2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross to return as Scenic EV

The 2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will be reinvented later this year as an all-electric small SUV, with the new model created to sit above the new ASX when sales begin in Europe in October this year.

Previewed by new images ahead of its September debut, the new Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has been specifically created for European buyers. It will be built by Renault and is closely related to the battery-powered Scenic E-Tech SUV.

Both the current car’s petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains will not be offered in the new model.

Releasing teasers of its badging, grille, pop-out door handles and Scenic-like side profile, the new Eclipse Cross will mirror what’s already happened in Europe with the Colt (based on a Renault Clio), ASX (Captur-based) and Grandis (a rebadged Renault Symbioz), as the Japanese brand rushes to replace an ageing line-up.

Styled by Mitsubishi’s European design studio in Germany, it’s not known how radical the Scenic re-skin will be, but expect a version of the brand’s trademark Dynamic Shield front-end.

Sharing the Renault SUV’s CMF-EV platform, the new Eclipse Cross is primed to measure in at 4470mm long, 1864mm wide and stand 1571mm tall, with a 2785mm wheelbase. That makes it 75mm shorter, 59mm wider and 114mm lower than the out-going SUV but with a 115mm longer wheelbase for more space within.

Set to offer up to five seats, a longer seven-seat version will likely be off the table. Boot space should be around 545 litres, matching the Renault Scenic.

Featuring the Renault’s Google-powered infotainment, the new Eclipse Cross should match its French cousin for its driver-assist features.

From launch, expect the choice of either a 60kWh battery with a single 125kW/280Nm e-motor that delivers a range of 430km, as well as a larger 87kWh battery that will be combined with dual motors that will produce 160kW/300Nm and boast a more generous range of 625km.

Built in Renault’s Ampere ElectriCity factory in Douai, France, the new Eclipse Cross will be assembled alongside the Scenic E-Tech.

Now eight years old, there’s no word on what will happen to replace the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross in Australia, but the local outfit here has ruled out importing the latest re-skinned Renault.

“The Eclipse Cross announced is presently only for the European market,” said a statement from Mitsubishi Australia.

“Naturally, as part of our ongoing discussions with the Alliance, we would consider it if that changes.”

Confusing matters Down Under is news that Mitsubishi is already planning to spin off an SUV based on the Nissan Leaf for the North American market, which might be offered for export markets like Australia.

At the same time, Mitsubishi has already committed to bring in a new EV sourced from Foxtron; it will be made in Taiwan by Yulon Motors and should be available in showrooms in the second half of 2026.

That car, based on the firm’s Model B, will be around 4300mm long and come with a 500km range from its 60kWh battery pack.

In Australia the Eclipse Cross has already been withdrawn from sale after it, the ASX and the Pajero Sport failed to offer standard autonomous emergency braking, although stock of all three remain in dealers.

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