--- title: "The New Mitsubishi Eclipse Is Actually a Nissan Leaf Underneath" date: "2026-06-09" modified: "2026-06-09" authors: - name: "Andrew P. Collins" job_title: "Executive Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/andrew-p-collins" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-new-mitsubishi-eclipse-is-actually-a-nissan-leaf-underneath" categories: - "Mitsubishi News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "Leaf" - "Mitsubishi" - "Nissan" --- # The New Mitsubishi Eclipse Is Actually a Nissan Leaf Underneath ![Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback]() *\Mitsubishi\* A few months ago, a [Mitsubishi]() prototype of a rebadged [Nissan Leaf]() [was spotted]() being tested on public roads. Today, the three-diamond brand has revealed the vehicle's look and name: Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV. I don't hate it. As you may recall, there was a minor grumbling of nerds when Mitsubishi [resurrected the Eclipse name]() almost a decade ago for its Eclipse Cross compact SUV. I see quite a few headlines about this new model are singing a similar note, too. Of course, the first and second-generation Eclipse was a really cool sport compact car with available all-wheel drive and Mitsu's legendary 4G63 turbo-four motor—a platform so tunable it was (and is) coveted for all kinds of motorsport and modding purposes. Subsequent versions of the Eclipse were a lot heavier and less exciting. So, personally, even as a huge fan of Mitsubishi's 1999 lineup, I can't say I'm particularly offended by the Eclipse name being re-treaded for the second time in 2026. Here, you can compare the exterior styling differences side-by-side: ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Anyway, the Eclipse Sportback EV is exactly what it looks like: a Nissan Leaf with unique styling. There are some neat details—the lower facias are kind of cool, and I dig the three-spoke wheels. Since the Leaf has been [universally praised as a good car](), this vehicle might actually help get some bodies into Mitsubishi stores as the brand works to [rebuild its dealership network](). Mitsubishi promises to release more details closer to the vehicle's release, but I think we can safely figure specs will sync up with the Leaf's solid offerings of about 259-mile range with a starting price around $30,000. *Got a story tip? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com.* ## Author As Executive Editor, Andrew touches everything on the site from daily news coverage to feature stories, sponsored content, product reviews, road testing vehicles, ecommerce, and more. He's held pretty much every role there is to have at an automotive news site and has been with The Drive's publisher Recurrent since 2020. Andrew's a lifetime gearhead and longtime writer with a particularly strong penchant for road trips, off-road adventures, and archaic vehicles. His passions outside of the automotive world include skiing, obsolete video games, and his dog Bramble who occationally helps review cars. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()