Mitsubishi’s new EV costs nearly $8,000 more than the Nissan LEAF

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback starts at $37,745, or nearly $8,000 more than its twin, the Nissan LEAF.

2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV prices and range

Mitsubishi is taking another crack at the US EV market, nearly a decade after it stopped selling the i-MiEV in 2017.

The new 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV will go on sale this month priced from $37,745, Mitsubishi said on Tuesday. With the $1,995 destination fee, prices come to $39,740.

Already “exceptionally well equipped,” it will be available with one optional upgrade: the Technology Package, which adds $2,600.

Mitsubishi’s new EV is essentially a rebadged Nissan LEAF. As part of the Japanese automakers’ alliance, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV is based on the same platform as the LEAF and uses the same 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery.

So how do they stack up? The Eclipse Sportback EV offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 282 miles, compared to the base Nissan Leaf S+, which offers up to 303 miles.

All Nissan LEAF models use the same 75 kWh battery, but the EPA range drops to 259 miles on the top Platinum+ trim. The highest-priced Nissan LEAF Platinum+ starts at $38,990, while the mid-grade SV+ trim is priced from $34,230.

Like the LEAF, Mitsubishi’s EV comes with a native NACS port so that you can use Tesla Superchargers without a separate adapter.

With DC fast charging of up to 150 kW, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV can recharge from 10% to 80% in around 35 minutes. That’s the same as the Leaf.

Although it shares the same underpinnings, Mitsubishi promises the new EV will stand out with the brand’s unique style. It’s similar to Toyota and Subaru’s alliance.

It’s about the same shape and size as the Leaf, but the Eclipse EV features Mitsubishi’s logo and Triple Diamond design.

Inside, Mitsubishi’s EV features an all-black synthetic leather interior and dual 14.3″ digital driver displays with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The setup includes built-in Google with Intelligent Route Planning powered by Google Maps.

In comparison, the base Nissan LEAF S+ has dual 12.3″ displays. The higher-priced SV+ and Platinum+ have dual 14.3″ displays.

The new EV is the first from Mitsubishi’s new North American business plan, Momentum 2030. Mitsubishi plans to launch at least one new or refreshed vehicle each year through fiscal 2030.

Following the Eclipse Sportback EV, the new Outlander SUV will debut, followed by several “adventure-oriented and off-road capable vehicles,” Mitsubishi said.

Electrek’s Take

Starting at nearly $40,000, including the destination fee, Mitsubishi’s new Eclipse Sportback EV might be a tough sell.

For one, it’s already about $8,000 more than its twin, the LEAF. It’s also more than many current top-selling EVs, including the Hyundai IONIQ 5 ($35,250) and Toyota bZ ($34,980).

It’s also about $8,000 more than the new 2027 Kia EV3 (see our review), which offers up to 321 miles of EPA range.

The base EV3 Light trim starts at $29,890 and uses a 58.3 kWh battery with up to 221 miles of range.

Upgrading to the Kia EV3 Wind, which uses an 81.4 kWh battery for up to 321 miles of range, is still cheaper, priced from $34,990.

Which EV would you drive? The new Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV, Nissan LEAF, Kia EV3, or another model? Drop your pick in the comments.