This nameplate debuted as Mitsubishi’s modern compact crossover, using the Eclipse name to evoke the company’s earlier sporty coupe while applying it to a taller, coupe-styled SUV. Mitsubishi first revealed the vehicle in 2017 and launched it in Europe later that year, with additional rollouts following in Japan, North America, Australia, and other markets. In Mitsubishi’s own lineup, it was positioned as a global strategic model between the smaller crossover offerings and the larger Outlander family.
The vehicle’s defining theme from the start was a blend of sleek styling and SUV practicality. Early versions emphasized a fastback-like profile, a high-riding body, and Mitsubishi’s signature all-wheel-control engineering. Rather than reviving the older Eclipse coupe itself, Mitsubishi used the familiar name to create a new kind of crossover aimed at buyers who wanted a more expressive design than a conventional compact SUV.
A major update arrived for the 2021 model year, when Mitsubishi restyled the vehicle with revised front and rear treatment and expanded the powertrain lineup in select markets. That refresh also brought a plug-in hybrid variant to some regions, giving the nameplate a new electrified role within Mitsubishi’s broader SUV range. The model has continued in production since its introduction, evolving from the original gasoline-only launch into a more diversified crossover line while retaining the same core nameplate and market identity.