The Mitsubishi Destinator, which forms part of China Motor Corporation's (CMC) "3 Years, 5 New Models" product strategy, is expected to make its Taiwanese debut before the end of 2026.

Originally scheduled to be unveiled at the 2026 Taipei Auto Show, the domestically produced seven-seater SUV is now reportedly expected to launch later this year, according to dealer sources.

Positioning in Taiwan's seven-seater SUV segment: Following the discontinuation of the third-generation Outlander and the anticipated phase-out of the Luxgen URX Neo, the Destinator is expected to enter Taiwan's domestically produced seven-seater SUV segment.

Design and dimensions: The Destinator adopts Mitsubishi's latest family design language and shares several styling elements with the XForce. It measures 4,680mm in length and has a wheelbase of 2,815mm, with a three-row cabin.

1.5-litre turbocharged engine: Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 163 PS. The engine's displacement and turbocharging configuration are intended to balance performance and vehicle tax considerations in the Taiwanese market.

Destinator set to enter Taiwan's seven-seater SUV market

Under CMC's "3 Years, 5 New Models" strategy, the XForce was among the first models to be introduced, followed by the domestically produced, updated fourth-generation Outlander, which went on sale in September. Another model is expected to join the lineup before the end of the year. According to dealer sources, the domestically produced seven-seater Destinator is expected to make its debut before the end of 2026.

Although no test data for the Destinator has appeared in records from Taiwan's Automotive Research and Testing Center, Ministry of Environment or Energy Administration, a launch towards the end of the year remains possible. One possible reason is that the discontinuation of the Colt Plus and the previous third-generation Outlander has freed up production capacity, potentially allowing CMC to accelerate the introduction of the new model.

The Destinator was originally positioned as a potential successor to the three-row version of the third-generation Outlander. With the remaining Outlander inventory now cleared and the similarly positioned Luxgen URX Neo from the Yulon Group reportedly approaching the end of its lifecycle, the Destinator is expected to enter Taiwan's seven-seater SUV segment following the withdrawal of these models.

The Destinator shares several design elements with the smaller XForce. According to Philippine-market specifications, it measures 4,680 x 1,840 x 1,780mm and has a wheelbase of 2,815mm.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine producing 163 PS. It is paired with a CVT transmission and a front-wheel-drive system. The SUV also offers five driving modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac and Mud.

In the Philippines, the Destinator is available in three grades: GLX, GLS and GT, with prices ranging from NTD 725,000 to NTD 1,013,000 ((US$ 22,055-30,815).

Equipment varies according to the trim level. The entry-level GLX features a 4.2-inch LCD instrument display and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, while the mid-range and top-spec variants receive an 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display.

The range-topping GT additionally features a power-adjustable driver's seat, 64-colour ambient lighting, a Nanoe X air purification system, a Yamaha premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power tailgate.

The Destinator is expected to join Mitsubishi's Taiwanese model lineup in the domestically produced seven-seater SUV segment. Its final Taiwanese specifications, equipment and pricing will determine how it compares with competing models.