Mitsubishi Motors has introduced the Destinator, a global mid-size SUV designed to serve markets across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Officially launched at the 2025 Indonesia International Auto Show, the Destinator is a spacious, three-row, seven-seater SUV built on the same platform as the Xforce but reimagined with bold styling and family-focused features.
Exterior & Design Philosophy
Built under a thematic concept of “Gravitas and Dynamism”, the Destinator combines muscular body panels with sharp SUV proportions:
- The front fascia adopts Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design with a honeycomb grille and illuminated T-shaped DRL cluster.
- The profile features flared fenders, blacked-out pillars, and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/55R18 tyres.
- With a ground clearance of 214 mm (or up to 244 mm without underbody cover) and strong off-road approach (21°), breakover (20.8°), and departure angles (25.5°), the SUV is capable yet urban-oriented.
- Dimensions measure 4,680 mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and 1,780 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm, offering generous space and solid road presence.
Interior Comfort & Cabin Experience
The Destinator’s cabin blends functionality with modern style and family-ready features:
- Offers a seven-seat layout with a 40:20:40 split-fold second row and a 50:50 folding third row, allowing flexible space for cargo or passengers.
- Premium touches include a panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a choice of three infotainment variants: 12.3-inch for top trims or 8-inch for standard models. The instrument cluster ranges from a full 8-inch digital display to a hybrid analog plus MID.
- The top-tier trim is equipped with an 8‑speaker Yamaha Premium Dynamic sound system, while lower trims receive 4‑speaker setups. USB Type‑A and C ports are provided in all three rows, and second-row passengers benefit from foldable tray tables and generous legroom.
Engine & Powertrain
At its heart is a robust yet efficient turbocharged petrol engine:
- The 1.5-litre 4B40 MIVEC turbo-petrol engine (Atkinson cycle) delivers 163 PS (120 kW) at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm torque between 2,000–4,000 rpm, paired with a CVT transmission for smooth power delivery.
- Driving a front-wheel-drive setup with Active Yaw Control and five terrain modes—Wet, Tarmac, Normal, Gravel, and Mud—for traction across diverse surfaces.
- The suspension uses MacPherson struts upfront and a torsion-beam axle at the rear, tuned specifically for Southeast Asian road conditions to balance comfort and stability.
Safety & ADAS Technologies
The Destinator commits strongly to modern driver assistance and passive safety measures:
- Comes standard with six SRS airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), EBD, Electronic Stability Control, hill-start assist, and ventilated disc brakes on all wheels.
- Top trims include Mitsubishi Safety Sensing (Diamond Sense) featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation (AEB), Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Auto High Beam, Leading Car Departure Notification, and 360° Surround Monitor. It also supports emergency SOS alerts and vehicle alerts via connected systems.
Pricing & Market Launch Plan
Destinator was unveiled on 17 July 2025, with orders commencing shortly thereafter:
- In Indonesia, pricing spans Rp 385 million to Rp 500 million (~₹20–25 lakh equivalent), depending on variant: GLS, Exceed, Ultimate, and Ultimate Premium.
- Local production takes place at the MMKI plant in West Java, with planned export rollout across ASEAN, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America from late 2025 onward.
Mitsubishi Destinator – Core Specification Table
| Specification | Details |
| Engine | 1.5 L 4B40 turbo-petrol, 163 PS, 250 Nm |
| Transmission | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive with Active Yaw Control |
| Drive Modes | Normal, Wet, Tarmac, Gravel, Mud |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 4,680 × 1,840 × 1,780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,815 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 214 mm (244 mm without under cover) |
| Approach / Breakover / Departure | 21° / 20.8° / 25.5° |
| Suspension (F/R) | MacPherson Strut / Torsion Beam |
| Wheels & Tyres | 18″ alloys with 225/55R18 tyres |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers (3 rows) |
| Infotainment Display | 12.3″ (top trims) or 8″ touchscreen |
| Instrument Cluster | 8″ digital (Exceed/Ultimate) or hybrid MID (GLS) |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, Hill Assist |
| ADAS (on Ultimate trim) | ACC, FCM, BSW, RCTA, AHB, LCDN, 360° camera |
| Connectivity | Mitsubishi Connect telematics, SOS alerts |
| Price Range (Indonesia) | Rp 385–500 million (~₹20–25 lakh) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What markets will receive the Mitsubishi Destinator?
Initially launching in Indonesia, the SUV is slated for wider rollout across ASEAN countries, followed by South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of Africa.
Q2. What engine does it use, and what output is available?
It features a 1.5 L turbocharged MIVEC petrol engine producing 163 PS and 250 Nm, equipped with a CVT gearbox for smooth acceleration.
Q3. Does it come with ADAS?
Yes. The top-spec trims come with Mitsubishi’s Safety Sensing suite (also branded as Diamond Sense), which includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation, blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam, and a 360° camera system.
Q4. What seating layout can buyers expect?
A spacious three-row layout seats seven, with flexible 40:20:40 split-fold second row and 50:50 fold third row—ideal for family utility and cargo versatility.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Destinator sets a new standard for affordable global SUVs designed for emerging markets. Its blend of turbocharged engine performance, advanced driver safety technology, spacious cabin layout, and strong off-road credentials delivers exceptional value. With production set to begin in Indonesia and plans for a global rollout, the Destinator marks Mitsubishi’s push toward connectivity, safety, and global SUV leadership.
