It’s a bit of an open secret that the Mitsubishi XForce will gain a hybrid variant soon. Spy shots from Thailand have shown the electrified subcompact crossover undergoing shakedown tests wearing what could be their production bodies.
While Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed anything yet, the hybrid subcompact crossover class is growing steadily. At the top of mind are the Toyota Yaris Cross and, more recently, the Honda HR-V e:HEV. Given that the diamond brand doesn’t want to lose ground in Southeast Asia, it won’t be a surprise if we do see the hybrid XForce down the line.
Now, reports from Thailand have suggested that the world premiere date for the XForce hybrid has been locked in. Two automotive websites, Autolifethailand and Headlightmag, have reported that the model will make its debut on March 20, 2025.
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If so, it’s perfect timing for the brand. That’s because Thailand’s biggest motor show, the Bangkok International Motor Show, will open its doors to the public a few days after that. Surely, it can’t be coincidence, right?
Of course, the company is still silent on the matter, but the Japanese automaker does need an entry in the electrified small crossover class. It will likely be called the Mitsubishi XForce e:Motion, following the Xpander e:Motion and Xpander Cross e:Motion.
Given that the Xpander and XForce share the same underpinnings, there’s a good chance that the powertrain for the XForce hybrid will be lifted straight from the popular MPV. Should that be the case, it will use a 1.6-liter Atkinson Cycle engine paired to 1.1kWh battery and a single electric motor. In the case of the Xpander e:Motion, the arrangement gives a total system output of 114hp and 255Nm.
Autolifethailand adds that the XForce e:Motion will be ‘fully loaded’ and have features such as an advanced driver assist system and other safety features. More importantly, the publication claims Mitsubishi is aiming to offer this model at ‘an affordable price.’
The odds of this model coming to the Philippines? We say it’s high, especially now that hybrids are becoming more popular here, as well as being more accessible to a wider audience.
