2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback Revealed: New Electric SUV Based on the Nissan Leaf
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The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback has officially arrived, but it is not the sports coupe many enthusiasts were hoping for. Instead, Mitsubishi has reused the famous Eclipse name for a new all electric subcompact SUV that shares its platform with the latest Nissan Leaf.
The company already used the Eclipse name on the Eclipse Cross SUV, and now the Eclipse Sportback continues that strategy with an electric crossover designed for everyday driving rather than performance.
2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback |
| Vehicle Type | Electric Subcompact SUV |
| Platform | Nissan Leaf-based architecture |
| Expected Launch | Late Summer or Early Fall 2026 |
| Powertrain | Fully Electric |
| Pricing | Yet to Be Announced |
| Expected Starting Price | Around $31,500 (based on Nissan Leaf pricing) |
Mitsubishi Eclipse Returns Again, But in a Different Form
The Eclipse name has a long history among car enthusiasts, thanks to the sporty coupe that gained popularity around the world. However, Mitsubishi has once again chosen to attach the badge to an SUV instead of bringing back the original sports car concept.
This latest model is called the Eclipse Sportback, and it enters Mitsubishi’s growing electric vehicle lineup as a compact crossover focused on practicality and efficiency.
For buyers looking for an affordable electric SUV, it could become an interesting option. For fans waiting for a performance coupe, the wait continues.
Built on the Nissan Leaf Platform
One of the biggest talking points is that the Eclipse Sportback is closely related to the new Nissan Leaf.
This partnership is not surprising. Mitsubishi and Nissan have strengthened their relationship over the past several years, with Nissan holding roughly a 24 percent stake in Mitsubishi. Sharing platforms allows both companies to reduce development costs while bringing new models to market more quickly.
Although the overall body shape closely resembles the Leaf, Mitsubishi has made several visual changes to give the SUV its own identity.
Exterior Design Gets a Mitsubishi Identity
The front section features a different look compared to its Nissan sibling.
Some of the key design highlights include:
- New front trim connecting the headlights
- Vertical silver detailing across the grille area
- Redesigned headlight graphics
- Larger and chunkier front bumper
- More pronounced air intake styling
- Black trim surrounding the parking sensors
These changes help separate the Eclipse Sportback from the Leaf while maintaining the same basic proportions.
Unique Wheels and Rear Styling
The side profile introduces one of the more interesting design elements.
The SUV rides on triangular pattern alloy wheels that give it a distinctive appearance. An EV badge is also positioned on the front doors beneath the side mirrors, highlighting its electric powertrain.
At the rear, Mitsubishi has redesigned the lighting completely.
Changes include:
- New LED taillights with outward pointing arrow style graphics
- Removal of the trunk mounted lighting elements seen on the Leaf Platinum Plus
- Mitsubishi lettering stretched across the rear
- Chunkier rear bumper matching the front design language
Overall, the updates create a stronger and more rugged appearance compared to the Nissan version.
Technical Specifications Still Under Wraps
Mitsubishi has not yet revealed detailed technical specifications for the Eclipse Sportback.
Important information that is still pending includes:
- Battery capacity
- Driving range
- Power output
- Charging speeds
- Performance figures
- Interior specifications
- Feature list
More official details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks ahead of its market launch.
Expected Price
While official pricing has not been confirmed, the Eclipse Sportback is expected to be positioned close to the Nissan Leaf.
Since the Leaf starts at around $31,535 in the United States, the Mitsubishi version is likely to enter a similar price bracket depending on trim levels and equipment.
Final pricing will be announced before sales begin.
Launch Timeline
Mitsubishi says the 2027 Eclipse Sportback will go on sale in late summer or early fall 2026.
With the launch approaching, buyers can expect additional announcements covering specifications, available trims, battery options, technology features, and pricing.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback represents another step in Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle strategy. While the return of the Eclipse badge may disappoint enthusiasts hoping for a modern sports coupe, the new model offers a practical electric SUV based on proven Nissan technology.
Its redesigned front fascia, unique wheel design, updated rear styling, and Mitsubishi specific touches help distinguish it from the Leaf, even though both vehicles share the same foundation.
For customers entering the electric SUV segment, the Eclipse Sportback could become an attractive alternative once its full specifications and pricing are officially revealed.
Sources & References
1. Mitsubishi Motors North America (Official Press Release)
Official announcement from Mitsubishi Motors North America introducing the 2027 Eclipse Sportback, including launch timing and its Nissan Leaf based platform.
2. PR Newswire (Official Mitsubishi Press Release)
Official Mitsubishi press release distributed through PR Newswire with first images and key launch information.
3. Nissan Global – All New Nissan Leaf
https://www.nissan-global.com/EN/COMPANY/EVENTS/NISSAN_LEAF_2025/
Official Nissan page explaining the latest generation Nissan Leaf, which serves as the platform for the Eclipse Sportback.
4. Car and Driver
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a71538062/2027-mitsubishi-eclipse-sportback-revealed/
Detailed first look at the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback with design analysis and expected pricing.
5. Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/car-news/2027-mitsubishi-eclipse-sportback-is-a-nissan-leaf-based-ev/
Covers the relationship between the Eclipse Sportback and Nissan Leaf along with market positioning and expected pricing.
6. AutoTrader Canada
Explains the shared platform between Mitsubishi and Nissan while highlighting the unique styling changes.
7. InsideEVs
https://insideevs.com/news/798229/mitsubishi-eclipse-cheap-ev-nissan-leaf-2026/
EV focused coverage discussing Mitsubishi’s new affordable electric SUV strategy for North America.
8. AutoGuide
Provides an overview of the Eclipse Sportback launch and Mitsubishi’s electrification plans.
9. AutoEvolution
Discusses the Nissan Mitsubishi alliance and the shared engineering behind the new EV.
10. The EV Report
Independent EV news publication covering the Eclipse Sportback reveal and other electric vehicle developments.
