Mitsubishi Destinator: here’s what to expect

For those who have been keeping up with local updates from Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC), you’re well aware that the Destinator is coming to the local market this November 20, 2025.

And yes, the proverbial hype train for this ride is going full steam ahead, as it ticks a lot of boxes for Filipino car buyers. 

To start, the DST —the concept car that the Mitsubishi Destinator was based on —had its global debut at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) last year.

The model is also a crossover—a body type that has risen to prominence in the local market over the past few years. 

And lastly, the model is a three-row model, which is something that family-oriented Filipinos want in a car. Think of it as something like the crossbreed of the Mitsubishi XForce and Montero Sport.

It has the styling cues of the subcompact crossover, while having the road presence and interior space of the midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV). 

But the question now is, what could local buyers expect from the upcoming Mitsubishi Destinator? Let’s find out here. 

Peppy powertrain

Like the model sold in Indonesia, the upcoming Philippine-spec model is expected to get the same 1.5-liter 4B40 turbocharged gasoline mill. Clues for this were provided when the Land Transportation Office released the Mitsubishi model’s homologation papers.

The government agency’s papers didn’t reveal the Destinator’s maximum output figures, but the version sold in Indonesia can produce up to 160 horsepower (hp) and 250 Newton-meters of torque. 

Again, in the LTO homologation papers, it was indicated that the Philippine-spec Destinator GT trim will feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a “2W” drivetrain. It wasn’t specified if it was front or rear wheel drive, but it will likely get the former, like the one released in Indonesia. 

In going over the Indonesian version of the Mitsubishi Destinator, it uses a unibody platform equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. Stopping power for the model is provided by front and rear disc brakes. 

For reference, here’s a table summarizing the basic specs of the Indonesian market Mitsubishi Destinator: 

Engine	1.5-liter 4B40 inline-four turbocharged gasoline
Drivetrain	Front wheel drive
Horsepower	160
Torque	250 Newton-meters
Transmisssion	CVT
Front suspension	MacPherson strut
Rear suspension	Torsion beam
Brakes	Front and rear discs

Roomy seven-seater interior

As indicated by the LTO homologation papers, the upcoming Mitsubishi Destinator boasts a seven-seater capacity. Coupled with its dimensions that are 4,680 millimeters (mm) long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,780 mm in height, we’re expecting the same level of roominess as most multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and SUV nameplates in the market right now. 

Additionally, if we refer again to the Indonesian version, the one headed for the Philippines could get leather upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, an ambient lighting system, and a panoramic sunroof.

It also wouldn’t be a surprise if the Philippine-spec version will get the same 12.3-inch infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and eight-inch digital gauge cluster. 

Other notable features of the Indonesian market Mitsubishi Destinator, particularly the top-spec Ultimate Premium trim, include:

• Keyless operation system
• Electronic parking brake
• USB Type A and C ports for all rows
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Power tailgate
• Eight-piece Yamaha premium speakers

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Comprehensive safety kit

Similar to the one accessible by our Indonesian neighbors, we can expect our upcoming version of the Mitsubishi Destinator to come equipped with a comprehensive safety kit. 

For its basic safety features, the Indo-spec Destinator has anti-lock braking, dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, an engine immobilizer, and a 360-degree view monitor - among others. 

The said model also has a collection of advanced driver assist systems, which include:

• Forward collision mitigation
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot warning 
• Lane change assist 
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Automatic headlamps

Impactful styling

Appearance-wise, the soon-to-be-launched Mitsubishi Destinator for the Philippine market will get the same impactful design as the one sold in Indonesia. 

In a nutshell, it looks like the larger brother of the Mitsubishi XForce, complete with the same LED headlamp and taillight shapes, as well as a similar high-riding stance. 

On the other hand, the Destinator, which MMPC already teased, appears to feature a taller window line and beefier wheel arches. Interestingly, it has the same number of window pillars as the XForce, but the rearmost pillar of the Destinator looks thinner, which is potentially helpful in reducing rear blind spots. 

The Destinator sold in Indonesia also has rain-sensing wipers, a set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, and a generous ground clearance of 244 mm. 

Final thoughts

While all of these Mitsubishi Destinator specs listed above sound good, do be aware that these are speculative and are not representative of the actual product that’s due for the local market. 

Then again, these, especially the specifications taken from the LTO, are good to know as a point of reference, especially for those itching to become among the Destinator’s first adopters in the country. 

For its exact specifications and prices, however, let’s stay tuned and wait until it officially launches in the Philippines next week.

Also read:

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Here are the crossovers, MPVs we want to see in PH this 2025

Mitsubishi XForce: pros and cons

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