A New Addition to Mitsubishi’s Lineup
Mitsubishi has been making waves in the automotive world with a series of rebadged models. The brand is introducing its own version of the Nissan Leaf and a new Eclipse Cross, which is based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech. However, not all of these models come from its alliance partners. There’s also a new Outlander Sport, and now, a larger three-row SUV that carries a name that might seem unusual but fits well within the world of video games.
The Destinator is the production version of last year’s DST concept. It doesn’t look bad for a budget SUV, and Mitsubishi earns extra points for including physical buttons inside the cabin. However, the dashboard design is somewhat unique, featuring a thick, glossy black frame that surrounds the digital instrument cluster. This design would be less jarring if the eight-inch driver display sat level with the adjacent 12.3-inch infotainment screen. Instead, it’s deeply recessed into the dash, making the chunky bezel resemble an early 2010s tablet.
Performance and Design Details
The Destinator is a front-wheel-drive-only vehicle, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine. This four-cylinder engine produces 161 horsepower and 184 pound-feet (250 Nm) of torque, which is sent through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Mitsubishi keeps things simple with a torsion beam rear suspension, though it does offer disc brakes on all four corners. The SUV rides on standard 18-inch wheels, and without any form of electrification, its curb weight remains reasonable at 3,296 pounds (1,495 kilograms).
The seven-seat SUV measures 184.2 inches (4,680 millimeters) long and 72.4 inches (1,840 mm) wide, making it slightly shorter and narrower than the Outlander, but also taller, at 70 inches (1,780 mm). A generous 110.8 inches (2,815 mm) wheelbase gives it a significantly longer footprint between the axles compared to the Outlander. While it lacks four-wheel drive, the Destinator offers decent ground clearance of 8.4 inches (214 mm), or 9.5 inches (244 mm) with the underbody cover removed. Multiple drive modes are available, including Gravel, Wet, and Mud.
Features and Interior Comfort
Despite being designed as a sensible family hauler, the Destinator doesn’t compromise on features. Mitsubishi includes a panoramic sunroof, a Yamaha sound system, 64-color ambient lighting, and USB ports across all three rows. Rearmost passengers also get dedicated air vents, while the second row splits 40:20:40 and the third 50:50. Both rows can be folded flat for maximum cargo capacity.
The Destinator makes its debut in ASEAN markets, becoming the third model from Mitsubishi’s Indonesian branch. Following the Xpander minivan and the Xforce compact crossover, which is sold as the Outlander Sport in some regions, the Destinator is set to make an impact in the market.
