Mitsubishi has revived the iconic Eclipse name once again, but this time it’s neither the popular sports car nor the cheap-but-practical Eclipse Cross. The Japanese badge has introduced the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV as its first purely electric crossover, and it’s open about where the design comes from.
The newly unveiled EV is directly based on the current-generation Nissan Leaf, but will have Mitsubishi styling, “sporty” wheels, and other cosmetic touches the company claims will make it “uniquely Mitsubishi.” The brand hasn’t shown the interior or discussed technical changes.
Base Trim Engine
EV
Base Trim Transmission
Single-speed Automatic
The Leaf is one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. at its existing $29,990 starting price. It’s not the quickest with a 214HP motor and a 0-60MPH time of around 6.9 seconds, but its 303-mile range, up-to-date cabin tech, and relatively spacious design make it a potentially strong commuter car. You also get 150kW fast charging and NACS support for Tesla Supercharger stations.
Mitsubishi promises to share a price, release date, and specs for the Eclipse Sportback EV “in the near future.”
Why is Mitsubishi releasing an Eclipse EV
It’s the latest step in a planned comeback
Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV rear.Credit: Mitsubishi
The Eclipse Sportback EV won’t please fans of the original coupe, whose 22-year run included iconic appearances in the first two Fast and Furious movies. Like Ford’s Mustang Mach-E, it’s borrowing a famous performance name for what’s ultimately a daily driver.
However, Mitsubishi is clear this is the “next step” in rejuvenating an automaker that has struggled to keep up. Its five-year Momentum 2030 plan treats electrification as a key part of a strategy that includes at least one new or “completely refreshed” model every year. The Sportback might be a spruced-up Leaf, but it gets the company into EVs quickly after years of limiting itself to plug-in hybrids like the Outlander PHEV.
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Ultimately, this ensures Mitsubishi stays relevant during its turnaround. The modest effort in reworking the Leaf also helps it navigate a rough American EV market where many brands, including Nissan, are refocusing on hybrids as their all-electric sales drop. Mitsubishi won’t have spent as much money as competitors, and will be selling an inexpensive EV at a time when affordability matters.
More in store from Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi isn’t pinning its near-term hopes solely on the Eclipse Sportback EV. It will also release a “rugged, off-road” variant of the Outlander in early 2027. In the long run, it plans to resurrect the Montero and Pajero as it reenters the large SUV space. You might have reason to consider the company’s lineup even if you’ve written it off for years.
Source: Mitsubishi
