Mitsubishi is re-entering the electric vehicle arena with the 2027 Eclipse Sportback, a compact four-door hatchback that resurrects a familiar nameplate. This new EV, largely based on the updated Nissan Leaf, aims to offer a practical and enjoyable driving experience with a projected range of 282 miles. Priced competitively between $35,000 and $40,000, the Eclipse Sportback seeks to carve out its niche in the growing EV market, particularly in states with zero-emission vehicle mandates.
The vehicle features a 75-kWh battery and a 214-hp electric motor, enabling a 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds. Its design incorporates unique front-end styling with a distinctive grille, differentiating it from its Nissan counterpart, while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride. With advanced charging capabilities, a well-appointed interior, and an attractive warranty, Mitsubishi is positioning the Eclipse Sportback as a compelling option for those seeking an accessible and reliable electric car.
Design and Performance: A Familiar Yet Distinctive EV
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback marks the brand's re-entry into the electric vehicle market, leveraging the established platform of the Nissan Leaf while incorporating unique design elements to assert its own identity. This compact four-door hatchback is designed to appeal to consumers seeking a practical and efficient electric vehicle with a touch of Mitsubishi's distinctive styling. While the underlying mechanical components are shared with the Leaf, Mitsubishi has made significant efforts to differentiate the Eclipse Sportback visually, particularly through its front fascia, which features a redesigned grille with 20 prominent ridges, along with updated headlights and bumper surrounds. These aesthetic changes aim to give the Eclipse Sportback a more aggressive and modern look compared to the Leaf's somewhat more subdued appearance. From the side, new wheel designs and a chrome embellisher on the C-pillar further contribute to its unique character, while a prominent Mitsubishi badge across the liftgate distinguishes the rear. Internally, the cabin provides a comfortable and quiet environment, with minimal electrical noise, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Eclipse Sportback delivers a capable performance package, powered by a 75-kWh battery pack and a 214-horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.9 seconds, a respectable figure that ensures it can handle various traffic conditions with ease. The 261 pound-feet of torque provides responsive acceleration, making it suitable for both urban driving and light highway use. The car's handling is characterized by a comfortable ride, thanks to its 18-inch alloy wheels with adequately tall sidewalls, and a tight 35.4-foot turning circle that enhances maneuverability in tight spaces. While not designed as a high-performance sports car, its predictable handling and comfortable suspension make it enjoyable for daily commutes and mixed-use driving. The vehicle also incorporates five levels of regenerative braking, with an additional e-Step function for increased energy recovery, though it requires manual braking below 8 mph to come to a complete stop, retaining a conventional automatic-like creep torque.
Advanced Features and Market Positioning
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback is equipped with a comprehensive suite of features aimed at enhancing convenience, safety, and overall ownership experience, strategically positioning it within the competitive electric vehicle market. Its charging infrastructure is designed for versatility, featuring a NACS (Tesla) port on the right-front fender for DC fast-charging, capable of reaching 10 to 80 percent capacity in just 35 minutes under optimal conditions. An included CCS-to-NACS adapter ensures compatibility with various charging stations, and the vehicle intelligently preconditions its battery for faster charging when a DC fast-charger is set as a navigation destination. For overnight or Level 2 AC charging, a J-1772 port is located on the left-front fender, allowing a 20 to 80 percent charge in about 6.5 hours with its 7.2-kilowatt onboard charger. Additionally, a portable charging cord with adapters for both 240- and 120-volt outlets comes standard, providing flexibility for diverse charging needs. To optimize efficiency, the climate control system utilizes a heat pump for warming or cooling the cabin, battery pack, and drive motor, contributing to the vehicle's impressive 282-mile estimated range.
Inside the cabin, the Eclipse Sportback offers a modern and user-friendly environment, albeit with some design choices that reflect its non-luxury positioning. The all-black interior combines flat and diamond-quilted upholstery panels with a mix of soft and hard plastics on the dash and door surfaces. A 14.3-inch digital instrument cluster and another 14.3-inch central touchscreen provide access to navigation and control functions, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Practicality is also a key focus, with manually adjustable vents, a volume knob, large cupholders, and a dedicated slot for the key fob. Despite a slightly sloping roofline, the cargo area offers a generous 56 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded. The vehicle comes in a single trim level with an optional Technology package that bundles features like a panoramic glass roof with electrochromic dimming, a power liftgate, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, and roof rails. Standard equipment is extensive, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking. Mitsubishi also offers a robust warranty package, surpassing Nissan's Leaf warranty with five years or 60,000 miles for the vehicle and ten years or 100,000 miles for the battery and electric powertrain, plus two years of free maintenance and five years of roadside assistance, making the Eclipse Sportback a competitive offering in the EV market, especially in zero-emission vehicle mandated states.
