The new mid-size SUV “DESTINATOR,” announced by Mitsubishi Motors in 2025, is attracting attention around the world as a new SUV for families. Developed under the product concept of “The Confidence Booster for Energetic Families,” the name embodies the desire to support drivers and their precious families as they take a step toward a new destination.
What is the Mitsubishi Destinator? The story behind the birth of this noteworthy new SUV
A global strategic vehicle based on global expansion
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The Destinator is produced in Indonesia at Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (Bekasi Regency, West Java). It is positioned as the third global strategic vehicle from Indonesia, following the crossover MPV ” Xpander ” and the compact SUV ” Xforce ,” and is an extremely important model for Mitsubishi Motors.
Sales began in Indonesia in July 2025, and the car got off to a strong start, receiving orders for approximately 12,000 units in just four months, far exceeding the fiscal year’s sales target of 10,000 units. The main buyers are men in their mid-30s to mid-40s, who have praised the car’s sophisticated exterior design and high-quality interior space.
Winner of a prestigious award
The Mitsubishi Pajero won both the “Car of the Year 2025” and “Best Medium SUV” awards at the GridOto Awards 2025, organized by GridOto, a subsidiary of Indonesia’s largest media group, Kompas Gramedia. This marks the third time the Mitsubishi Pajero has won the Car of the Year award, following the Pajero Sport in 2016 and the XPANDER in 2018, demonstrating the high reputation of the Mitsubishi brand.
Destinationer body size and basic specifications
Exterior Dimensions
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The Destination’s body dimensions are as follows:
- Total length: 4,680mm
- Overall width: 1,840mm
- Overall height: 1,780mm
- Wheelbase: 2,815mm
- Ground clearance: 214mm (244mm without under cover)
- Minimum turning radius: 5.4m
Figures that support off-road performance
The minimum ground clearance of 214mm is higher than that of the Suzuki Jimny (205mm), which is known for its off-road capability. In addition, the following angles are secured:
- Approach angle: 21.0 degrees
- Ramp breakover angle: 20.8 degrees
- Departure angle: 25.5 degrees
These figures mean that the vehicle is designed to handle the harsh road conditions typical of the ASEAN region, such as rough roads, large bumps, and roads covered in water due to rain.
Exterior design | Embodying “GRAVITAS & DYNAMISM”
A front design that exudes a dignified presence
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The design concept of the Destination is “GRAVITAS & DYNAMISM.” The front nose has a horizontal theme but is thick and full, giving the car a sense of stability that grips the ground firmly and a dignified appearance.
The front of the car employs Mitsubishi Motors’ design identity, “Dynamic Shield.” The front grille is integrated three-dimensionally with the shape of the left and right bumpers that protect it. The three-dimensional design of the front grille, with a honeycomb-shaped inner grille covered by a transparent acrylic outer grille, expresses strength and innovation.
Design that emphasizes spacious interior space
All pillars are blacked out and the cabin is wrapped in smooth surfaces, further emphasizing the spaciousness of the interior. This approach creates a design that visually conveys the spaciousness of the interior.
Pajero DNA lives on in the rear design
The rear features the hexagonal design concept “Hexaguard Horizon,” which is inspired by the rear-mounted spare tire that was fitted to the classic Pajero. The tailgate has a taut, rich surface structure, creating a powerful SUV-like appearance.
T-shaped LED lighting design
The front daytime running lamps and rear tail lamps feature a T-shaped LED design. The lamps are designed with a vertical emphasis, giving the car both an SUV-like presence and a cutting-edge feel. The car also comes equipped with features that enhance safety and convenience, such as automatic lighting control and automatic high beams.
Suspension that emphasizes a sense of protection
Large 18-inch aluminum wheels (machine-cut two-tone finish) are fitted with 225/55 R18 tires. Large front and rear skid plates and side protectors convey a sense of protection and robustness. Silver lower bumper garnish, side sill garnish, and material black fender arch moldings add to the car’s authentic SUV character.
Interior design: 7-seater design that pursues comfort in all seats
Dynamic and high-quality instrument panel
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The dynamic shape of the instrument panel, which continues into the door trim, expresses a sense of spaciousness. Soft materials (soft pad dashboard and door trim) are used in various places, resulting in a high-quality finish that is also considerate to the touch.
The latest digital interface
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The car is equipped with a large panel that combines a 12.3-inch smartphone-linked display audio (SDA) with an 8-inch digital driver display. The SDA can display a variety of content, including a multi-meter display that pays homage to the Pajero’s triple meter display, and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The digital driver display displays all the information needed for driving on a large, easy-to-read screen, including the display of the drive mode when changing modes. The multi-information display is also integrated into the 8-inch LCD meter, creating a modern, highly visible operating environment.
“Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium” developed in collaboration with Yamaha
The audio system is equipped with the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium, a total of eight speakers jointly developed with Yamaha. It has been specially tuned by Yamaha’s sound masters to achieve the optimal in-room acoustics for each destination. Four listening positions are provided, optimized for each seat, so you can enjoy high-quality, immersive sound from any seat.
First row seats | Comfort for driver and passenger
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The first-row seats offer ample headroom and a supportive design for enhanced comfort. The driver’s seat is an 8-way power seat with height adjustment, sliding, and reclining functions. The passenger seat also has sliding and reclining functions.
Another feature is that the thickness of the shoulders has been adjusted to make it easier to turn around, and the design is focused on communication with family. The highest grade model is equipped with synthetic leather seats (black/maroon two-tone) with heat guard function, making it comfortable to drive even in the hot ASEAN region.
Second-row seats | Comfortable and flexible
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The second-row seats offer ample headroom and shoulder space, allowing adults to travel long distances in comfort. They also feature a forward/backward sliding function of up to 100mm, allowing for flexible adjustment of space depending on the number of passengers and the amount of luggage.
The car is equipped with a 60:40 split folding seat, which can be folded down on one side only if necessary. It is also equipped with a full range of comfort features, including a center armrest, three adjustable headrests, dedicated reading lamps, and rear manual air conditioner vents.
Third-row seat | Ensures practical occupancy
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The third-row seats have a high hip point and ample knee room, providing ample legroom. Rear air conditioner vents are also provided for the third-row seats, ensuring rear-seat passengers a comfortable ride even in the hot ASEAN region.
It features a 50/50 split recline and full-flat fold function, and is designed so that each side can be tilted forward at a time. It also comes equipped with two adjustable headrests and a dedicated LED room lamp, making it more than just a spare seat; it also provides practical living space.
Advanced comfort features | Fully equipped for the whole family to enjoy
Electric panoramic sunroof
MITSUBISHI DESTINATOR
The car is equipped with an electric panoramic sunroof (with tilt and slide power sunshade). In addition to the control switch located in the map lamp, it can also be operated by the SDA, a first for Mitsubishi vehicles. The whole family can enjoy a drive filled with a sense of freedom.
Ambient light with 64 colors to choose from
Ambient lighting is also included. The LED lights located on the instrument panel and front and rear door trims can be controlled via the SDA, and are available in 64 colors, a first for a Mitsubishi vehicle. In addition to being constantly lit, they can also be set to change color every two seconds or to flash repeatedly. This is a fun feature that allows you to freely customize the atmosphere inside the car.
Fully equipped air conditioning system
The car is equipped with a dual-zone automatic air conditioner, allowing independent temperature settings for the driver and passenger seats. It also features Max Cool, dry mode, and memory functions. It also features a PM2.5-compatible air filter and nanoeX, ensuring a good interior air quality. Four front and four rear manual air vents ensure a comfortable temperature for all seats.
Plenty of storage space and USB ports
Cup holders and bottle holders are installed in various places, such as the door trim and floor console. The back of the driver’s and passenger’s seats are equipped with foldable seatback tables and pockets for placing tablets and other devices.
Multiple Type-A and Type-C charging ports are provided in each row, allowing you to keep your smartphone, tablet, and other devices charged. The center console is also equipped with a floor center console box with a cooling function, allowing you to keep drinks cool.
Other convenient storage features for family drives include a glove box, grocery hooks, seatback pockets, quarter trim pockets, and rear cargo box storage.
Luggage space | Excellent loading capacity with versatile seat arrangements
The Destination’s luggage compartment is spacious enough to carry items such as four gallon bottles of drinking water, even with the third row seats in use.
The seating arrangements are versatile, with the second row seats folding forward in a 60:40 split and the third row seats folding forward on either side in a 50:50 split. The second and third rows can be folded fully flat to accommodate long items.
The power tailgate has a kick-motion function, which allows you to open and close it with just a wave of your foot, even when you have luggage in both hands.It is also equipped with a rear spoiler and a dedicated license plate lamp.
Powertrain | The power of the 1.5L MIVEC turbo engine
Highly efficient 1.5L 4B40 turbo engine
The Destinationer’s 1.5-liter MIVEC turbo engine (4B40) combines powerful acceleration with high combustion efficiency by adopting a water-cooled intercooler and a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle).
- Maximum output: 120kW (163PS) / 5,000rpm
- Maximum torque: 250Nm/2,000-4,000rpm
- Displacement: 1.5L inline 4-cylinder
- Fuel tank capacity: 45L
Although this 1.5L engine is relatively small for a seven-seater midsize SUV, it delivers plenty of power and torque thanks to its turbocharger.
Smooth acceleration with CVT
The transmission is a highly efficient CVT. Linear acceleration control according to the amount of accelerator pedal pressure ensures a response that is faithful to the driver’s intentions, achieving both smooth, comfortable driving and fuel efficiency.
It also comes equipped with a variety of modern comforts, including an engine push start system and an electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold function).
Driving performance and off-road capability | Excellent off-road capability even with FF drive
Mitsubishi’s four-wheel control technology
Although the Destination is front-wheel drive (FF), Mitsubishi’s four-wheel control technology gives it the off-road capability unique to an SUV, providing safe, secure and comfortable driving on a variety of road surfaces and in a variety of weather conditions.
Despite being front-wheel drive, the vehicle can handle a variety of road conditions by integrating Active Yaw Control (AYC) which adjusts the drive force of the front left and right wheels to achieve high cornering performance, Traction Control (TCL) which controls tire slip, engine control, and power steering control.
Five drive modes
There are five drive modes to choose from depending on road conditions:
- Normal : A balanced mode for everyday driving
- Wet : Reduces tire slippage and provides high stability even on wet roads in rainy weather
- Tarmac : Provides a crisp ride on winding paved roads, with excellent response when overtaking or pulling out of traffic.
- Gravel : Reduces slipperiness on unpaved roads for safer maneuverability
- Mud : Demonstrates powerful driving performance even on muddy, rough roads
These drive modes allow the vehicle to flexibly respond to the diverse road conditions unique to the ASEAN region.
Tuned suspension
The suspension system is a MacPherson strut type in the front and a torsion beam type in the rear, which improves straight-line stability and handling stability as well as ride comfort.
We conducted numerous driving tests on test courses in Japan that replicated road conditions in the ASEAN region, and then repeatedly evaluated the vehicle locally before fine-tuning it to ensure a comfortable ride even on rough or undulating roads.
The steering wheel is designed to be easy to grip, taking into account the driving environment in the ASEAN region where U-turns are frequent, and a quick steering gear ratio is used.With a minimum turning radius of 5.4m, the vehicle is easy to maneuver even on narrow roads and in parking lots.
Safety Equipment | Protect your family with Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing
Advanced driver assistance features
The Destination model also features Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing, a new advanced driver assistance system. Key features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) : Follows the acceleration, deceleration, and stopping of the vehicle ahead, maintaining a set distance between the vehicles.
- Forward Collision Mitigation Braking System (FCM) : Detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead and issues a warning or applies the brakes if there is a risk of collision.
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW) : Rear side vehicle detection warning system
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) : A warning system that detects vehicles crossing the road when reversing
- Automatic High Beam (AHB) : Detects oncoming or preceding vehicles and automatically switches between high and low beams
- Leading vehicle departure notification (LCDN) : Notifies you when the vehicle ahead has started moving, for example, when waiting at a traffic light
- Multi-Around Monitor : A 360-degree camera system that allows a bird’s-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings
- Parking sensors : 4 front and 4 rear sensors detect obstacles
Extensive safety equipment
In addition to a collision-safety-reinforced body that absorbs energy during a collision and suppresses cabin deformation, collision safety performance is also ensured by adopting six SRS airbags (driver, passenger, side, and curtain).
Other safety features include Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist, Electronically Controlled Braking System (ABS/EBD), Brake Assist, Childproof Locks, ISOFIX & Tether Anchor, Emergency Stop Signal, Side Impact Beam, Immobilizer, and Security Alarm.
All seats are equipped with three-point ELR seat belts (with pretensioners in the first row), and seat belt reminders are also installed in all seats.
Connected function “Mitsubishi Connect”
The connected features enhance call center support, including an automatic notification to the call center when the airbags deploy, and an SOS call function that allows you to request rescue from the call center with the push of a button in the event of an accident or breakdown.
By linking the device to a smartphone, drivers can check the remaining fuel level and their vehicle’s location, as well as remotely operate the air conditioning, further enhancing convenience. This is a particularly useful feature in hot ASEAN countries, as it allows drivers to cool the car before getting in.
Grade composition and Philippine prices
There are three grades in the Philippines:
GLX (base grade)
Price: Starting from PHP 1,389,000
Main equipment:
- 1.5L MIVEC turbo engine
- 8-inch smartphone-linked display audio (compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Active Stability Control with TCL
- LED headlamps
GLS (mid-range grade)
Price: Starting from PHP 1,599,000
Main additional equipment:
- Engine push start system
- Active Yaw Control
- 8-inch LCD multi-information display integrated meter
- LED daytime running lights
GT (top grade)
Price: Starting from PHP 1,939,000
Main additional equipment:
- Synthetic leather seats (with heat guard function, black/maroon two-tone)
- Power panoramic sunroof (tilt & slide, with power sunshade)
- Forward Collision Mitigation Braking System (FCM)
- More comprehensive comfort and safety features
Future expansion plans | Plans to expand to approximately 70 countries
The Destinationr began sales in Indonesia in July 2025 and was launched in the Philippines on November 20, 2025. Future expansion is planned for the following regions:
- Vietnam and other ASEAN countries
- South Asia
- Latin America
- middle east
- Africa
The car is planned to be eventually launched in approximately 70 countries, and is expected to become an important model supporting Mitsubishi Motors’ global sales.
Is there a possibility of introducing it in Japan?
At present, there are no plans to introduce the Destination in Japan, but there is high demand for three-row SUVs in the domestic market, and now that production of the Mazda CX-8 has ended, it is likely that there will be a certain level of demand for practical seven-seater SUVs like the Destination.
However, due to the strict exhaust gas regulations and safety standards in the Japanese market, it is possible that Mitsubishi Motors will need to modify specifications and add additional equipment if it is to introduce the car. Attention will be focused on Mitsubishi Motors’ future moves.
Local evaluation in the Philippines
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) President Ritsu Imaeda commented at the local launch of Destination:
“MMPC has experienced strong and consistent growth over the past few years. The launch of the new Destination vehicle, which combines the imposing presence and luxury of an SUV with the versatility and comfort of an MPV, will position us for further growth and further strengthen our presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV market.”
This statement also shows that Mitsubishi Motors has high expectations for the Destination.
Summary | A practical global strategic SUV for families
The Mitsubishi Destination is a highly practical mid-size SUV that embodies the concept of “an SUV that empowers lively families to take a step forward with confidence.”
It has a seven-seater, three-row seating layout, excellent off-road performance thanks to a ground clearance of 214mm, powerful driving thanks to a 1.5L MIVEC turbo engine, a full range of advanced safety and comfort features, and a sophisticated design, and has earned high praise in global markets, particularly in the ASEAN region.
The car has also been well received in the market, with orders booming in Indonesia and winning Car of the Year at the GridOto Awards 2025. It is scheduled to be rolled out to approximately 70 countries in the future, and attention is focused on its developments as an important model supporting Mitsubishi Motors’ global strategy.
Although there are no plans to introduce it to the Japanese market, there is likely to be potential demand for this practical seven-seater SUV in Japan, so we look forward to future developments.
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