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Why we need to look at the Mitsubishi XForce again
THE MITSUBISHI XFORCE is, even on paper, a strong contender in the compact SUV class. Reasonably specced regardless of trim, it is adequately powered by a good-ol’-fashioned 1.5-liter, inline-four internal combustion engine with MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System — the Japanese auto brand’s proprietary variable valve timing tech.
On the outside, it looks the part as well — confidently donning a variation of the brand’s “Dynamic Shield” design ethos that makes it appear larger than it actually is. The cabin is executed tastefully, offering occupants space and creature comforts that should earn the XForce a spot on one’s consideration list.
Well, should.
But according to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) itself, the bigger and more expensive Destinator is outselling the XForce by quite a bit. What gives? Are Filipinos simply just choosing the bigger option?
Well, yes and no. Buyers are purposefully buying the Destinator; same with the Xpander (which last year was Mitsubishi’s best-selling offering and top MPV in the country, period). Apparently, people shopping in the XForce segment were looking elsewhere because of the model’s price. Starting at P1.367 million, the XForce price of admission proved a little too steep — especially considering the Destinator’s tag starts at P1.389 million (for the GLX 1.5G Turbo 2WD CVT). That’s just P22,000 away from the three-row SUV, to say nothing about other contenders in the increasingly crowded compact SUV/crossover space.
No better time than now to rectify the error. As MMPC refreshes the XForce with a 2027 model year iteration, the company also brings in a third variant that effectively opens the door for more buyers. The XForce bears an introductory price of P1.049 million (its regular price is P1.119 million), and should now entice a greater section of browsers into checking the XForce out.
“We want to make the XForce more accessible — to appeal to a wider scope of buyers,” said MMPC Assistant Vice-President for Sales and Marketing Miko Hernandez to this writer. “We also improved the mid-trim (GLS) and the top-of-the-line (GT) models.”
“With the introduction of the new GLX variant and updating the other variants, we are enhancing the lineup to give more customers the opportunity to experience the XForce and find the variant that best fits their lifestyle and needs,” said MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda in a release.
Mitsubishi has, said Mr. Hernandez, made the automatic wiper and automatic headlight functions standard across all trims; headlamps and foglamps are all LEDs. The GLS used to have fabric covered seats; they’re now wrapped in leather with Heat Guard to “(help) maintain cabin comfort even under the heat of the sun.” Mitsubishi also equips it with cruise control, and a multi-around monitor (or 360-degree camera) for better visibility and convenience. It’s all about offering a “well-rounded blend of style, connectivity, and everyday versatility.”
Per MMPC in a release, the top-spec GT is “for customers who want all the available comfort, convenience, and safety features that XForce has to offer.” And yes, the GLX variant now “broadens the appeal of the XForce by making its core strengths accessible to more customers without compromising the design, comfort and driving confidence that define the model.”
There’s a bit of a price slash for the GLS (from P1.367 million to P1.299 million) and a bump for the GT (from P1.581 million to P1.661 million).
If bells and whistles like a sunroof, Yamaha sound system, powered tailgate, and others are not dealbreakers for you, then I suggest giving the GLX a look — and a test drive. It is not “entry level,” for sure. The GLX gets active stability and traction control, active yaw control, an engine start/stop button, 4.2-inch multi-information display, eight-inch smartphone-link display audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-A and C ports front and rear, a reversing camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold, driver’s knee and rear air-con vents, center floor console with cooling function, and a passenger-side under-seat tray.
INCREASED ELECTRIFICATION
With the increased interest in xEVs or electrified vehicles, bringing in the hybrid version of the XForce, at least for the foreseeable future, is not in the cards — for the simple reason that only right-hand-drive versions of it are being produced. Having said this, MMPC is looking at making more electrified models available, particularly in view of the company’s participation in the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), set to roll off in mid-2028.
Company officials have yet to confirm the model that will be enrolled in the program, but we have been told it will surely have a traditional hybrid powertrain. This nameplate will be produced alongside the Mirage G4 and hatchback and L300 models already being made there. Whether or not the yet-to-be disclosed model will also be shipped outside the Philippines remains to be determined. “There’s some talks about export, but we can’t confirm at the moment,” declared Mr. Hernandez.
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