2026 Mitsubishi eK Space

• Updated styling gives the 2026 eK Space a cleaner, more confident face while staying within kei-car proportions.

• A larger 9-inch touchscreen and expanded MI-PILOT driver aids lift cabin tech closer to mainstream compacts.

• Powertrains remain kei-standard: 658cc engines in naturally aspirated and turbo form, CVT, FWD or AWD.

Exterior shifts with subtle toughness

Mitsubishi hasn’t reinvented the eK Space, but the changes are enough to notice. The grille stretches wider and now flows directly into squared LED headlights, lending the car a more upright stance. The body sides are cleaner, though still tall and boxy — a reminder that kei cars are designed first for interior space and urban maneuverability. At 3,395 mm long and 1,475 mm wide, it keeps the strict kei dimensions, but the impression is more refined than before.

The tall roofline remains, as does the sliding-door profile that makes the eK Space a practical choice for narrow city streets. Fresh paint options and sharper detailing complete the update without losing its familiar identity.

Inside: space and simplicity

Step inside and the upgrades are clearer. A 9-inch central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, replacing the smaller units of earlier models. The system runs smoother software and ties in navigation and connectivity features better suited to modern buyers. Ahead of the driver, the layout stays simple, but storage space is improved with deeper cubbies and a tidier console.

In the rear, Mitsubishi leans on its “super-height wagon” proportions. The flat floor and sliding bench add genuine flexibility, making the small footprint feel larger than it should. Rear passengers get wide-opening sliding doors, good knee room, and practical touches like built-in sunshades and a roof-mounted fan.

Familiar kei-class engines

Mechanically, little has changed — and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The eK Space continues with its pair of 658 cc three-cylinder engines: a naturally aspirated version at 51 PS (38 kW) and a turbocharged option with 63 PS (47 kW). Both are paired with a CVT automatic. Buyers can choose front-wheel drive or an all-wheel-drive layout, depending on use case.

Fuel economy stays in line with kei expectations, with figures typically ranging between 20 and 26 km/L depending on spec and conditions. That keeps the eK Space attractive for those who use it as a daily urban runabout.

Safety and driver assistance

One of the strengths of the eK Space is that Mitsubishi doesn’t strip back the technology just because it’s a kei. The 2026 update continues to offer the MI-PILOT suite, which includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Features like collision mitigation braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are also available, making the car feel more like a mainstream compact than a budget kei-class vehicle.

Pricing and timing

Mitsubishi began taking reservations for the 2026 eK Space in August 2025, with official sales set for autumn 2025 in Japan. Pricing is expected to remain close to the outgoing model’s structure, starting at around ¥1.75 million and stretching to about ¥1.95 million for higher trims. That positions it competitively against kei rivals while giving customers a full range of equipment options.

Technical Specification

Performance

• Naturally aspirated 658 cc 3-cylinder engine: 52 PS (38 kW), 6.2 kg·m (≈61 Nm)
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) only

Body Measurements

• Length: 3,395 mm (≈133.7 inches)
• Width: 1,475 mm (≈58.1 inches)
• Height: 1,785 mm (≈70.3 inches)
• Wheelbase: 2,495 mm (≈98.2 inches)

Powertrain & Drive System

• Engine: 658 cc inline-3 naturally aspirated
• Transmission: CVT automatic
• Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive standard; optional All-Wheel Drive

Capabilities & Space

• Seating capacity: 4 occupants
• Rear seat sliding range: 320 mm
• Sliding door width: 650 mm
• Interior length: 2,315 mm
• Rear knee room: 795 mm
• Flat floor layout for enhanced headroom
• Fuel efficiency (expected): 22.0 km/L (2WD); 20.0 km/L (4WD)

Safety & Convenience Features

• MI-PILOT driver assistance: rear-side collision prevention, lane-change assist, cross-traffic alert, intersection assist
• 3D multi-around monitor with eight perspectives including front and underbody views
• Proximity unlock and auto-lock at exit (kei-car firsts)

Pricing

• Base (M trim, FF): ¥1.74 million
• Base (M trim, AWD): ¥1.87 million
• Higher (G trim, FF): ¥1.82 million
• Higher (G trim, AWD): ¥1.94 million

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