Mitsubishi is going to be very busy this year. While there’s all the buzz surrounding the all-new Triton, let’s not forget that the company also rolled out another significant model for Southeast Asia.
We’re referring to the Mitsubishi XForce that made its debut last year during the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). Touted as a crossover for emerging markets, it’s made in Indonesia and specifically developed for the tougher demands of our region.
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Deliveries of the first-ever Mitsubishi XForce started in late 2023 to Indonesia customers. The company said that exports will soon follow, but didn’t mention which country will get it first. Now, it’s official with Vietnam getting it, also making them the first country to get left-hand drive examples.
Given that the Philippines is also left-hand drive, the Vietnamese specification might also preview what we could expect once the model comes here. After all, Mitsubishi said that this model will be sold across the region and the Philippines is one of the strongest markets for Mitsubishi in the world.
Aside from the wiper placement, the exterior looks similar to the one we saw in Indonesia about a year ago. However, Vietnam has a wider selection of variants with four on offer compared to Indonesia’s two. These are GLX, Exceed, Premium, and Ultimate. The Vietnamese model shows what the entry-level model looks like as well. It’s worth pointing out that the base model has slightly less ground clearance (219mm vs. 222mm).
Inside, it’s also identical to the Indonesian model save for the steering wheel and dashboard orientation. Features are also carried over from the right-hand drive model, and that’s good news for the rest of us in the region.
However, there is one feature that even the model’s origin of assembly doesn’t get. Interestingly, the Vietnam market XForce is available with advanced driver assist systems. It includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, and lead car departure notification. The inclusion of this feature for the Philippines will all depend on local product planners.
Mechanically, it’s unchanged so it still uses a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine derived from the Xpander. That means it makes 103hp and 141Nm of torque, all course through the four wheels. There is no manual transmission option with the sole choice being a CVT.
With the launch of the XForce in Vietnam, does this mean we're next? So far, there's no official word from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, but it's a model we're expecting here nonetheless.
