2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV First Drive: Mitsubishi’s Take on the Nissan Leaf

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV brings a fully electric option back to Mitsubishi’s Canadian lineup. It arrives with familiar roots: beneath the Mitsubishi styling is the new Nissan Leaf.

Our introduction in Montréal combined a studio presentation with a short drive. Most of our time went into exploring the design and cabin, but the road portion confirmed one thing: it drives much like its Nissan relative.

Mitsubishi has concentrated its visual changes where they make an immediate impression. Different bumpers, lighting signatures and 18-inch wheels distinguish it from the Leaf. At the rear, T-shaped lighting and prominent Mitsubishi lettering give it a clear brand identity, even if the shared proportions remain easy to recognize.

Inside, the relationship is more obvious. The dashboard is centred on two 14.3-inch displays, with Google built-in. Standard equipment includes synthetic leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel and a heat pump. A flat rear floor and 60/40-folding rear seats cover the practical basics.

A 75-kWh battery supplies a front-mounted motor producing 214 hp and 261 lb-ft of torque, matching the larger-battery Leaf. Mitsubishi quotes 454 km of range, DC fast charging at up to 150 kW and a 10–80% charging time of approximately 35 minutes.

Our brief drive did not reveal an obvious difference in overall character from the Leaf. The more useful distinctions are in the styling, equipment and ownership package. Our time behind the wheel was too short to provide meaningful consumption or range results.

Canadian pricing starts at $48,998. Adding the Technology Package brings the MSRP to $54,098, before freight, taxes and applicable fees. That $5,100 package adds a fixed panoramic glass roof with electronic dimming, a 10-speaker Bose audio system, a hands-free power liftgate and roof rails.

The 2027 Leaf SV+ is a useful comparison for buyers considering the standard Mitsubishi:

The Leaf’s higher AC charging limit gives it an advantage on suitably equipped Level 2 chargers. Mitsubishi counters with longer basic coverage, plus a 10-year/160,000-km limited warranty for the EV system and battery.

The Eclipse Sportback offers a familiar driving experience with a different look and warranty package. For buyers comparing it with the Leaf, those differences—and the final equipped price—will matter more than anything our short drive revealed.