Mitsubishi chose to bring back the Eclipse name for its newest electric vehicle. The company unveiled the Eclipse Sportback EV as a compact crossover scheduled to reach North American dealers in the second half of 2026 as a 2027 model. Many who recall the original Eclipse as an affordable, sharp coupe from the 1990s and early 2000s hoped for something with real driving excitement. What arrived instead shares its core engineering with the latest Nissan Leaf.
Mitsubishi has announced that a car based on the CMF-EV platform will be developed as part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. This shared foundation not only helps to keep costs low, but it also speeds up the introduction of new electric models to dealerships, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants as part of its Momentum 2030 objective to grow its US assortment. However, the new Eclipse appears to be more of a practical daily driver than a spiritual successor to the original high-performance coupes that made the old Eclipse famous.
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The power comes from a single electric motor, which drives the front wheels. Based on the referenced Nissan model, we can probably expect two battery sizes. The smaller pack would have a capacity of 52 to 55 kilowatt-hours and generate about 175 horsepower. According to the EPA, the larger 75 to 78 kilowatt-hour pack would produce approximately 215 horsepower and go up to 303 miles under ideal conditions, as well as a fair level of torque, around 255 to 262 lb-ft. in the stronger version. For the time being, front-wheel drive is the sole option; all-wheel drive will not be available at launch.
The charging system is comparable to the donor vehicle’s quality. DC fast charging has a maximum power output of 150 kilowatts, which can recharge the larger battery to a suitable range in approximately 30-35 minutes. If you want to charge from home on Level 2, the onboard charger can accomplish it in a few hours. These figures very effectively put the Eclipse Sportback as the go-to choice for anyone looking for electric convenience without complicating things too much.
Design attempts have been made to give the Eclipse an authentic Mitsubishi vibe while remaining similar to the Leaf, which isn’t a negative thing given that the Leaf is a well-established product. The brand’s now-familiar Triple Diamond insignia is prominently shown in the front, as is a new lighting signature in a more horizontal form. The grille has also been redesigned, with more defined air intakes and black trim to complete the look. From the side, you’ll notice some fantastic new alloy wheels with angular spokes, as well as redesigned side skirts and C-pillar details. Out back, the L-shaped taillights have been replaced with more opposed units, and the tailgate now features a massive full-width Mitsubishi emblem. Some black cladding on the lower body gives a crossover element to the overall design.
These modifications give the Sportback a more commanding appearance than the normal Leaf, but without the angular lines that make parking in congested city locations more difficult, as the proportions remain attractive and compact. The dimensions remain almost unchanged: 4,360 mm length, 1,810 mm width, 1,550 mm height, and a wheelbase of approximately 2,690 mm. The higher ride height and hatchback-style rear give significantly more utility and convenience, making it ideal for families seeking the best of both worlds.
We’ll have to wait and see on price, but prior to incentives, the Nissan Leaf starts around $31,500, so we anticipate the Eclipse Sportback will be around the same. That firmly defines it as a highly accessible electric option for anyone looking to make the switch. It’s all part of Mitsubishi’s electric revolution; with the plug-in hybrid Outlander already in the lineup, the Eclipse Sportback represents a key step toward the company’s electrified aspirations. Mitsubishi’s US model selection is anticipated to nearly double in the coming years, and the Eclipse Sportback represents a key step toward that goal.
