Mitsubishi just charged nearly $8,000 more than Nissan for what is, mechanically, the same car. The new 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback starts at $37,745 before destination fees. It rides on the exact same platform, motor, and 75 kWh battery as the Nissan Leaf.
That’s not a guess or a coincidence. Mitsubishi confirmed the shared underpinnings as part of its alliance with Nissan.
So before you fall for the retro Eclipse badge, it’s worth asking a blunt question. Does the Eclipse Sportback vs Nissan Leaf price gap buy you anything real, or is it just a name tax?
Is the Eclipse Sportback really just a rebadged Leaf?
Yes, essentially. The Eclipse Sportback uses the same 75 kWh liquid-cooled battery and the same single-motor layout as the current Leaf. Mitsubishi just put its own sheet metal and interior trim on top. It’s a joint-venture play, not a ground-up new EV.
Mitsubishi’s own announcement leans into the shared DNA while dressing it up as something new. The automaker says the Eclipse Sportback offers up to 282 miles of range from that 75 kWh pack. It also includes both J1772 and Tesla-style NACS fast charging built in. Those numbers track almost exactly with what Nissan already offers on the Leaf.
What do you actually get for the extra $8,000?
Mostly styling, a longer warranty, and a single well-equipped trim instead of having to choose. The Eclipse Sportback comes in one configuration with just one optional $2,600 Technology Package. The Leaf, by contrast, spreads its features across three separate trims starting much lower.
Here’s how the two stack up on price and range right now:
| Model / Trim | Starting MSRP (before destination) | EPA Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leaf S+ | $29,990 | Up to 303 miles |
| Nissan Leaf SV+ | $34,230 | Up to 288 miles |
| Nissan Leaf Platinum+ | $38,990 | Up to 259 miles |
| Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback | $37,745 | Up to 282 miles |
| Eclipse Sportback + Tech Package | $40,345 | Up to 282 miles |
Notice something interesting there. The Eclipse Sportback’s single trim actually lands closer in price to the loaded Leaf Platinum+ than to the base S+. Compared against the entry-level Leaf, you’re paying almost $8,000 more. And that’s for a car that technically has less range than the cheapest Leaf trim.
Does the Eclipse Sportback have a better warranty than the Leaf?
It does, and this is the one place Mitsubishi has a real argument. Mitsubishi backs its vehicles, including EV components, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner. Most automakers, Nissan included, only offer 8-year/100,000-mile EV battery coverage.
That’s not nothing if you plan to keep the car a long time. But the Mitsubishi powertrain warranty is non-transferable to a second owner. So it mostly benefits buyers who finance new and hold onto the car for a decade.
Is the $8,000 badge actually worth it?
For most shoppers, no. The Nissan Leaf is the smarter buy. You’re getting the identical battery, motor, and charging hardware for thousands less, plus more range at the base trim. Nissan also has a much longer track record actually selling and servicing EVs in the U.S.
The Eclipse Sportback only starts to make sense in a few scenarios. Maybe the extended powertrain warranty genuinely matters to you. Maybe you like Mitsubishi’s styling and single-trim simplicity better than picking through Leaf trims. Or maybe you specifically want to avoid Nissan dealerships for service reasons. Those are legitimate but narrow reasons. They’re not enough to justify $8,000 for most buyers.
If you’re still cross-shopping budget EVs, it’s also worth seeing how the Leaf stacks up against its other cheap rival in our 2027 Bolt vs Leaf comparison. If you’re considering a used Leaf instead of new, check our breakdown of which Leaf model years to avoid before you buy. And if you’re still not sure an EV makes sense for your situation at all, our EV decision framework for 2026 walks through the math step by step.
FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback the same car as the Nissan Leaf?
Mechanically, yes. It shares the Leaf’s platform, 75 kWh battery, and single electric motor. Mitsubishi just supplies its own exterior and interior styling on top.
Why does the Eclipse Sportback cost more than the Leaf?
Mitsubishi only offers one well-equipped trim. Nissan spreads the Leaf across a cheaper base S+ trim and pricier upper trims. That makes the Mitsubishi look expensive by comparison, even though the hardware is nearly identical.
Does the Eclipse Sportback qualify for any EV tax credits?
As of late 2026, the federal EV tax credit has expired. Neither the Eclipse Sportback nor the Leaf qualifies for that federal incentive. Check your state’s own EV rebate programs for savings instead.
Should I wait for Mitsubishi discounts instead of buying a Leaf now?
Given how new the Eclipse Sportback is, meaningful discounts likely won’t appear for a while. Buyers who want to save money today are better off with the Leaf’s lower starting price right now.