Mitsubishi Destinator vs. the competition

As crossovers have gained popularity in the local market, the said segment has gained a variety of body types as time goes on. 

Sure, the crossover as a type of vehicle in the Philippines started out with five-seaters ranging from subcompact to compact examples. But nowadays, it is already encroaching on the territory of multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) and sport utility vehicles (SUV) when it comes to providing family-friendly three-row options. 

One of the more recent additions to the aforementioned is the Mitsubishi Destinator - a true-blue unibody crossover with the road presence of a big and burly SUV. Think of it as a cross between the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and the Mitsubishi XForce, with its size somewhat similar to Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation’s (MMPC) premier ladder-frame SUV model. 

With all that said, the Mitsubishi Destinator is shaping up as a hit amongst buyers looking for a roomy daily chariot that will do great for the family. It has, however, a number of other three-row crossovers that it has to face against in the Philippine market. 

So, what are these rivals of the Destinator, and what are they offering? Let’s find out here, but not before checking out the specifications and features of MMPC’s all-new midsize nameplate.  

Mitsubishi Destinator

When it comes to engines, the Mitsubishi Destinator uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four 4B40 mill that’s capable of outputting 160 horsepower (hp) and 250 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and it also comes with multiple drive modes (normal, wet, gravel, tarmac, mud) to optimize traction and power delivery.

To ensure ride quality, the all-new Mitsubishi model uses a front MacPherson strut and a torsion beam rear end. Stopping power is provided by front and rear disc brakes. 

Size-wise, the Mitsubishi Destinator is 4,680 millimeters (mm) long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,790 mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 214 mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,815 mm. The model’s curb weight clocks in at 1,500 kilograms (kg), at least for the top-spec GT trim. 

As mentioned above, the appearance of the Mitsubishi Destinator heavily borrows from the XForce. Specifically, its front end dons the brand’s latest version of the Dynamic Shield design, which emphasizes its grille. The aforementioned is flanked by T-shaped headlamps, which go together with its T-shaped taillights. 

Higher-end versions of the Mitsubishi Destinator get a set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, with lower-spec trims (GLS, GLX) available with single color sets of a similar size. The vehicle’s exterior features also consist of roof rails, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate, front fog lamps, and automatic headlamp functionality. 

Inside the Mitsubishi Destinator is a seven-seater layout equipped with leather upholstered seats. Everyone inside, meanwhile is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic climate control system with a “dry mode” and memory functions. Air quality inside the ride is likewise ensured by a Panasonic Nanoe X air purification system. 

For further ease-of-use, the GT version has an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a smart rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, an eight-inch digital gauge cluster, a leather multi-function steering wheel, a push-to-start button, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a key-less operation system. 

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Versatility when it comes to cargo stowage is also provided by a split-folding second and third rows, a cargo underfloor organizer, and a center floor console with a cooling function. 

Concerning on-board navigation and entertainment, the Mitsubishi nameplate was kitted out with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said display goes together with an eight-piece Yamaha sound system, Type A and C USB ports, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

The primary safety gear of the Mitsubishi Destinator GT consists of six airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, active yaw control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360-degree view camera - among others.

The aforementioned are further reinforced by the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing - a suite of advanced driver-assist systems consisting of blind-spot warning, rear-cross traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lead car departure notification, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. 

As of this writing, the Mitsubishi Destinator has a suggested retail price ranging from P1.389 million-P1.929 million. 

Here’s a table showing a summary of the Mitsubishi Destinator’s specifications and features: 

Model	Mitsubishi Destinator GT
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,680x1,840x1,780
Wheelbase (mm)	2,815
Ground clearance (mm)	214
Wheel size	18-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power tailgate Smart rearview mirror with auto-dimming Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button Eight-inch digital gauge Drive mode selector Dual-zone automatic climate controls Panasonic Nanoe X air purifier Ambient lighting system Power-adjust driver’s seat Wireless smartphone charging pad USB ports Under-seat tray Second-row folding tables Eight-piece Yamaha speaker set Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors Panoramic sunroof
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline
Drivetrain	Front-wheel-drive
Transmission	CVT
Horsepower	160
Torque	250 Nm
Technology
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking 360-degree view camera Active stability control Active traction control Active yaw control Hill-start assist ISOFIX
ADAS	Blind spot warning system Rear-cross traffic alert Forward collision mitigation system Lead car departure warning Automatic high beams Adaptive cruise control
Price (SRP)	P1.929 million

Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM

One of the more affordable three-row competitors of the Mitsubishi Destinator in the Philippines right now is the Jetour X70 Lighting i-DM. Currently, its sole variable available locally retails at P1,498 million. 

Under the hood of the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM is a 1.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine that can churn out 154 horsepower and 220 Newton-meters of torque. Power is sent to its front wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). 

Yes, unlike the internal combustion-only Mitsubishi model, the Jetour crossover is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) equipped with two electric motors delivering 266 hp and 395 Nm of torque. 

It also has a 19.43 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery, which provides an electric-only range of 85 kilometers (km), according to the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycle. Its total range, meanwhile, clocks in at 1,200 km, according to Jetour’s local arm. 

For its suspension systems, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM uses a front MacPherson strut and a multi-link rear end. It also has front and rear disc brakes. 

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Style-wise, the Chery-made three-row ride comes with plenty of road presence via its sharp pair of LED headlamps and its large, square-shaped grille. It does have a more conservatively styled side section with chrome trimmings, although its rear section comes off as eye-catching, thanks to its protruding LED light bar. 

Other noteworthy exterior equipment of the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Power trunk
• Roof rails
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors
• Roof-mounted rear spoiler

Like its rivals listed in this article, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM comes with a roomy three-row seating layout. It can accommodate up to seven occupants, and it has leather upholstery, an ambient lighting system, a panoramic sunroof, and automatic climate controls.

The driver of the Jetour-made crossover, on the other hand, has access to a push-to-start button, a four-way adjustable steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a keyless start and entry system, a leather multi-function steering wheel, as well as an electronic parking brake.  

On-board entertainment for the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM is handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth connectivity. Sound, meanwhile, is output by an eight-piece Sony speaker set. Topping up devices inside the vehicle is also done easily thanks to a wireless smartphone charging pad and a lineup of USB ports. 

For safety, the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM comes standard with eight airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, tire pressure monitoring, anti-lock braking, electronic brake assist, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and an anti-rolling program. 

It likewise comes with a robust set of ADAS features, which include adaptive cruise control, advanced emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, high beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear-cross traffic alert, a 360-degree view camera, and a rear collision warning system. 

Here’s a summary of the Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM’s features and specs: 

Model	Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,785x1,900x1,720
Wheelbase (mm)	2,745
Ground clearance (mm)	185
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power tailgate Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button 10.25-inch digital gauge Drive mode selector Automatic climate controls Ambient lighting system Power-adjust driver’s seat Wireless smartphone charging pad USB ports Eight-piece Sony speaker set Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors Panoramic sunroof
Infotainment system	10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline
Drivetrain	FWD
Transmission	Two-speed DHT
Horsepower	154
Torque	220 Nm
EV components	Dual electric motors (266 hp, 395 Nm) 19.43 kWh battery Vehicle-to-load function Regenerative braking EV range (85 km) GBT charge port
Technology
Safety	Eight airbags ISOFIX child seat anchors Tire pressure monitoring Anti-lock braking Electronic brake assist Traction control Stability control Hill-start assist Hill-descent control Anti-rolling program
ADAS	Adaptive cruise control Advanced emergency braking Lane-keep assist Lane departure warning High beam assist Blind-spot monitoring Lane change assist Rear-cross traffic alert 360-degree view camera Rear collision warning system
Price	P1.498 million

BYD Tang DM-i

Heading up on the price range amongst the Mitsubishi Destinator’s rivals, we have the BYD Tang DM-i. It retails at P2.098 million, and like the Jetour model described above, it is also a PHEV model. 

Specifically, the BYD Tang DM-i garners propulsion from a permanent magnet synchronous motor that can put out 267 hp and 315 Newton-meters of torque. The said motor is charged by a 1.5-liter turbo inline-four gasoline mill, and it likewise has a vehicle-to-load feature, regenerative braking, and a Type 2 charging port. 

Notably, the DM-i version of the Tang can cover up to 1,160 km. Otherwise, it has an electric-only range of 110 km. 

For its suspensions, the BYD-made crossover uses a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link for the rear. Stopping power, meanwhile, is provided by front and rear discs. 

Style-wise, the BYD Tang DM-i follows a familiar style cue that’s already seen on the two models above, in that it also sports an impactful-looking wide grille. On the flip side, the vehicle wears a long-ish hood, the familiar crossover side profile, and a rather quiet, if not elegant, rear section. 

Notable exterior amenities present for the BYD Tang DM-i are a lineup of LED exterior lighting fixtures, a sizeable roof-mounted rear spoiler, power-fold/power-adjust side mirrors with heating, rain-sensing wipers, a power tailgate, automatic headlamp functionality, roof rails, and a set of 20-inch wheels. 

The interior of the BYD Tang DM-i, meanwhile, has a seven-seater layout with leather upholstered seats, a dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, privacy windows, and ambient lighting. Its second row has 60:40 split-folding, while its third row can be folded down for more cargo room. The front seats, in particular, get power-adjustability, ventilation, and heating. 

For the driver, the BYD Tang DM-i supplies the following amenities: 

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Push-to-start button
• Drive mode selector
• Electronic parking brake
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• Keyless entry
• Anti-glare rearview mirror
• NFC card reader

For on-board entertainment and navigation, the BYD Tang DM-i depends on a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is linked to a 12-piece Dynaudio speaker set, while powering up devices is done via USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

Additionally, the said infotainment system of the Tang DM-i was equipped with 4G connectivity, over-the-air updating capability, and access to the BYD Cloud Service (BYD smartphone app). The model also has the DiLink - an Android-based software that enables Wi-Fi connectivity and voice recognition. 

The basic safety kit of the BYD Tang DM-i is comprised of six airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, traction control, stability control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, tire pressure monitoring, anti-rollover control, vehicle dynamic control, and an anti-theft system - among others. 

Aboard the model is an ADAS suite, which includes a 360-degree view camera, automatic emergency braking, front/rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and braking, intelligent cruise control, lane departure assist, blind spot monitoring, door open warning, and a total of eight radar sensors. 

Check out this summary of the BYD Tang DM-i’s features and specs: 

Model	BYD Tang DM-i
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,870x1,950x1,725
Wheelbase (mm)	2,820
Ground clearance (mm)	182
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Power tailgate Auto-dimming rearview mirror Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button 12.3-inch digital gauge Drive mode selector Dual-zone automatic climate controls Ambient lighting system Power-adjust driver’s seat Wireless smartphone charging pad USB ports 12-piece Yamaha speaker set Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors Panoramic sunroof 4G connectivity NFC reader Rain-sensing wipers
Infotainment system	15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four
Electric motor	Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
Drivetrain	FWD
Horsepower	267
Torque	315 Nm
EV components	Type 2 charge port Vehicle-to-load function Regenerative braking 21.5 kWh battery 110 km EV range
Technology
Safety	Six airbags Anti-lock braking ISOFIX child seat anchors Traction control Stability control Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Tire pressure monitoring Anti-rollover control Vehicle dynamic control Anti-theft system
ADAS	360-degree view camera Automatic emergency braking Front/rear collision warning Rear cross traffic alert and braking Intelligent cruise control Lane departure assist Blind spot monitoring Door open warning Eight radar sensors
Price	P2.098 million

Changan X7 Plus

One of the more affordable models competing against the Mitsubishi Destinator is the Changan X7 Plus. As of this writing, the said nameplate is offered with a price of P1.399 million for its sole locally available trim. 

Similar to the Mitsubishi Destinator, the Changan X7 Plus is an internal combustion-only vehicle fitted with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline mill. At maximum, the said engine can produce up to 185 hp and 300 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the vehicle’s front wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

The Changan X7 Plus’ suspension system is made up of a front MacPherson strut and a multi-link rear end. It also has disc brakes for all four wheels. And for extra fuel economy, the model comes standard with an intelligent start/stop engine feature. 

Again, the centerpiece of the Changan-made seven-seater’s exterior is a wide grille, flanked by LED headlamp clusters. But to differentiate it from its rivals listed above, it has a choice number of contrast color red accent pieces on its side and lower front bumper. 

The rear section of the crossover likewise comes with a roof-mounted spoiler and an LED lightbar. Interestingly, it has dual exhaust tips as well. The vehicle likewise comes with a panoramic sunroof.

Step inside the Changan X7 Plus and what you’ll see is a three-row layout with leather-upholstered seats, with the ones in the second row having 60:40 split folding functionality. 

Occupants of the vehicle, meanwhile, are kept cool by a Forest automatic air-conditioning system. 

Provided for the driver of the seven-seater crossover are the following features: 

• Leather steering wheel
• Push-to-start button
• Electronic parking brake with auto hold
• 7-inch multi-information display
• Smart keyless entry

For its main display, the Changan X7 Plus uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth. The said screen comes with built-in WiFi connectivity, and is linked to a four-piece speaker set. 

Handling safety for the three-row crossover is anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, four airbags, an anti-theft system, and a 360-degree view camera. Additionally, the model comes with a blind-spot camera and rear parking sensors. 

Here’s a summary of the Changan X7 Plus’ specs and features:

Model	Changan X7 Plus
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,730x1,820x1,720
Wheelbase (mm)	2,786
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button 7-inch multi-information display Drive mode selector Forest automatic climate control USB ports Four-piece speaker set Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors Panoramic sunroof
Infotainment system	12.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	1.5-liter inline-four turbocharged gasoline
Drivetrain	FWD
Transmission	Seven-speed wet-type DCT
Horsepower	185
Torque	300 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking Stability control Hill-hold control Hill-descent control Four airbags Anti-theft system 360-degree view camera
ADAS	Blind spot camera
Price	P1.399 million

Mazda CX-8

At first glance, the Mazda CX-8 isn’t a direct rival of the Mitsubishi Destinator. This is due to its significantly heftier starting price of P2.39 million for the Signature seven-seater trim. The Exclusive six-seater all-wheel-drive (AWD) is even more expensive at P2.53 million. 

Regardless, the said nameplate is a three-row, family-friendly crossover similar to the Mitsubishi-made model, albeit with more premium touches. 

Under the hood of the Mazda CX-8 Signature seven-seater is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. At maximum, this four-banger can dish out 187 hp and 252 Nm of torque. 

Like many of its rivals on this list, the CX-8 also uses a front MacPherson strut and a multi-link rear end. It is, however, equipped with the Japanese carmaker’s G-Vectoring system, which is capable of adjusting torque to deliver better grip and more precise steering. 

Appearance-wise, the Mazda-made three-row model goes for a more elegant take on the crossover formula. Its silhouette shows minimal use of deep cut character lines, resulting in a sleek, fluid-like contour, although it still wears a sizeable grille paired with sharply hewn LED lighting fixtures. 

Concerning exterior equipment, the model comes with a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power-adjust/fold side mirrors, dual tip exhausts, a power tailgate, and automatic headlamps with auto-leveling. Completing the look of the Mazda crossover is a set of 19-inch wheels. 

Inside the Mazda CX-8 is a three-row cabin graced by Nappa leather seats and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Both of its front seats get power adjustability, while everyone inside is kept cool by a dual-zone automatic climate control system. 

For the driver, the Mazda CX-8 Signature seven-seater comes with the following: 

• Seven-inch digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Heads-up display
• Push-to-start button
• Drive mode selector
• Leather steering wheel

On-board entertainment and navigation for the CX-8 is done through an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The said screen is linked to a 10-piece Bose speaker set, while topping up devices can be done through USB ports and a wireless smartphone charging pad. 

The Mazda CX-8’s basic safety kit consists of six airbags, anti-lock braking, a 360-degree view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and dynamic stability control. 

Likewise present is the i-Activsense ADAS suite, which includes cruise control, Smart City brake support, driver-attention alert system, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert. 

Model	Mazda CX-8 Signature seven-seater
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,900x1,840x1,730
Wheelbase (mm)	2,930
Ground clearance (mm)	200
Wheel size	19-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button 7-inch multi-information display Drive mode selector Forest automatic climate control USB ports Wireless smartphone charging pad 10-piece Bose speaker set Power-folding, power-adjust side mirrors Panoramic sunroof Power-adjust front seats Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power tailgate Rain-sensing wipers Sunroof Heads-up display
Infotainment system	8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Seven
Powertrain
Engine	2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine
Drivetrain	FWD
Transmission	Six-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower	187
Torque	252 Nm
Technology
Safety	Anti-lock braking Dynamic stability control Six airbags Front and rear parking sensors 360-degree view camera
ADAS	Cruise control (standard) Smart city brake support Driver-monitoring system Lane departure warning Lane-keep assist Blind-spot monitoring Rear-cross traffic alert
Price	P2.39 million

Final thoughts

So, there you have it, a list of the Mitsubishi Destinator’s three-row crossover rivals, ranging from the highly accessible to the expensive. All are unibody vehicles, and all of them fit squarely in the midsize crossover segment. 

Clearly, the Mitsubishi model faces a lot of hybrids equipped with much more powerful powertrains. But among the ICE models mentioned above, the Mitsubishi Destinator is pretty much competitive when it comes to engine outputs. 

On the flip side, the recently introduced Mitsubishi crossover has other elements that most crossover buyers would want. It has a decent amount of tech, a stylishly modern exterior, and loads of creature comforts. 

So, for those who like what they see in the Mitsubishi Destinator, don’t hesitate to visit any of the brand’s dealerships nationwide for a test drive. 

Also read:

What we know so far about the Mitsubishi Destinator: 6 available colors

Mitsubishi Destinator: here’s what to expect

Mitsubishi XForce: pros and cons

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