Will the Mitsubishi Xforce get more powerful powertrains?

The Mitsubishi Xforce has just been launched in the country, wanting to shake up the subcompact crossover segment with its sleek and striking exterior, modern and premium interior, as well as fully-loaded features. If there is one thing however that surely disappointed many, it’s the lone engine option.

The subcompact crossover is currently and exclusively available powered by the Mitsubishi Xpander’s 1.5-liter 4A91 MIVEC engine that makes 105 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, mated to a CVT. For comparison, its rivals can be had with more powerful hybrid and turbocharged powertrains. 

READ: All-new Mitsubishi Xforce: Everything You Need To Know

And while it works, it’s not exactly that enticing to potential customers as evidenced by the negative comments on our videos and articles on this new model.

During a Q&A session at the pre-launch media drive of the Mitsubishi Xforce, we took the opportunity to ask some questions relating to the crossover’s future powertrains, if any, and here’s what we found out.

According to Mitsubishi Motors engineers present at the event, the Xforce will soon be getting a turbocharged engine under the hood. They also confirmed that it will be coming from the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. 

A quick research shows that the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross can be had with a 1.5-liter 4B40 Inline 4-cylinder turbocharged MIVEC gasoline engine that produces 163 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT.

We also asked MMPC Assistant Vice President for Sales & Marketing Miko Hernandez on the possible introduction of a hybrid powertrain. He gave us the simple answer of “it’s under development.”

While that does not confirm its arrival here in the future, MMPC will definitely have to introduce an electrified version of the Xforce in order to compete with its rivals such as the Toyota Yaris Cross and Nissan Kicks e-POWER.

We also assume that the Xforce will get Mitsubishi’s e:Motion hybrid system which was revealed on the Thai-market Xpander MPV earlier this year. This combines a 1.6-liter 4A92 Inline 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine with a high-output electric motor and 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. This produces a respectable total of 116 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque mated to a new e-CVT.

We’re guessing that in the future, the lineup may be updated to start with the current entry-level 1.5 GLS CVT, followed by an updated 1.5 GT Turbo CVT variant, then topped-off with a new 1.6 e:MOTION CVT.

Whatever the case there will be for the Mitsubishi Xforce’s powertrains, hope is not lost for those who want a more powerful version of this crossover.