Mitsubishi DST Concept takes final form as ‘Destinator,’ debuts in Indonesia

Paulo Papa Jul 17, 2025

CONTENTS

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has launched a new midsize sport utility vehicle (SUV), dubbed Destinator.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

What powers the Mitsubishi Destinator?

The Mitsubishi Destinator uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with a CVT.

How much power does it make?

Per Mitsubishi, it makes 161 horses with 250 Nm.

To those following local auto shows, the Japanese carmaker’s Philippine subsidiary first previewed the model as the “DST Concept” — around nine months ago at last year’s Philippine International Motor Show, aka PIMS. Photo by Juan Paulo Papa

Back then, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation President Ritsu Imaeda noted that the unveiling of the DST Concept in the country was done because the marque considers the Philippines as among its focus markets.

On that note, it is not surprising for the Tokyo-headquartered auto firm to confirm that the Mitsubishi Destinator will soon be available to Filipino car buyers.

“The Destinator will be showcased at the second Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, which opens on July 23, with sales to begin the same day. The new model will also be introduced in other ASEAN markets, including Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa,” Mitsubishi wrote in a press release.

To those interested in the nameplate, here are some of its notable features:

Design

The Mitsubishi Destinator was developed under a concept anchored in two keywords: “Gravitas” and “Dynamism.”

Per Mitsubishi, the former means that the midsize SUV should evoke a commanding presence and a sense of solidity. Hence, the idea is to make a spacious and comfortable seven-seater with a stable stance and a firm hold on the ground. Photo from Edi Weente

This is reflected in its front nose, which features a sleek horizontal profile with rich dimensionality, emphasizing its strong, confident look. Additionally, blacked-out pillars and smooth, flowing surfaces that gently embrace the vehicle further enhance the impression of a spacious, open cabin.

As for the latter, it is embodied in a design bursting with energy and motion.

Expressing the said design language is its high ground clearance and 18-inch wheels that enable excellent road handling and maneuverability on rough roads.

It also has large-diameter wheels, framed by sculpted front and rear fender flares that echo the muscle lines of a well-trained athlete.

Finally, bold front and rear skid plates, along with side protectors, emphasize the vehicle’s ruggedness and all-around protection.

Here are some of its striking appointments:

Honeycomb grille with transparent acrylic trim
T-shaped daytime running lights and taillamps
Rear hexagonal motif “inspired by the spare tires on the back of the legendary Pajeros”
Black D-pillar for a floating roof effect

Equipment

Inside, the Mitsubishi Destinator boasts an instrument panel that is “wrapped in soft, premium material” and features a dynamic shape that extends to the door trim for an expansive feel.

The instrument cluster integrates the eight-inch digital driver display with the 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio to create a modern aesthetic and enhance driving enjoyment. The display — MMC pointed out — also provides access to features such as the panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and connectivity functions. Photo from Edi Weente

In addition, the Mitsubishi Destinator comes with the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, much like the XForce that we have here in the Philippines.

The eight-speaker setup, with interior acoustics finely tuned for the Destinator by Yamaha’s sound meister, creates a rich, immersive, and powerful audio environment for the entire family.

Here are some of its other cabin amenities:

Panoramic sunroof
64-color ambient lighting
Smart storage options
Flexible seating

Powertrain

Under the hood of the Mitsubishi Destinator is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a continuously variable transmission. It generates the following figures:

Maximum output (in horsepower)	161
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters)	250

The powertrain system is accompanied by five drive modes:

Wet
Tarmac
Normal
Gravel
Mud

In addition, it has active yaw control, which adjusts the driving force of the left and right front wheels for enhanced cornering performance. Photo from Edi Weente

“The all-new Destinator is a seven-seater SUV designed to encourage families to embark on adventures in comfort,” MMC President and Chief Executive Officer Takao Kato said.

“This marks the third global strategic model born in Indonesia, following the Xpander crossover MPV and the Xforce compact SUV, and it will be marketed globally with a focus on the ASEAN region. Our operations in Indonesia are a cornerstone of Mitsubishi Motors’ business, and by expanding the production and sales of the Destinator and other models, we are committed to contributing to the growth of the Indonesian automotive industry and the local economy, while delivering vehicles that inspire and delight customers around the world,” he added.

Also read:

Is Mitsubishi PH bringing back the Adventure?

Mitsubishi Motors PH to produce new model in Santa Rosa facility

Mitsubishi PH rolls out Triton

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