWC because they understood Outlander drivers would value the added traction and control. The Outlander starts at $28,395, giving you a modern exterior style, a luxurious interior, the latest in-vehicle tech, and the driver-assist systems you now consider must-have features.

You can purchase the Outlander Sport starting at an MSRP of $22,995. The Outlander Sport offers premium comfort with heated leather seats and an automatic climate control system to keep everyone at perfect temperatures. And the Outlander Sport boasts 49.5 cubic feet of cargo space to carry all your adventure gear.

The Outlander PHEV  also has S-AWC. However, Mitsubishi uses dual electric motors to take its S-AWC system to even greater heights. You get up to 430 miles of driving range from its 64 MPGe ratings, and with fast charging, you can recharge the battery in as little as 38 minutes. Plus, you can get a premium interior with the tech you crave at a starting MSRP of $39,845.

Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross also has S-AWC standard on every trim. The Eclipse Cross incorporates the sporty driving dynamics of the legendary Eclipse into an SUV package. Starting at $26,340, you can find upscale style and incredible performance with the Eclipse Cross.

Experience S-AWC at Performance Mitsubishi

If you’re ready to upgrade your ride with a capable vehicle that makes driving fun again, we invite you to shop our virtual inventory. Once you select an appropriate car, visit our North Federal Highway dealership to kick the tires. One of our professional staff will answer all your questions and let you test out the S-AWC system with a test drive.

Automotive Shots by Gian Luca Sgaggero is licensed with CC BY 2.0