Following its debut at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Mitsubishi organized a test drive event for the Destinator in Indonesia last weekend. The test route, spanning over 100 km roundtrip, primarily covered urban roads and highways.

The Mitsubishi Destinator Ultimate version in Indonesia. Photo: Luong Dung

The front end features Mitsubishi's signature Dynamic Shield design language.

Compared to its sibling, the Outlander, the Destinator is 15 mm shorter, while its wheelbase is 145 mm longer.

Thanks to its long wheelbase, the Destinator has a more elongated profile than the Outlander.

The Destinator's exterior features a muscular design with sharp lines.

The rear end has a rugged bumper and a power tailgate on the highest trim level.

The Destinator is equipped with a torsion beam rear suspension.

The multi-layered grille features a honeycomb pattern. LED headlights and T-shaped LED daytime running lights.

The wheels are 18 inches.

T-shaped LED taillights echo the daytime running lights.

The Destinator is equipped with a new-generation 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a water-cooled intercooler.

Destinator test drive at Sentul International Circuit, Indonesia on 24/7. Photo: Luong Dung

Performance

The Destinator boasts a new-generation 1.5-liter turbocharged engine with a water-cooled intercooler, a departure from the air-cooled systems used in other models. This engine generates 161 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It is paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive. The vehicle offers five driving modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, and Mud. Notably, Tarmac mode is a new addition to Mitsubishi's SUV lineup, optimizing performance on paved roads, highways, or during overtaking, similar to a Sport mode.

While the Destinator's horsepower isn't segment-leading, its torque surpasses even the Honda CR-V's 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline version, which delivers 240 Nm. This allows for impressive initial acceleration. The throttle response is sharp with minimal lag, providing a smooth power delivery. This is attributed to the water-cooled intercooler, which rapidly cools the intake air, increasing oxygen density and combustion efficiency. The water-cooling system also allows for placement of the intercooler closer to the engine, reducing the compressed air travel distance and minimizing lag.

At low speeds, the steering is light and agile. At speeds above 60 km/h, the steering firms up, providing a secure and sporty feel, a welcome safety feature for highway driving.

Over the 100 km test drive, mostly on asphalt and concrete roads, the Destinator's sound insulation proved acceptable, though not best-in-class. The suspension performed well, preventing excessive body roll.

With five occupants and luggage, the rear suspension exhibited a slight bounce when traversing speed bumps or uneven surfaces, but it was significantly less harsh than the Xforce. With a full load (seven passengers and luggage), the suspension performed even more effectively.

The brakes offer good feedback but have a long travel, requiring more foot movement. This might be adjusted for the Vietnamese market.

The Destinator is equipped with ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control (ACC), forward collision mitigation (FCM), blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, lead car departure notification, and a 360-degree camera. Standard safety features are also included. In Indonesia, the vehicle lacks lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and tire pressure monitoring.

Interior Space

The second-row seats are versatile, offering sliding and reclining adjustments for comfortable seating and ample legroom. Amenities include small work tables attached to the front seatbacks, air conditioning controls, two USB charging ports, and a center armrest with cupholders.

Destinator's interior design. Photo: Luong Dung

Leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated control buttons.

8-inch digital instrument panel displaying comprehensive vehicle information.

The vehicle features a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

Leather-wrapped gear lever, electronic parking brake, drive mode selector, and wireless phone charging pad.

Center console. Dual-zone automatic climate control.

The second-row seats can slide, recline, and fold in a 40:20:40 configuration.

The second row is spacious, suitable for individuals 1.7 m tall.

Air conditioning controls for the second row.

Work tables located on the back of the front seats.

The vehicle is equipped with a panoramic sunroof.

Destinator interior design. The vehicle has a true 7-seat configuration, not a 5-seat or 5+2 like some other C-segment SUVs.

The third-row seats comfortably accommodate individuals around 1.7 m tall, with adequate knee and headroom. The seatbacks recline slightly. Features include dedicated air vents for each seat, USB charging ports, and cupholders. The third-row seats fold flat in a 50:50 split to increase cargo space, while the second row folds 40:20:40.

To maximize third-row space, Mitsubishi equipped the Destinator with a torsion beam rear suspension. This design minimizes the size of the rear wheel wells in the cargo area, optimizing luggage space and third-row comfort.

Other notable features include 25 storage compartments, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior ambient lighting with 64 color options, and a panoramic sunroof.

With a competitive price range of 23,600-28,500 USD in the Indonesian market, the Destinator is expected to shake up the C-segment SUV segment in Vietnam, much like the Xpander and Xforce did.

The Mitsubishi Destinator is scheduled to arrive in Vietnam by the end of 2025. It will compete in the C-segment SUV segment against established rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Ford Territory, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V.

Luong Dung