Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV starts at $37,745

The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV goes on sale this month at $37,745 before the $1,995 destination fee, which brings the starting price to $39,740. Mitsubishi announced the pricing Tuesday. Electrek reports the new EV is essentially a rebadged Nissan LEAF, and it costs about $8,000 more than the LEAF.

Both cars share the same platform and a 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery. The Eclipse is rated at up to 282 miles of EPA range, while the base Nissan LEAF S+ is rated up to 303 miles. Every LEAF uses the same battery, Electrek says, but the top Platinum+ trim drops to 259 miles and starts at $38,990. The mid-grade SV+ starts at $34,230.

Same bones, different badge

Mitsubishi says the Eclipse has the same shape and size as the LEAF but stands apart with its own styling, including the brand's Triple Diamond design and logo. Electrek says that approach is similar to Toyota and Subaru's alliance, where twins get separate looks.

Standard equipment includes an all-black synthetic leather interior, dual 14.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in Google services with Intelligent Route Planning from Google Maps. The base LEAF S+ has dual 12.3-inch displays; the higher LEAF trims get dual 14.3-inch screens. The Eclipse also has a native NACS port, so Tesla Superchargers work without an adapter, and 150 kW DC fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes, the same as the LEAF.

The only option is a $2,600 Technology Package. Mitsubishi describes the base car as "exceptionally well equipped."

The pricing problem

Electrek notes the Eclipse costs about $8,000 more than the LEAF and also more than several popular EVs. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 starts at $35,250, the Toyota bZ at $34,980, and the 2027 Kia EV3 starts at $29,890 in Light trim with 221 miles of range. The EV3 Wind, with an 81.4 kWh battery and 321 miles of range, starts at $34,990.

The Eclipse is the first vehicle under Mitsubishi's Momentum 2030 plan, which calls for at least one new or refreshed vehicle each fiscal year through 2030. An Outlander SUV comes next, followed by "adventure-oriented and off-road capable vehicles," Mitsubishi said.

For shoppers, the value math is not kind to Mitsubishi. The LEAF is cheaper, has more range and offers the same charging hardware. The Eclipse's case rests on looks, the standard screens and the badge, and that is a hard sell when a Kia EV3 with 321 miles of range costs less.

• Eclipse Sportback EV
• EV pricing
• Kia EV3
• Mitsubishi
• Momentum 2030
• Nissan Leaf