We first saw it as the DST Concept, and now it’s finally been revealed in production form. The first-ever Mitsubishi Destinator is here, and it aims to hit two birds with one stone.
How so, you ask? It aims to make a dent in the compact crossover market. At the same time, it offers MPV capabilities in an SUV-like body. Think of this then as a competitor for the likes of the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5, as well as the MPV duo of the Toyota Innova and Zenix.
Instead of making two separate models that do similar tasks, the Destinator aims to be a do-it-all vehicle. A tall order, given that Toyota practically has that market cornered.
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Design-wise, the real deal remains faithful to the concept that was shown during the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show. Some details have been softened, but its transition from concept to reality has been relatively smooth. As for dimensions, it measures 4,680mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,780mm tall, while a relatively long wheelbase of 2,815mm. Mitsubishi also claims a class-leading ground clearance of 214mm.
While the underpinnings are from the XForce, we’re glad to report that the interior isn’t carried over from the Destinator’s smaller sibling. After all, we’d like a bit of distinction when hopping from one model to another. It adapts a dual-screen layout, but the instrument panel and infotainment system are separate from each other. The screens measure 8-inches and 12.3-inches, respectively.
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Meanwhile, the center stack follows the current design themes of Mitsubishi, meaning straightforward buttons and toggles like the XForce and Triton. Ambient lighting is available, and so is a panoramic sunroof plus a Yamaha Premium sound system for higher trim levels. Most importantly, the Destinator has three-row seating with room for seven onboard.
Advanced driver assists are fitted standard to the Destinator. it includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Six airbags are included, and for select markets, an emergency call system is activated in an event of a collision.
Like the XForce, this crossover gets Mitsubishi’s selectable drive modes. There are five to choose from in the Destinator, namely Normal, Tarmac, Wet, Gravel, and Mud. Active Yaw Control is present here as well.
For the engine, it was previously reported that it won’t use the Xpander and XForce’s familiar 1.5-liter engine. We can now confirm the previous report, as the Destinator is powered by the 4B40 engine from the Eclipse Cross. The 4B40 mill is a 1.5-liter direct injection turbo that’s good for 161hp and 250Nm. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 45 liters, and the transmission is a CVT.
During its world premiere, Mitsubishi has confirmed that it will be sold across Southeast Asia, as well as South Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The Philippines was a special mention during the program, confirming it’s arrival in the country soon.
Indonesia will be the first market to get the Destinator as it’s assembled there. Sales will kick off this month, with the rest of the world to follow soon.
More photos of the 2026 Mitsubishi Destinator:
