Discover the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback – a compact electric SUV that’s essentially a rebadged Nissan Leaf. Learn specs, pricing, and upcoming off‑road version. Read more now!
What the Eclipse Sportback Is (and Isn’t)
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback arrives as a small, fully electric crossover that looks familiar – because it’s basically a Nissan Leaf with a new badge. The two Japanese manufacturers have deepened their partnership, and this model is the latest result of that collaboration.
Exterior Design – Familiar Yet Fresh
At first glance, the Eclipse Sportback mirrors the Leaf’s silhouette: a fastback‑style crossover with sleek rooflines. Mitsubishi has added its own visual cues:
- Front headlights feature a vertical stack of silver‑tinted rectangles, replacing the Leaf’s signature lower strip.
- A bolder front bumper with pronounced air intakes, framed by a black trim that houses parking sensors.
- New “EV” lettering on the doors and chrome‑accented window surrounds.
- 18‑inch triple‑spoke alloy wheels (borrowed from the Leaf S+) with a fresh finish.
Rear styling stays minimal. The bumper is refined, the black trim around the tailgate is gone, and a custom LED tail‑light cluster adds a subtle Mitsubishi touch. The high‑end 3‑D LED signature seen on the Nissan Leaf Platinum+ is not carried over.
Interior – Understated Simplicity
Mitsubishi has kept the cabin modest. The only obvious brand cue is the Mitsubishi logo on the steering wheel. By contrast, the Nissan Leaf offers a dual‑screen setup (12.3‑inch or 14.3‑inch depending on trim). It remains unclear whether the Eclipse will receive a panoramic glass roof with auto‑dimming or a Bose‑tuned audio system integrated into the headrests.
Powertrain & Technical Specs
The Eclipse Sportback rides on the same CMF‑EV platform that underpins the Leaf and Nissan Ariya. While Mitsubishi has not released exact figures, the Leaf currently offers two battery options:
- 52 kWh pack delivering 174 hp (130 kW)
- 75 kWh pack delivering 214 hp (160 kW)
Both configurations provide an EPA‑estimated range of up to 488 km (303 miles). It is reasonable to expect the Eclipse to inherit these powertrain choices.
Pricing, Launch Timeline & Off‑Road Variant
Mitsubishi says more details, including pricing, will be revealed soon. Analysts predict a launch price close to the current Leaf’s starting point – roughly US$31,600. The company also confirmed that an off‑road‑focused version will debut in early 2027, adding higher ground clearance and rugged styling cues.
Bottom Line
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback is less a brand‑new model and more a strategic rebadge of the proven Nissan Leaf. For buyers who prefer Mitsubishi’s badge but want the reliability of an established EV platform, the Eclipse could be an appealing option – especially when the off‑road variant arrives.