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: Front Quarter View]
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.
[PHOTO: Interior Dashboard]
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.
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.