It has been almost 10 years since the Mitsubishi i-MiEV ended production, marking the last time the Japanese company offered an electric vehicle (EV) in America. Though it had a modest range of 62 miles, the i-MiEV was a groundbreaking vehicle for the brand. Now, the company is back in the EV game with the all-new Eclipse Sportback. Boasting a much more respectable driving range, standout styling, and an extensive standard equipment list, this new EV should be quite competitive in today's market.
The all-new Eclipse Sportback is largely based on the new Nissan Leaf (Mitsubishi is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance), but the small EV features Mitsubishi design elements that help distinguish it from the Nissan. Although it shares the same name, the Eclipse Sportback is completely different from the brand's Eclipse Cross compact crossover.
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback is a compact crossover EV available in a single, well-equipped front-wheel-drive trim level. Like the Nissan Leaf, it is not available with a dual-motor drivetrain.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving nearly every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for jdpower.com. Living in southeast Michigan, Perry remains passionate about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.