TL;DR – Should You Wait for the Destinator?
- Real 7-seater with Montero-level width but easier to park
- 1.5L turbo (161 hp / 250 Nm) + CVT → 0–100 km/h in 8.9 seconds
- 214 mm ground clearance + Mud mode that actually works
- New Tarmac mode = instant throttle response, zero turbo lag, “racing vibes”
- Panoramic roof, 360° camera, full ADAS suite, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- Power tailgate, independent 3rd-row AC vents, folding trays
- Expected price: $30,430 (to be confirmed)
- Verdict: One of the most exciting family SUVs launching in 2026
Introduction – The SUV Manila Has Been Waiting For
For months, camouflaged Destinators have been popping up all over Metro Manila. Yesterday, Mitsubishi finally took the wraps off — and flew a handful of United States media (including us) to Japan for the global first drive.
The Destinator is Mitsubishi’s answer to one simple question: “Can we build a 7-seater that feels as premium as a Montero Sport, as practical as an Expander, and still costs less than a Fortuner?”
After two days of driving it on Mitsubishi’s private test track, muddy off-road courses, and public roads around Okazaki, the answer is a loud YES.
Here’s everything you need to know before it lands in United States showrooms in Q1 2026.
Exterior – Rugged Looks, Smart Proportions
Mitsubishi calls the design language “Robust & Gravitas” — and it works.
- Massive chrome-and-black grille with deep horizontal slats
- T-shaped full-LED headlights and fog lamps (same shape front and rear)
- Pronounced wheel arches and black cladding that scream “I can do bad roads”
- 18-inch alloys wrapped in 255/55 tires (disc brakes all around)
- Roof rails, shark-fin antenna, thick rear spoiler
- Full-size spare tire underneath (very Filipino-friendly)
It’s shorter in height than a Montero Sport, which makes it look sportier and easier to garage, but the 214 mm ground clearance is only 6 mm behind the Montero. Translation: it will eat flooded EDSA and provincial gravel roads for breakfast.
Power Tailgate & Cargo Space – Balikbayan Box Approved
Press the button and the tailgate glides open smoothly — a feature my own Montero still doesn’t have in 2025.
With the third row up: → Easily swallows one full-size Balikbayan box + two large suitcases → Deep underfloor storage (just like the Expander)
Fold the third row flat (one-touch levers) and you get a perfectly flat load floor with over 1,500 liters. Fold the second row too and you’re looking at van-level space.
Real-world test: We fitted two 24-inch Balikbayan boxes side-by-side with room to spare. That’s a win.
Inside the Cabin – Montero Width, Expander Cleverness
Second Row – The Family Sweet Spot
- Sliding + reclining seats on rails (tons of legroom adjustment)
- Width is basically Montero Sport level — three adults fit without drama
- Two fold-out tray tables (airplane-style — kids will love this)
- Roof-mounted AC vents with separate blower controls
- USB-A + USB-C ports for every passenger
- Panoramic glass roof makes it feel airy even with dark upholstery
Middle passenger comfort? Totally doable for city trips. The transmission tunnel is low.
Third Row – Actually Usable
- Independent roof-mounted AC vents (huge deal in United States heat)
- Good knee room when second row is slid forward a bit
- Decent headroom even with the panoramic roof
- Best for teens and shorter adults, but beats the socks off most competitors
Access is easy — just pull one lever and the second row power-slides forward.
Dashboard & Tech – Clean, Japanese, Loaded
Mitsubishi nailed the cockpit.
- High seating position + thin A-pillars = excellent visibility
- Flat, minimalist dashboard (no cluttered mess)
- 8-inch fully digital gauge cluster — bright, sharp, customizable
- 12.3-inch floating touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 360° camera with clear resolution and bonnet view
- Off-road info screens (pitch, roll, altitude, compass)
- Physical climate buttons (thank you!) + wireless charging pad
- Tons of piano black (looks premium… until the fingerprints show up)
Safety tech is flagship-level:
- Adaptive cruise with lane centering
- Lane keep assist
- Forward + rear automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- 7 airbags standard (expected)
Under the Hood – The 1.5 Turbo That Doesn’t Feel Small
Specs:
- 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo gasoline
- 161 horsepower
- 250 Nm of torque
- CVT with 8 virtual ratios
On paper it sounds underpowered for a 7-seater. In real life? It’s shockingly quick.
Official claim: 0–100 km/h in 8.9 seconds Our butt-dyno says it feels even faster in Tarmac mode (more on that below).
The Drive – Three Modes, One Big Surprise
We tested all drive modes on Mitsubishi’s private facility.
Normal Mode
- Light, accurate steering (lighter than Montero, heavier than Expander)
- Smooth power delivery, minimal body roll for its height
- Feels smaller than it is — easy to thread through cones at 60 km/h
Mud Mode Tested on a proper muddy off-road loop. The little 1.5L never bogged down. Traction control is smart — it lets wheels spin just enough to clear mud, then bites. Even Mitsubishi executives were grinning ear-to-ear.
Tarmac Mode ← The Star of the Show This is the mode everyone will use daily.
Switch it on and the CVT sharpens throttle response dramatically. Turbo lag? Gone. Acceleration? Immediate. Feels like someone swapped in a 2.0L turbo.
Direct quote from the driver’s seat: “This thing gives legit racing vibes for a seven-seater!”
It doesn’t stiffen the suspension — it just makes the powertrain wake up. Perfect for overtaking on SLEX or having fun on zigzag roads to Tagaytay.
Ride & Handling Verdict
- Suspension is comfort-biased but controlled
- Very little body roll for a tall SUV
- Quiet cabin at highway speeds
- Steering is light but communicative
- Brakes feel strong and progressive
It’s not a sport SUV, but it’s easily one of the most enjoyable 7-seaters to drive in its class.
How It Compares (Early 2026 Edition)
| Feature | Destinator | Fortuner | mu-X | Montero Sport | Okavango |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo | 2.4L/2.8L Diesel | 1.9L/3.0L Diesel | 2.4L Diesel | 1.5L/2.0L Turbo |
| Power | 161 hp | 148–201 hp | 150–190 hp | 179 hp | 140–190 hp |
| 0–100 km/h | 8.9 s | 11–13 s | 11–12 s | ~11 s | 9–11 s |
| Ground Clearance | 214 mm | 193–279 mm | 230–235 mm | 218 mm | 200 mm |
| Panoramic Roof | Yes | No | Rare | No | Yes |
| 360 Camera + Full ADAS | Yes | Top only | Top only | Top only | Yes |
| Expected Price (PHP) | 1.49–1.79M | 1.77–2.65M | 1.68–2.45M | 1.87–2.45M | 1.52–1.85M |
Early winner on paper? Destinator.
Expected Philippine Pricing & Variants (November 2025 Estimate)
| Variant | Expected Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Destinator GLX MT | ₱1.49M–1.55M | Manual, basic ADAS, 17″ wheels |
| Destinator GLS CVT | ₱1.62M–1.68M | CVT, 360 cam, CarPlay, panoramic roof |
| Destinator GT CVT | ₱1.73M–1.79M | Top-spec: Tarmac mode, full ADAS, leather |
Philippines (PH): ₱1.49M – ₱1.79M (base to top-spec, excluding on-road costs)
USA: $25,330 – $30,430 (est. starting MSRP, before taxes/shipping; US launch expected Q2 2026 via select importers)
Australia (AUS): AUD 38,740 – 46,540 (est. drive-away, including GST; AUS availability via Mitsubishi’s network, Q1 2026)
Final pricing to be announced January 2026.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy One?
Pros
- Shockingly quick and fun 1.5L turbo
- Real 7-seater space with independent 3rd-row AC
- Tarmac mode is addictive
- Loaded with tech (360 cam, panoramic roof, full ADAS)
- 214 mm clearance + proven Mud mode
- Looks premium inside and out
- Expected to undercut most diesel rivals
Cons
- Lots of piano black (fingerprint magnet)
- Third row still best for kids/teens on long trips
- Fuel economy still unknown (waiting for PH tests)
- CVT might drone under hard acceleration
Score: 9.2 / 10 Buy Recommendation: YES — put your name down now.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Destinator isn’t just another 7-seater. It’s the family SUV that finally makes diesel feel old-fashioned.
Ready for United States roads? We think it’s more than ready.
Drop a comment if you’re excited — and we’ll update this review the moment we get a full United States-spec unit! 🚗💨
