To say that car buyers in the Philippines are spoiled for options would be an understatement. There seem to be new brands and new models debuting every other week, further diversifying the already stacked automotive market.
While this is definitely a good problem to have, the burden of choice gets heavier with every new release—especially for those choosing a family car. The pillars for this particular vehicle remain the same: safety, comfort, power, and space. The wealth of options can tip the scales, but a well-engineered vehicle will touch on all of these pillars—and then some.
The Mitsubishi Destinator ticks all those boxes, along with the extra oomph to inspire Filipino families to go on their next adventure and get more out of their vehicle. With an all-new look, feel, and name, the Destinator has reinvented the classic Mitsubishi experience.
Safety for all
Backed by a five-star rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, Mitsubishi’s new SUV ushers in a new generation of safety and connectivity.
With the Mitsubishi Connect app, drivers can track their Destinator from a smartphone and, when needed, request roadside assistance or emergency services. This ensures that help is never too far away from wherever families take their car. An automatic collision notification will also fire off in the event of an accident. And even without a smartphone, the vehicle features an SOS button, located next to the seatbelt monitor and the digital rearview mirror.
And for everyday driving, the Destinator comes with the latest version of Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing, the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Its forward-collision mitigation function, blind-spot warning, and rear-cross traffic alert make for an all-encompassing shield for all seven passengers. This is further supported by 360-degree viewing angles, also known as the Multi-Around Monitor. That and Active Yaw Control uphold protection across any environment, especially on rougher roads. When it’s time for the teenagers to take the wheel and learn how to drive, these tools and functions will surely be helpful for any new driver.
Seven-seater comfort
That peace is then solidified with the practical engineering throughout the Destinator’s cabin. Mitsubishi has supplied the interior with convenient comforts that are sure to surprise and please every family member. An air purification system with Panasonic’s nanoe™ X technology has even been installed inside the vehicle to help keep everyone healthier.
The front passenger gets a hidden cubby underneath the passenger seat—perfect for a small umbrella, a pair of shoes, or small valuables that need to be kept from prying eyes. A wireless charging pad is tucked underneath the wide infotainment display, along with more USB ports. And get this: The center console has an air vent that can cool drinks and store some snacks.
While the front-row passengers have a lot of amenities, the second-row passengers get just a few more creature comforts. There are separate climate controls behind the center console, with another pair of USB ports for charging. Best of all, fold-out tables are mounted behind the front row seats, giving second-row passengers a sturdy surface to prop up their devices or easily enjoy a drive-thru meal. And this being a true seven-seater, third-row passengers get ample legroom, along with more cubbies, cup holders, and charging ports.
To keep things consistent, Mitsubishi has properly upholstered every seat to give all passengers a plush and comfortable ride. Padded materials cover high-touch surfaces, which are further complemented by 64-color ambient lighting or natural light from the panoramic sunroof—making sure interaction with the Destinator is soft and relaxing.
Power when it’s wanted
While the Destinator is a relaxing vehicle, there is a surprising amount of power on tap, just waiting to be released. The new 1.5-liter turbocharged engine outputs 167hp and 250Nm of torque, and this is configurable to five distinct drive modes. Most powerful among them is Tarmac mode, which optimizes performance to give the Destinator a snappier driving experience.
And drawing inspiration from the legendary Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi dares Destinator drivers to go off the beaten path with the Wet, Gravel, and Mud drive modes for some reasonable off-roading. The capable 18-inch wheels and the 214mm of ground clearance are more than enough for a family camping trip in a fully loaded Destinator.
A space for all ages
All these features are packaged in a frame that offers SUV-like presence, but with the versatility of a multipurpose vehicle—all while staying unmistakably Mitsubishi.
The Dynamic Shield fascia has been widened and stretched out to give off a more executive feel, while the brand’s signature T-shaped headlights add just the right amount of aggression. The metal garnishes under the bumper and along the fenders complete the look with some rugged cues. This all ties together a design that each member of the family will find appealing for generations to come.
Considering the large number of storage compartments in the seating area, it’s difficult to believe that there is still generous cargo space in the back. With the third- and second-row seats folded, the Destinator becomes a capable carrying machine, with a speedy Tarmac mode for fast errands and all-day shopping runs.
Starting at a special introductory price of P1,289,000, the Destinator can be a family’s first car or a trustworthy replacement for those who need a bigger vehicle. There are more than enough variants to suit any family’s tastes, as well as six paint jobs, and seven price points. Colors include easygoing looks like Quartz White Pearl, Lunar Blue Mica, and Blade Silver Metallic. More sporty hues include Graphite Gray Metallic, Jet Black Mica, and Red Metallic. Prices then top out at P1,954,000 for a fully loaded Destinator in that clean Quartz White Pearl finish.
Mitsubishi has packed something for everyone in the Destinator, and it is surely built to grow with the Filipino family.
Created in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Philippines
