Mitsubishi Returns to Electric: 2027 Eclipse Sportback Priced from $39,740

After a decade-long absence from the battery-electric segment, Mitsubishi is officially back. The brand that last sold an EV with the diminutive i-MiEV has re-entered the market with the 2027 Eclipse Sportback, and the company has now confirmed pricing as the first examples roll into dealerships. The base model starts at $39,740, a figure that already includes a$1,995 destination charge. Buyers have exactly one factory option to consider: a Technology Package priced at $2,600.

The Eclipse Sportback is a front-wheel-drive compact SUV built around a single electric motor producing 214 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. Energy comes from a 75 kWh lithium-ion nickel-manganese-cobalt pack with liquid cooling, which Mitsubishi rates at 282 miles of range on a full charge. The car seats five and, notably, rides on the proven underpinnings of the Nissan Leaf — a deliberate decision by the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi alliance to hold down development costs while giving shoppers another compact EV to consider.

Charging is where the Eclipse Sportback takes an unusual approach. It carries two separate ports: an NACS connector on the passenger-side front fender and a CCS port on the driver-side rear fender, letting owners plug into either network without an adapter. A 120V household outlet works for trickle charging but will be slow going. A 240V Level 2 home charger is the practical choice, taking the battery from 20 to 80 percent in about 6.5 hours, or from 10 to 100 percent in roughly 11.5 hours. On a DC fast charger, the pack goes from 10 to 80 percent in 35 minutes, with about 85 miles of range added in 10 minutes.

Behind the wheel, reviewers found the instant torque delivery makes for smooth, quiet progress at any speed, with drive modes spanning Eco, Normal, Personal and Sport. Eco is the pick for stretching range on open roads, while Sport sharpens throttle and steering response. Floor-mounted batteries keep the center of gravity low, and the compact crossover stays flat and composed through tight corners, riding on 18-inch wheels with 215/55 all-season tires. Mitsubishi’s E-Step system enables near one-pedal driving, and steering-wheel paddles let drivers dial regenerative braking up or down. A dash button can even handle the slowing automatically, bringing the car nearly to a stop.

Inside, the cabin pairs dual 14.3-inch displays with physical buttons for audio, phone and cruise control rather than haptic controls. Cargo space measures 20.0 cubic feet behind the 60:40 split rear seat, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The optional Technology Package adds a hands-free power lift gate, roof rails, a 10-speaker Bose audio system and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof that can switch from clear to opaque and dim only the rear section or the whole cabin. Mitsubishi also backs the car with a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty covering the powertrain, EV system and battery, plus five years of unlimited roadside assistance. The Eclipse Sportback is positioned as part of a broader electrified lineup that also includes the Outlander mild-hybrid and Outlander plug-in hybrid.