Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV coming to North America later this year as a Nissan Leaf in disguise

Mitsubishi is officially adding another electric vehicle (EV) to its North American lineup, confirming the all-new Eclipse Sportback EV will arrive in both Canada and the United States in the second half of 2026.

While the new EV may borrow its name from Mitsubishi’s sports coupe, the new Eclipse Sportback takes a very different approach. The compact electric SUV is built through Mitsubishi’s growing partnership with Nissan and is based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf.

Mitsubishi Puts Its Own Spin on the Nissan Leaf

Mitsubishi announced the vehicle this week, describing the Eclipse Sportback as a battery-electric SUV that combines sporty styling with everyday practicality. The company says the model is designed to handle a wide variety of driving needs, from daily commuting to weekend adventures.

Although the vehicle shares its underlying architecture with the new Leaf, Mitsubishi has worked to give the Eclipse Sportback a distinct identity. The automaker has redesigned several exterior components, including the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, liftgate, wheels, and D-pillars.

The result is a more aggressive appearance that aligns with Mitsubishi’s current design language while still retaining the overall proportions of its Nissan sibling.

Following the Toyota-Subaru Playbook

The Eclipse Sportback EV follows a strategy that has already been used elsewhere in the industry. A similar example is the relationship between the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra EV, which share the same underlying platform, battery technology, and many mechanical components while featuring unique styling and branding.

Mitsubishi is taking a comparable approach with the Eclipse Sportback EV, leveraging Nissan’s investment in the next-generation Leaf while applying its own design elements and customer experience. This allows Mitsubishi to bring an EV to market more quickly and at a lower development cost, while still offering a product that feels distinct from its Nissan counterpart.

The Benefits of Nissan’s EV Technology

For Canadian buyers, the decision to use the Leaf as a foundation could prove beneficial. Nissan’s redesigned electric crossover promises significant improvements over the outgoing Leaf, including longer driving range, faster charging capabilities, and more modern technology.

Mitsubishi has not yet released official specifications or battery details for the Eclipse Sportback, but expectations are that it will closely mirror the Leaf’s powertrain options.

Pricing and Launch Timeline

One question that remains is pricing. Historically, comparable Mitsubishi and Nissan models have been priced relatively close together, meaning the Eclipse Sportback could compete directly with Nissan’s own electric crossover while offering a different design and dealer experience.

More details, including specifications, equipment levels, driving range, and Canadian pricing, are expected to be revealed in the coming months ahead of the vehicle’s launch later this year.