Mitsubishi Destinator - New 7-Seater SUV Unveiled

Saudi Arabia : The all-new Mitsubishi Destinator is intended for ASEAN, Middle East and African markets.

• Based on the DST concept, the Destinator has a unique design and shares the same platform as Xforce.
• The interior comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, an 8-inch digital instrument, a panoramic sunroof and a premium Yamaha audio system.
• The Destinator features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine that makes 161 hp and 250 Nm torque.

The popularity of SUVs continues to grow, with car makers adding more models to meet demand worldwide. Mitsubishi is the latest brand to join this trend, launching a new SUV designed especially for the ASEAN region. The new Destinator was revealed in Indonesia as a family-friendly, three-row SUV designed to tackle various types of driving conditions.

Engine and Performance

While the exterior has striking similarities with the recent spy images of the upcoming Pajero, the Destinator is a different vehicle. It’s the production model of the Mitsubishi DST concept from last year. 

It rides on a front-wheel-drive platform borrowed from the smaller Xforce, but it features a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 161 hp and 250 Nm of torque.

Although it looks similar to recent test models of the Pajero, the Destinator has its own design. Based on the DST concept, it shares a platform with the smaller crossover Xforce.

The engine is paired only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), sending power to the front wheels. The ride is tuned for comfort, with five drive modes and enough ground clearance to handle rough roads and tough weather conditions often found in its target markets.

Styling and Dimensions

Outside, the Destinator sticks to the original concept. It has a bold grille, sharp LED lights, and sculpted body panels. Some details were changed for production, including new bumpers, lighting, standard mirrors, and thicker pillars. The 18-inch alloy wheels may seem small for a vehicle of this size, but overall, its proportions are better than many other budget-friendly three-row SUVs.

The Destinator is 4,680 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. It’s a bit shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander but has a longer wheelbase by 110 mm (roughly 4.3 inches). This extra length in the wheelbase likely means more space inside the vehicle.

Interiors and Tech

The SUV can seat seven people across three rows. It also offers several storage compartments throughout the cabin. Mitsubishi has not shared the exact cargo capacity, but with all seats up, it looks quite tight. Folding down the second and third rows creates a large space for carrying larger items or luggage.

As opposed to the initial concept, the interior display looks more practical. It features a 12.3-inch touchscreen for entertainment and an 8-inch digital display for the speedometer and other info. Both are framed in a glossy black finish. The dashboard and centre console have been lightly redesigned, echoing the layout of the Xforce model.

Options include a high-quality Yamaha sound system, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and many driver assistance features. These add to the comfort and safety of the SUV.

Launch and Availability

The Destinator will make its debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on July 23. Sales will kick off immediately in Indonesia. The vehicle will also be launched in other ASEAN countries like Vietnam and the Philippines. 

It is planned for broader markets in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The SUV will be built in Indonesia at Mitsubishi Motors' Krama Yudha factory.