Mitsubishi Motors expands its model line-up with the introduction of the Destinator—a new three-row compact SUV that combines a tough, energetic design with strong performance.
The production version of the DST Concept that was shown at the Philippine International Motor Show in 2024, the Destinator sits above the Xpander Cross, but below the Montero Sport in Mitsubishi’s line-up.
Designed and engineered as a “Confidence Booster for Energetic Families,” the all-new Destinator is powered by a turbocharged 4B40 1.5-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder with 163 horsepower (120 kW) and 250 Nm of torque. It features a water-cooled intercooler and an Atkinson combustion cycle for improved fuel efficiency. This is mated to a CVT driving the front wheels. While a front-wheel drive crossover, it incorporates Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control system to unlock five drive modes, including Tarmac, which is akin to a Sport mode, for the first time.
The front MacPherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam Axle suspension has been heavily retuned to suit ASEAN road conditions. This offers improved riding comfort without sacrificing straight line stability and urban maneuverability. It comes with up to 244 mm of ground clearance (without the undercover) or 214 mm with it installed. Other key specs include 21 degrees approach, 20.8 breakover, and 25.5 degrees departure angles.
Measuring in at 4,680 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height, the Destinator comes with a generous 2,815 mm wheelbase. Design-wise, it gains the Xforce’s upright Dynamic Shield front-end as well as T-shaped head- and taillights. 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tires are standard. The grille itself is a layered design with a honeycomb inner grille beneath a transparent acrylic surface. The rear, meanwhile, showcases the Hexaguard Horizon motif that is also used in the Xforce. It also sports a panoramic sunroof—the first Mitsubishi model to do so, at least in this price range.
For its launch market in Indonesia, it will be offered in three grades: GLS, Exceed, and Ultimate and in five colors: Quartz White Pearl, Lunar Blue Mica, Graphite Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Blade Silver Metallic.
Inside, the Destinator gets a fully digital 8-inch gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch Smart-link Display Audio touchscreen infotainment screen, dual zone climate control with ceiling-mounted vents, customizable 64-color ambient lighting, and seats treated with a heat reflective coating. There are also USB Type A and C ports all the way to the third row. For added comfort, it has an electronic parking brake with auto hold and available hands-free power tailgate. Like the Xforce, it receives a bespoke tuned Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium speaker system.
Interior flexibility is assured by the seats which fold in a 40/20/40 split for the second row and 50/50 split for the third row. There are also ample storage spaces and convenient utilities including a seatback tray, compartmentalized seatback pockets, and an under seat storage tray.
It also comes with Mitsubishi Connect—the brand’s very own advanced telematics system that enables owners to check the condition and control certain functions of the the Destinator via a dedicated smartphone app.
As for safety, the Destinator gets Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (Diamond Sense in Indonesia), the brand’s advanced driver assist system bundling functionalities such as Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC), Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Leading Car Departure Notification (LCDN), and Multi Around Monitor. This is on top of six SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control.
(ACC), Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Leading Car Departure Notification (LCDN), and Multi Around Monitor. This is on top of six SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control.
Pricing in Indonesia, where it launches first this month, ranges from IDR 400 million (P 1.4 million) and tops out at IDR 500 million (P 1.75 million).
It will be manufactured in Indonesia at the Krama Yudha assembly plant, and Mitsubishi has confirmed it will roll out in other ASEAN markets, including, yes, the Philippines. After that, it will also be exported to Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa as well.
2026 Mitsubishi Destinator General Specs
- Dimensions & Weights
- Overall Length: 4,860 mm
- Overall Width: 1,840 mm
- Overall Height: 1,780 mm
- Front Tread: 1,580 mm
- Rear Tread: 1,590 mm
- Ground Clearance: 244 mm (214 mm w/ under cover)
- Curb Weight: 1,495 kg
- Seating: 7
- Minimum Turning Radius: 5.4 m
- Approach Angle: 21 degrees
- Ramp Breakover Angle: 20.8 degrees
- Departure Angle: 25.5 degrees
- Engine & Transmission
- Code: 4B40 MIVEC Turbo w/ Intercooler
- Type: 4-cylinder, 16-valve
- Displacement: 1,499 cc
- Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
- Maximum Output: 163 horsepower (120 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
- Maximum Torque: 250 Nm @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
- Fuel Injection: Direct Injection + Multi Point Injection
- Fuel Type: High-Octane Gasoline
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 liters
- Transmission
- Type: CVT
- Drive Ratio: 2.631-0.378
- Reverse Ratio: 1.96
- Final Drive: 6.386
- Suspension
- Drive: Front-Wheel Drive
- Steering: Electric Power Steering, Rack & Pinion
- Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson Strut
- Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
- Front Brakes: Vented Disc
- Rear Brakes: Disc
- Tires: 225/55R18
Not too underpowered but still is! Props to Mitsubishi for making it look basically exactly like the concept however.
ReplyDeleteunderpowered. why not make a PHEV. make the HP passed 200hp
DeleteSounds like a winner, if they can bring all those features here in the right price. Im guessing it competes with the Avanza and BRV right?
ReplyDeleteXpander competes with the 2 aforementioned vehicles, which same goes for Xpander Cross. The Destinator competes with Geely Okavango.
DeleteSince the Xpander is the one that focuses on the BR-V and Avanza, the more likely scenario is that the Destinator will compete more against the likes of the Innova and Okavango, and specs-wise, it's looking to be a pretty good challenger, even without a Hybrid option (Yet). Putting a Diesel in it wouldn't make sense since it would intervene with the Montero's Sales tho.
DeleteI forgot about the expander. Is the hybrid confirmed? Should've went with that at launch.
DeleteStill meh, but atleast it's a better effort than Xforce.
ReplyDeleteThe second row seats look MPV-ish, not SUV-like. If Mitsubishi plans to sell this to the CR-V and RAV4 crowd, they need to fix that.
ReplyDeleteCan't imagine there would be any sort of sound deadening in that thing, because it is surprisingly light at just 1495kg considering its dimensions. The power might actually be sufficient with this kind of kerb weight.
ReplyDeleteStill unsure which competitors this goes against. The Innova Zenix is an MPV with a very different vision than the Destinator. The CR-V is probably a lot more expensive than this, and is not as space-conscious. It's not a competitor against the diesel PPVs either. The only one I can think of is the Geely Okavango, which seems to share a lot in philosophy with the Destinator (aside from both having weird names) by being midsized SUVs priced like compact crossovers based on an MPV platform - Uly's description of the Okavango in his review :)
ReplyDeletePinoys love 7 seater
ReplyDeleteThat engine bay looks like a messed up spaghetti noodles..
ReplyDeleteThey shouldve learned a thing or two with chinese cars were everything is neatly tucked and covered.
Much easier maintenance to have no plastic covers inside the engine bay. The Europeans and Chinese think way too much of the under-the-hood aesthetics, but the hood is only opened to do maintenance or appreciate the engine components LOL.
Deletetrue, it helps with heat dissipation also I guess, having all those plastic covers trap excess heat.
DeleteSeems like it'll be a solid offering from Mitsubishi Motors though I don't see it dethroning the Toyota Innova anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteFor those who don't know what segment this is. It sits in between the x force and the montero sport. In India the hyundai creta has a larger version called the alcazar. It's the equivalent to what mitsubishi has done with the destinator, a larger x force.
ReplyDeleteIt's price would most probably be in between the top of the line x force and the base model montero.
That feels like a huge gap its trying cover.
DeleteIf they fitted this with bigger wheels (235/55r19) and a multi-link rear suspension with lower ground clearance, they can unashamedly market this as a crossover. I hope it drives more like a CUV than an MPV (like the Geely Okavango).
ReplyDeleteUly, check the quoted length in the story (4,680) vs the specs list (4,860)
why are all you people even mentioning geely okavango??? have you not learned any lessons about aftermarket and parts availability... comparing a japanese brand with a chinese one! if this will be priced 1.5 m, they can have a market because of families looking for an SUV but dont want to hit the 2m budget but still looking suv ish... its larger than the xpander so that makes it a plus... 1.5 engine but with turbo... xpander has 1.5 engine but no turbo.
DeleteLooks like someone gets triggered by people talking about a car they don't like... Dude, if people keep talking about a certain car maybe it says something about the market that you just have to accept. Over in another article about Porsche someone mentioned BYD and then outrage followed that the thought of comparison should even occur. I find it rather amusing. Hehe
DeleteI dont know if they are way too late in the game. I personally dont consider gas and diesel anymore only hybrid type so Im not sure if a lot of people are like me. And the interior is kinda plain.
ReplyDeleteWould have been better if this had a hybrid at launch. This having the same engine as the Eclipse Cross could be a cause for concern as that vehicle has poor fuel economy as rated by the U.S.'s EPA.
ReplyDeleteTurning radius is quite tight considering its rather long wheelbase. Exterior dimensions are smilar to compact crossovers (CR-V, RAV4, X-trail) but the wheelbase is mid-sized level 🤔
ReplyDeleteIt appears to be an 'outlander' model. All the specs are roughly same but maybe they may squeezed in yet another SUV category
ReplyDeleteI see Mitsubishi Destinator to be a low-cost version of Outlander for the emerging markets like ASEAN where Outlander is expensive to buy for low-to middle and middle-class families.
DeleteI've seen snippets of the launch event and noticed this car has the stature of an MPV, not an SUV. If you can look past the sharp front and rear end designs, you could almost imagine a Veloz (elongated body sitting low to the ground). Hence, this is a modernization of the MPV and not an SUV.
ReplyDelete1. Those photos are animated. Cant wait to see them in the metal.
ReplyDelete2. The X-Force dont sell well in PH. Cant wait for MMPh to announce what the future holds for said vehicle.
3. This vehicle have turbo and CVT. Cant wait to see the author's perspective on reliability and cost of ownership.
4. This article is purely commercial. Cant wait for the proper review.
5. The preceding comment (#4) is wrong.
DeleteNothing commercial about it. This is whatever's info is available at launch.
IMHO:
Delete1. Market introduction of any product is commercial in nature. Its a tool used by manufacturers/sellers. If one makes an article out of it (paid or not), its definitely commercial.
2. A review meanwhile is a reference (left/center/right). It gives prospective buyers some perspective about the product (and the reviewer as well).
Whatever they do, Mitsubishi will always be a sellout in my eyes ever since they killed the Evo
ReplyDeleteNow this is the engine that the Xforce should have came with, at least for the TOTL variant.
ReplyDeleteSo late, ph market is transitioning to hybrid.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing i appreciatrle with this car is the port and direct injection it offers. Best of both worlds. Overall its a nice car with good design and features.. sans the CVT.
ReplyDeletewow, 6 airbags! i hope they don't strip it down to 2 when they bring it in here.
ReplyDeletethe engine output seems anemic for its size and appearance. It's like a macho man with a private insecurity
Don't be so happy with 6 airbags. It adds up to the price.
DeleteOf all the things to complain about adding to price. lol
DeleteBetween the X-Force and this Destinator, PH market will surely favor the latter.....which might also eat into the sales of the Xpander. Time will tell.
ReplyDeleteThe X-Force doesn’t seem to sell well. Engine is small and underpowered. Perhaps buyers are waiting for the hybrid variant. I believe it’s selling point is its Yamaha Premium Speakers.
DeleteDon't expect low price yan, if seven seater car mas sulit pa rin Chery grand tour.
DeleteI realised this car has a liquid to air intercooler.
ReplyDeleteJust like the emzoom. Thats a very neat feature to have.
Some column I had read this car can hurdle off road terrains. Then I'll definitely consider buying one if priced at base montero.
ReplyDeleteWhy the obsesion of high ground clearance on non off-road SUVs? High ground clearance usually means compromise in ride comfort, handling and stability, all of which are much more important for a family vehicle. Even the ground clearance of an Innova is more than enough to clear a regular commute in the province. I'm not expecting this vehicle to be any good in terms of driving dynamics at all...
ReplyDeleteThe obsession is not with ground clearance per se but with cabin floor height due to flooding.
ReplyDeleteStill not a hybrid? And requires high octane gas?!
ReplyDeletewith it's size, I think power is not enough, maybe a 1.8 turbocharge is better
ReplyDeleteDestinator:
DeleteListed max engine power: 163hp
÷ Total wt: 2,000kg = 0.082hp/kg
(Total wt = Listed curb wt: 1,495kg
+ assumed wt of people & luggage: 505kg)
Fortuner (2.4L gas engine):
163hp ÷ (1,780 + 505) = 0.071hp/kg
This would have been the king across all counterparts had this been RWD. I've experienced how interior FWD cars are climbing uphill fully loaded. In a sense that montero, fortuner, everest etc have either RWD or 4WD- although these aren't the segment it should be compared with. Just my humble thought.
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK WITH CVT TRANSMISSION ON SUV..
ReplyDelete