Eclipse Goes Electric

Mitsubishi Motors is bringing back the Eclipse name for a new battery electric vehicle in North America, with the 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback set to go on sale in late summer or early fall 2026.

The all-new Eclipse Sportback will be sourced from Alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. and will be based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF. Mitsubishi said the model will receive design changes to separate it from its Nissan counterpart, including unique front and rear fascias, distinct lighting signatures, sporty alloy wheels and the brand’s Triple Diamond badge.

The vehicle will be positioned as a sporty electric subcompact SUV, marking another step in Mitsubishi’s electrification program in North America. The company released the first images of the model on June 9, ahead of its market launch later this year.

The Eclipse badge carries weight for Mitsubishi in the region. The nameplate made its North American debut in 1990 and became one of the brand’s most recognizable models. Its return as an electric sportback reflects Mitsubishi’s plan to use familiar names while expanding into new powertrain choices.

Mitsubishi’s electric vehicle work goes back to the 1970s, when it began developing EVs in Japan. The i-MiEV, described by the company as the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle, went on sale in select markets in 2009 before reaching the United States and Canada in late 2011. The Outlander PHEV followed globally in 2012 and arrived in North America in 2018.

The Eclipse Sportback also fits into Mitsubishi Motors North America’s Momentum 2030 plan. The business program focuses on electrification, a renewed and expanded product lineup, modernized retail operations and a stronger dealer network.

Under the plan, Mitsubishi intends to launch at least one new or significantly revised vehicle each year through fiscal year 2030. After the Eclipse Sportback, the company is also preparing an all-new rugged, off-road derivative of the Outlander SUV for early 2027.

More details on the Eclipse Sportback, including technical specifications, pricing and final on-sale timing, will be released later.