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.
Photo: Perry Stern
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.
For this 2027 Eclipse Sportback review, Mitsubishi provided a test vehicle in Seattle, Washington, with the following options:
As of publication, Mitsubishi has not announced final pricing for the 2027 Eclipse Sportback. For reference, the comparable 2026 Nissan Leaf S+ starts at $31,485, including the destination charge.
Photo: Perry Stern
While the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback shares the Nissan Leaf's basic shape, it features distinctive styling that aligns it with the rest of the Mitsubishi lineup. EVs do not need a traditional grille, but the Eclipse Sportback gets one that spans the space between the slim LED headlights, centered on the familiar Mitsubishi logo. Stylish LED daytime running lights extend to the corners, giving the small crossover a wide stance.
Inside, the Eclipse Sportback's clean, high-tech design immediately grabs your attention. Dual 14.3-inch screens dominate the cabin, one for the configurable digital gauge cluster and the other for the infotainment system. Soft-touch haptic buttons integrated into the dashboard below the screen provide easy access to climate controls, including the standard heated seats. Simple gear-selector buttons are on a separate panel, though a more elegant solution that better fits the interior style might have been preferable.
Seats feature synthetic leather trim with a stylish pattern and are available only in black. I thought the front seats were somewhat stiff, but they were not uncomfortable and provided good support. The center console offers ample storage, and the wireless smartphone charger is easily accessible in front of the center armrest.
The console does not extend all the way to the dashboard, leaving open floor space that enhances the EV's roomy feel. However, a bin in that space might be more useful, since items placed on the floor could end up under the driver's feet.
Rear seats receive a similar styling treatment to those up front and are equally stiff. Taller passengers may find the legroom tight. However, the flat floor makes the space more palatable, as do the standard seat heaters and dual USB-C ports. The optional sunroof opens up the space nicely and features electrochromic functionality that changes it from opaque to transparent with the push of a button.
The Eclipse Sportback offers reasonable utility, with about 20 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. That is enough room for a few overnight bags or other gear, and folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands the space to 55.5 cubic feet. Floor panels open to reveal additional storage, and indentations along the sides let you adjust the panels to create a divider for better organization.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Eclipse Sportback comes standard with a Google-based infotainment system displayed on a 14.3-inch touchscreen. A 14.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard and offers a range of configurations. The infotainment system includes:
The only factory option for the Eclipse Sportback is the Technology package, which adds a Bose 10-speaker audio system with speakers built into the front headrests.
Google-based infotainment systems are among the most intuitive on the market, and the version in the Mitsubishi is no exception. Primary features appear as large tiles, while shortcuts to navigation, audio, settings, and the Home screen remain fixed at the bottom of the screen. I like the fact that the background seamlessly blends with the driver's display, creating the impression of a single screen.
If you have a Google account, you can log in to the system, which brings saved destinations into the native navigation and provides access to the Google Play Store. Downloading apps like Waze, Spotify, or YouTube Music integrates them into the infotainment system, allowing you to replicate Android Auto. The Google Assistant natural language interface is also included, and I was able to adjust the cabin temperature, make a call, and navigate to a coffee shop using voice commands.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more familiar interface, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and support wireless connections. My Samsung Galaxy S23+ connected quickly via Bluetooth and launched Android Auto on each vehicle restart.
The integrated Google Maps also includes EV-specific features, showing the expected remaining charge when you arrive at your destination and adding a stop at a charging station to its time calculation if the distance exceeds the available range.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback features a single electric motor that drives the front wheels, delivering 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Mitsubishi does not offer a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version of the Eclipse Sportback. The motor is powered by a 75-kilowatt-hour (kWh) high energy density battery, which provides an estimated range of 282 miles on a full charge. As of this writing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet released its estimates.
During my time behind the wheel of the Eclipse Sportback, the trip computer showed an average of 3.3 miles/kWh, or about 110 MPGe. I did not have the opportunity to charge it fully, but the Mitsubishi showed a 240-mile range with 84 percent charge remaining, which extrapolates to 286 miles from a 100-percent charge.
While the Eclipse Sportback shares its powertrain with the Nissan Leaf, the Mitsubishi offers a longer warranty that covers the powertrain, EV system, and battery for at least two more years. The Eclipse Sportback also includes a two-year or 30,000-mile maintenance plan as standard.
The Eclipse Sportback comes with two charging ports: a CCS port on the left for Level 1 or 2 charging, and a NACS port on the right that provides access to a range of DC fast chargers, including the Tesla Supercharger network. Mitsubishi estimates that an 80-percent charge can be achieved in about 35 minutes on a DC fast charger or about 6.5 hours on a 7-kilowatt Level 2 charger.
Power comes on smoothly with steady throttle response. It feels quick from a stop, but there is not as much oomph when accelerating above 50 mph. The small car feels solid and confident at freeway speeds, and the cabin remains quiet so you can enjoy the optional Bose audio system.
While I would not call it sporty, the Eclipse Sportback is enjoyable to drive, with good driving dynamics. Its small footprint makes the EV feel agile, with good maneuverability and quick steering response. There is very little body lean when pushed hard in a corner. The Eclipse Sportback would be an easy car to drive every day.
I like that you can adjust the level of regenerative braking, or select E-pedal for the highest level. E-pedal is ideal for slowing the car dramatically without using the brakes. Unfortunately, full one-pedal driving is not available—the car will not come to a complete stop on its own.
Photo: Perry Stern
The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback comes standard with Mi-Pilot Assist, the brand's suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The suite includes:
The Mi-Pilot system is a semi-autonomous, hands-on driving system that uses adaptive cruise control and lane centering. I tested the system on Interstate 5 north of Seattle, Washington, and it operated smoothly, with steady braking and acceleration to match the speed of the vehicle ahead. While it does an impressive job of keeping the Eclipse Sportback centered in the lane, it is not a hands-free system, and a warning will appear after a few seconds if you take your hands off the wheel.
Because it is an all-new model, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crashworthiness data for the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback.
With a respectable driving range, a stylish design, and good driving dynamics, the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback should mark a successful return to the EV market for the Japanese brand. Its expected affordable price and extensive standard equipment list make the Eclipse Sportback an ideal choice for a first-time EV buyer.
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.
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