Meet Mitsubishi's new family SUV: 2026 Mitsubishi Destinator revealed as new seven seat rival to the Chery Tiggo 8, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail

Mitsubishi has revealed an entirely new model for its refreshed global range, the Destinator three-row mid-sized SUV.

Debuting in Indonesia, the Destinator is the production version of the DST concept shown on Mitsubishi’s launch schedule for some time. It is what Mitsubishi Motor’s global CEO Takao Kato described as: “The third global strategic model born in Indonesia, following the Xpander crossover MPV and Xforce compact SUV and will be marketed globally with a focus on the ASEAN region.”

Measuring 4680mm long, by 1840mm wide and 1780mm tall, it is slightly smaller than the Outlander in every exterior dimension, but with a 2815mm wheelbase it has more room between the axles than its Outlander sibling. The Destinator is offered with seven-seats only.

It features the latest Mitsubishi Hexaguard Horizon design language, which is also seen on the Xforce small SUV. This new design direction is yet to be seen on models delivered to Australia with most still using the brand’s previous Dynamic Shield design.

The new model is powered only by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 120kW/250Nm mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It is front-wheel drive only, but the brand says it uses some of the software developed from all-wheel drive tech, like its signature Active Yaw Control system.

The Destinator features a remarkably high 214mm ground clearance with surprisingly aggressive approach and departure angles for a front-wheel drive SUV of 21 degrees approach, 20.8 degree breakover, and 25.5 degree departure. Unlike the Outlander, which uses independent suspension all-round, the Destinator uses a more basic set-up with a torsion beam at the rear.

It features the latest Mitsubishi switchgear also seen in the Triton, as well as a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen and 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which the brand said was specifically designed to replicate the ‘multimeter layout which pays homage to the iconic triple meter of the Pajero.’

On the outside it features LED lights and 18-inch alloys.

The Destinator also features a Yamaha sound system and the latest connected software features, like an automatic SOS feature and connected smartphone application.

A Mitsubishi Australia representative confirmed to CarsGuide the Destinator won’t be earmarked for an Australian launch for the time being. The global division said it is destined for Vietnam, the Philippines, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

This seems to indicate this model will serve as a lower-cost alternative to the Outlander to be sold in markets where safety standards are not as stringent, much like the Xforce, which would have been an ideal replacement for the outgoing ASX.

Instead the ASX will be replaced in Australia with a new-generation based on the Renault Captur, which has lower emissions and a higher level of standard safety to comply with our New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and latest requirements for a strong ANCAP score.

Stay tuned for more Mitsubishi information later in the year. The new-generation ASX is due before the end of 2025, although a replacement for the outgoing Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport won’t be seen until 2026.