By Steve Laser
Mitsubishi is planning to introduce a new EV, called the Eclipse Sportback, to its lineup in North America for the 2027 model year. The all-electric SUV will be based on the new generation Nissan LEAF, and supplied by Alliance partner, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., on an OEM basis.
Product sharing gives Mitsubishi the opportunity to quickly bring a new EV to the market. For the U.S. and Canada, the new Eclipse Sportback will join the current model lineup that includes the Outlander, Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport (called RVR in Canada), and Eclipse Cross.
The first images of the new Eclipse Sportback were released by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) on June 9. While the new model features a familiar silhouette, it gains distinctive Mitsubishi design cues that set it apart from the LEAF.
According to Mitsubishi Motors Corp. in Japan, exterior design modifications for the Eclipse Sportback include the front and rear bumpers, front grille, headlights and rear combination lamps, rear gate, plus the D-pillars and wheels.
Product features and specs are expected to be announced closer to the Eclipse Sportback launch, currently planned for late summer or early fall 2026, in the U.S. and Canada. While LEAF is built at Nissan’s Tochigi Plant in Japan, along with Nissan’s production facility in Sunderland, UK, Eclipse Sportback models for North America are likely to be sourced from Japan.
According to MMC, additional collaborative projects with Alliance partner Nissan include new pickups for the North American market, and kei-cars for Japan. Additional OEM arrangements include Mitsubishi supplying Nissan with the Rogue Plug-in Hybrid for North America, Navara for Oceania, and Livina for the Philippines.
Note: Launch timing and future production models are subject to change without notice.
News sources and photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., and Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
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