First batch of Mitsubishi Destinator arrives in Vietnam

About three months after being spotted undergoing test runs in Vietnam, the seven-seater SUV from the Japanese brand is now ready for its official launch, expected in early December.

Like the Xforce, the completely built-up Destinator cars are imported from Indonesia.

The Destinator will likely be offered in at least two versions in Vietnam.

One variant features dark-colored wheels, presumably the standard trim, while the other has two-tone machined wheels, chrome window trims, and an ADAS camera mounted on the windshield, likely representing the premium version.

In Indonesia, the SUV is available in three trims – GLS, Exceed, and Ultimate – arranged in ascending order of price.

The initial shipment also boasts a wide color palette, including red, black, gray, blue, and white, with a black roof option similar to the Xforce, providing Vietnamese customers with multiple choices.

Since October, Mitsubishi Vietnam has opened bookings for the Destinator with a deposit of VND10 million (US$381).

Early registrants will receive a gift package valued at VND14.5 million ($552), including premium window film and a VND3 million ($114) service voucher.

Although the official price has not been announced, Mitsubishi has promised a competitive price for the seven-seater SUV segment.

According to dealer sources, the estimated starting price is around VND700 million ($26,670), depending on the trim, slightly higher than the Indonesian market price, which starts at roughly VND620 million ($23,630).

The Destinator shares design cues with the Xforce, but it appears more robust and substantial thanks to its larger dimensions.

Its ground clearance of 214 mm ranks among the highest in the C-segment SUV/Crossover category.

Exterior highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels and a full LED lighting system.

Inside, the three-row, seven-seat layout prioritizes family comfort and versatility.

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by an eight-inch digital display behind the steering wheel.

Notable amenities include a Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium system, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and charging ports accessible for all three rows, promising a premium experience within its price range.

In Vietnam, the Destinator is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine, the same configuration as the Indonesian model, producing 161 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.

It is paired with a CVT gearbox and front-wheel drive.

The SUV offers five driving modes: Normal, Wet, Mud, Gravel, and Tarmac, with the Tarmac mode being a first for a Mitsubishi vehicle.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Destinator in Vietnam will feature an ADAS active safety package.

Mirroring the Indonesian version, this could include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic headlights, front departure alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

With a wheelbase of 2,815 mm and spacious interior dimensions, the Destinator is positioned in the C-segment SUV/Crossover market, competing with the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Territory.

However, thanks to its generous legroom and near-D-segment cabin space comparable to the Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi’s new SUV promises to carve out a unique appeal in the price range above VND700 million.