The upcoming Mitsubishi Destinator will not use the Xforce’s 1.5-liter NA engine
If there’s one vehicle we’re looking forward to seeing soon, it’s the upcoming production version of the Mitsubishi DST Concept, rumored to be called the Destinator, and set to make its debut at the 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) later this month.
There is however one concern and it’s that it might be powered by the Mitsubishi Xforce and Xpander’s 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine. While all good, it might end up rather underpowered for an SUV. Fortunately, that might not be the case.
This is according to a now deleted report by Indonesian publication Otodriver, which says that the Destinator will not be sharing its powertrain with the Xforce and Xpander which it will be its platform mates.
Instead, it will be getting a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine which doesn’t exactly come as a surprise to us. It will be remembered that last year, a group of engineers from the diamond brand told us that the Xforce would eventually get the aforementioned turbo engine from the Eclipse Cross which is their current subcompact crossover offering in other markets.
READ: Will the Mitsubishi Xforce get more powerful powertrains?
The engine, codenamed the 4B40, produces 163 horsepower and 250Nm of torque, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or CVT, with the latter likely to be the Destinator’s only transmission option.
With the Destinator’s expected larger dimensions compared to the Xpander and SUV-like Xpander Cross, a turbocharged engine would make most sense.
We could also see the Xforce Hybrid’s e:Motion powertrain in the mix. That combines a 1.6-liter 4A92 MIVEC engine that produces 107 horsepower and 134Nm, an electric motor that makes 116 horsepower and 255Nm, and a lithium-ion battery.
We don’t have to wait too long to find out the final specifications of the upcoming Mitsubishi Destinator as it will be fully unveiled at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show which opens on July 24, 2025 and runs until August 3, 2025.
Photos: Sam Surla, Mitsubishi Motors
