Roughly a month after its global debut in Indonesia, is Mitsubishi Motors Philippines about to launch the first-ever 7-seater Destinator compact SUV? Based on their social media activity, the answer could be a resounding, yes.
As one of the largest and most important markets globally for Mitsubishi, the Philippines has every right to get the latest and best models available to them. The Destinator is primed for that given that, segment-wise, it’s hitting two lucrative markets—the compact crossover and 7-seater SUV—at the same time. In addition, it did make its global debut albeit in concept car form in the Philippines in 2024.
Designed to slot between the Xpander Cross and the Montero Sport in Mitsubishi’s line-up, the Destinator essentially rides on the same platform as the Xpander and the Xforce. In that regard, it uses the same front MacPherson Strut and rear Torsion Beam setup. However, it’s been retuned to offer improved straight-line stability and riding comfort. It also has robust off-roading credentials with up to 244 mm of ground clearance (minus the undercover) as well as 21 degrees approach, 20.8 breakover, and 25.5 degrees departure angles.
Powering the Destinator is 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.
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. It also sports a panoramic sunroof—the first Mitsubishi model to do so, at least in this price range.
Similar to the overall treatment given by Mitsubishi with the Xforce, 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. And 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.
Currently, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is busy prepping for the launch of the new Xpander and Xpander Cross which will make their local debut on August 29. Based on previous Mitsubishi launches, expect the Destinator to be previewed first before the end of the year (perhaps as early as September or October) with retail sales starting in January 2026.
While you wait, check out the sneak peek offered by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines below.
Sounds about right. In MMC's FY2025 First Quarter FA report, the Destinator is coming to Philippines and Vietnam in "Early Winter of 2025"
ReplyDeleteVan also launching this year 🤔 quite a busy schedule for Mitsubishi, even though the van is a rebadged E26 Urvan with the ancient YD25 lol.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why do people love 7 seater vehicles. It's cramped up and uncomfortable. For those looking for a 7 seater SUV it's better to buy a minivan or a van.
ReplyDeleteSome people like having the option of carrying extra stuff (like extra people) even if they barely ever do it. Like 4x4 pickup truck owners who only use them for city driving and rarely carry anything that warrants a truck bed.
DeleteOperative words: FORM & FUNCTION
DeleteMost Pinoy families want SUVs / MPVs that can be configured from 5 to 7-seater in a few flicks when there is a sudden need.
As some say, SUVs mainly have form and function, while vans are mainly utilitarian.
Those families which have the money would buy both and use them depending on need, while others on a limited budget prioritize acquiring SUVs not vans.
I remember when the updated Xpander was launched in 2022, they had this "slalom test area" at MOA, then brought to the Visayas.
DeleteHere is hoping Mitsu-sales team would give the Destinator the same treatment.
7 seaters are really good when done properly. Our Stargazer's 3rd row is pretty good.
DeleteThere is no "Minivan" here in PH under 2M php. Vans are for commuters; NO BODY buys a Van for family use.
DeleteOne vehicle for many duties. Might be compromised but is still usable. Not everyone can afford different vehicles for a specific use
ReplyDeleteMitsubishi PH can be quick if they want to (Triton, XForce) and slow when they don't want (XPander Hybrid, XForce Hybrid). So if they want to bring the Destinator in, it will happen quickly. I suspect they are building up their after-sales competency on hybrids before bringing them in, but that's just me.
ReplyDeleteHope they price this competitively. The Chinese manufacturers have upped their game and offer irresistible deals.
ReplyDeleteAre Mitsubishi's CVTs any good? They are in bed w/ Nissan & we all know how BAD Nissan's JATCO CVTs are.
ReplyDeleteThey are the same JATCO units used by Nissan, but with much less documented problems. Same with Suzuki, less documented JATCO problems despite using the same CVTs as Nissan. JATCO CVTs seem to do fine in lighter econoboxes (Mirage, Celerio, Swift, Almera) vs the CVTs in Nissan's large crossovers and sedans with V6 engines (Murano, Teana, Maxina, Altima, etc - these modes have the most documented CVT Problems).
DeleteOnly time will tell for this Destinator, which is in the middle in terms of weight and power.
Mitsubishi CVTs or Nissan's CVTs?
ReplyDeleteBaconator ❌
ReplyDeleteDestinator ✅