- For the 2027 model year, Mitsubishi will introduce a new electric vehicle based on the Nissan Leaf, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback.
- Even Mitsubishi admits the differences are only cosmetic, but the Leaf — our 2026 Best New Model — is a good vehicle to copy, and pricing competition could be good for shoppers.
Mitsubishi will introduce a low-slung subcompact electric vehicle (EV) that looks fairly sedan-like but rides a little higher for the 2027 model year. If that sounds familiar, it should. The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback is essentially a redecorated 2026 Nissan Leaf.
Mitsubishi is making no attempt to hide that. The press release announcing the car states it plainly: “Based on the highly touted new-generation Nissan LEAF, the Mitsubishi Motors Eclipse Sportback EV will offer cosmetic changes that differentiate the two vehicles and make this model uniquely Mitsubishi.”
The Two Occasionally Share Designs
- The pair have done this before, and the differences between the models are often insignificant.
Mitsubishi and Nissan are strategic partners through an alliance that also includes France’s Renault. The two occasionally share designs, as when Nissan brought out its Rogue Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) late last year, which is essentially a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in Nissan garb.
The Leaf is not a bad model to borrow. It recently won both our 2026 Best New Model Award and our Best Buy Award among Electric Vehicles (EVs) under $35,000. Our editors love its pleasant driving manners, quiet cabin, and some surprising near-luxury features at a low price. Where you might expect hard plastics in an affordable car, the Leaf uses soft-touch textiles. Headrest speakers make the available upgraded sound system particularly nice for the price.
Up to 303 miles of range and a price as low as $31,535 make the Leaf attractive, too.
Mitsubishi hasn’t said yet which features will carry over to the Eclipse Sportback. But the company lists only a few differences from the Nissan, including “unique front and rear fascias that echo other vehicles in Mitsubishi Motors’ global lineup, distinct front and rear lights and lighting signatures, striking and sporty alloy wheels and, of course, the brand’s iconic Triple Diamond branding.”
Deciding Between Them May Be About Warranties and Dealership Locations
- Mitsubishi tends to offer longer warranties than Nissan, but has a smaller network of dealerships for service and repairs.
If those are indeed the only changes, the Eclipse Sportback could be a compelling option for some buyers. As with deciding between the Outlander PHEV and Rogue PHEV, the choice may come down to price and a few unique lifestyle factors.
Mitsubishi tends to offer longer warranties than Nissan, which might make the Eclipse Sportback a bargain for those who plan to keep the car a long time.
But the company has a much smaller dealership network than Nissan. If you know you’ll likely live near a Mitsubishi dealership for the life of your car, that’s not a problem. If you’re in a life stage that could see you move in the next few years, sticking with Nissan’s much larger dealership network might make more sense.
We’ll bring more information, including pricing, when Mitsubishi has more to say.
