2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback

The iconic “Eclipse” name tag has taken quite a journey over the past 35 years. From a beloved 1990s sports coupe to a small gas-powered SUV, Mitsubishi’s signature nameplate is reinventing itself once again. Enter the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV. By essentially rebadging a Nissan Leaf, simplifying the packaging, and adding unique design elements, Mitsubishi re-enters the EV playing field with its first nameplate since the i-MiEV. This all-electric compact hatchback brings bold styling, generous standard tech, and a distinct character that sets it apart in the entry-level EV space.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of electric SUVs, including the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is an all-new model.

Mitsubishi keeps it simple by offering the Eclipse Sportback EV in a single well-appointed trim, with optional equipment bundled into an all-inclusive Technology Package. Official pricing is yet to be announced, but a comparably optioned Nissan Leaf is between $35,000-$40,000. Where Mitsubishi distances itself from some competitors is in its industry-leading warranty package, which provides substantial long-term peace of mind.

Before buying an Eclipse Sportback, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. It’s too early to predict the resale value of the Eclipse Sportback, but Mitsubishi vehicles and EVs tend not to hold their value very well. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Warranty

Out on the road, the Eclipse Sportback EV trades outright sports car capability for predictable, easygoing commuter dynamics. The single electric motor drives only the front wheels, a notable departure from the all-wheel-drive heritage of high-performance Eclipse models of decades past and the current Eclipse Cross compact SUV. But it feels familiar to anyone cross shopping its twin, the Nissan Leaf. Output stands at 214 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, and while off-the-line electric torque provides decent responsiveness for urban driving, it is noticeably less powerful than the V6-powered Eclipse sports coupes from years past. It offers adequate power for daily duty, but certainly not ample speed. Furthermore, heavy footwork in Sport mode can induce front wheel slip and torque steer.

Thanks to standard 18-inch wheels wrapped in tires with generous sidewall cushioning, ride comfort is a strong suit, soaking up harsh pavement undulations without drama. Body roll is well managed through corners thanks to the low-slung battery placement. Regenerative braking is adjusted via steering wheel paddle shifters across multiple levels of intensity, alongside an “e-Step” mode that brings it to a near stop. However, purists might be disappointed to find true, complete one-pedal driving is absent; the vehicle requires you to hit the mechanical brake pedal to come to a complete stop.

Powertrain & Charging

Underneath the body, the Eclipse Sportback EV utilizes a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup paired with a 75-kWh liquid-cooled battery pack. Cold-weather commuters will appreciate the inclusion of a standard heat pump to preserve efficiency.

Charging presents a unique and potentially confusing two-door layout. The right-front fender houses a NACS port strictly dedicated to DC fast charging. Drivers should take note: Despite the growing number of Level 2 AC chargers featuring NACS plugs, plugging an AC NACS cable into this port will not work, as it is wired exclusively for DC fast charging. To top up via Level 2 AC power, you must open a separate J1772 port on the left-front fender, so drivers should keep appropriate adapters handy depending on their charging setup.

Open the driver’s door, and the Eclipse Sportback EV’s lineage becomes immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with its Nissan Leaf platform sibling. The cabin offers surprisingly spacious and comfortable seating across both rows, making it a viable daily commuter. The interior environment keeps color selection simple, offering a sleek, all-black interior theme exclusively with diamond-quilted seat accents. Heated seats (front and rear) and a heated steering wheel are standard equipment, but ventilated seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are excluded from the options list. Only the driver’s seat is powered, and only the driver’s window is automatic up and down, but costs had to be shaved somewhere.

In terms of ergonomics, drivers will appreciate the physical controls on the two-spoke steering wheel, providing tactile usability before transitioning lower on the dash where climate controls shift to haptic touch switches. Opting for the available Technology Package elevates cabin accommodations by adding an electrochromic dimming panoramic glass roof, a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, roof rails, and a hands-free power liftgate. Cargo space remains practical, providing 20 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat.

Distinct Mitsubishi exterior flare: While design taste is subjective, Mitsubishi’s unique front grille treatment, front and rear fascia tweaks, and tri-spoke wheels provide a fresh, handsome alternative to the styling of the Nissan Leaf.

Electrochromic panoramic glass roof: Included with the Technology Package, this smart glass roof dims or clears at the touch of a button, eliminating the need for a bulky mechanical sunshade. It’s a feature often found on more expensive EVs. A side effect is improved interior headroom.

Integrated Google built-in  software: Operating across large 14.3-inch dual displays, built-in Google Assistant, native Google Maps EV route planning, and seamless app integration bring a major tech upgrade over previously introduced Mitsubishi and Nissan infotainment systems, even when compared to the current systems used elsewhere in the lineup.