We’ve waited long enough for this. After weeks of teasers, the Mitsubishi XForce HEV has finally made its world premiere. It’s about time, we say, given that its rivals already have a strong foothold in the segment.
More specifically, the electrified subcompact crossover segment. With that, the hybridized XForce has some stiff competition ahead of it. Most notable are the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV, Nissan Kicks e-Power, and Honda HR-V e:HEV.
Of course, Mitsubishi doesn’t want to lose ground on its rivals. At the same time, it also has to fend off a barrage of hybrid crossovers from China. To say it’s an important model for the brand is putting it lightly, as Mitsubishi relies heavily on Asia-Pacific markets for sales.
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The Mitsubishi XForce HEV wades into battle with a 1.6-liter Atkinson Cycle engine that’s then mated to 1.1kWh battery and a single electric motor. Total system output is rated at 114hp and 255Nm. Like the standard model, it’s front-wheel drive only, although it shifts with an e-CVT. The company claims a fuel economy figure of 24.4km/L.
If the specs sound familiar, it’s identical to the system found in the Xpander and Xpander Cross e:Motion that was launched in Thailand in 2024. Speaking of Thailand, the XForce HEV will be assembled there instead of Indonesia. The latter will continue building the non-hybrid version.
The electrified variant gets seven drive modes, three more than the non-hybrid model. It includes Normal, Charge, EV, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, and Mud. Active Yaw Control is also standard. Granted, it doesn’t turn the XForce into a Pajero, but the modes should help it in tricky situations.
How does one differentiate the HEV model from, say, the non-electrified GT? One will notice the extra garnishes on the front and rear bumpers. At the same time, it sports smoked headlights and tail lights. It then rides on larger 18-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive two-tone design. In case you missed all of that, there are HEV badges on the grille, front doors, and tailgate.
Differences are few and far between on the inside. It’s largely identical to the XForce models we already see sitting in showrooms. The key difference here is the electro-mechanical gear selector, along with hybrid-specific displays on the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Interior amenities from the standard XForce, such as the Yamaha sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are also included in the hybrid version.
Of course, advanced driver assists are fitted to this model. Dubbed Diamond Sense, it comes with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, and more. Six airbags are standard, along with 360-degree cameras and sensors.
We reckon there’s a good chance of the XForce HEV coming to the Philippines. Aside from its competitors having subcompact hybrid crossovers, electrification is also gaining significant traction here. Should Mitsubishi Motors Philippines want a piece of the action, it should bring in this model sooner than later.
