Mitsubishi Destinator Price In India: The Comeback Car India Needs?

Mitsubishi is one of those brands that still sparks nostalgia among Indian enthusiasts. Talk to any petrolhead and names like Pajero, Lancer, or Outlander instantly bring back memories. But over the past decade, the brand has been missing in action here, while rivals like Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra tightened their grip on the SUV space.

Now, Mitsubishi has introduced the 2025 Mitsubishi Destinator, a bold 7-seater SUV aimed at families who want practicality without compromising on design and tech. Launched first in Indonesia, it blends high ground clearance, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features. If Mitsubishi plays its cards right, this could well be the SUV that revives the brand in India – especially in a market where cars like the Alcazar, Safari, and Hector Plus are selling like hot pakoras in the monsoon.

Engine, Mileage & Performance

At its heart, the Destinator packs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine making 161 bhp and paired with a CVT gearbox. That’s roughly on par with the Hyundai Alcazar’s turbo-petrol and slightly more powerful than the MG Hector Plus.

For Indian buyers, the absence of a diesel option might pinch, especially for highway cruisers who cover long distances. But petrol buyers in metros like Delhi and Bangalore – where diesel restrictions are biting – may find it practical. The CVT gearbox is tuned for smoothness, which means stress-free city commutes, though enthusiasts might still prefer the punchier feel of a DCT or torque converter.

Expect 12–14 kmpl in the city and up to 16 kmpl on highways if driven with a light foot – not class-leading, but manageable given today’s fuel prices. With five drive modes and Active Yaw Control, tackling hilly roads in Himachal or uneven stretches in Bihar shouldn’t be a problem.

Design & Features

The Destinator’s design screams presence. Up front, you get the bold Dynamic Shield grille flanked by T-shaped LED DRLs. The side profile shows off 18-inch alloys and blacked-out pillars, while the rear gets a Pajero-inspired Hexaguard Horizon motif – a nice nod to Mitsubishi’s SUV heritage.

Inside, the cabin feels well-thought-out for families. The 12.3-inch infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, and 64-colour ambient lighting will appeal to younger buyers, while parents will appreciate practical touches like tray tables, multiple storage bins, and rear AC vents.

The flexible seat folding (40:20:40 second row, 50:50 third row) is great for weekend trips. Imagine stuffing luggage, a cricket kit, and even a cooler box for road trips – it’ll manage it all without a fuss.

Mitsubishi Destinator Safety & Technology

This is where the Destinator makes a strong case. With six airbags, disc brakes all around, and 244 mm ground clearance, it’s built to handle both highways and bad rural roads.

Top trims get Mitsubishi’s Diamond Sense ADAS suite including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (great for long Jaipur–Delhi runs)
• Blind Spot Warning (handy in chaotic Indian traffic)
• 360° Multi Around Monitor (a boon for tight parking lots in Mumbai)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (perfect for reversing out of crowded colony lanes)

This makes it one of the safest SUVs in its potential segment, right up there with the XUV700 and Alcazar.

Mitsubishi Destinator Colours & Variants

Internationally, it’s sold in GLS, Exceed, and Ultimate trims, with premium features like a Yamaha audio system and powered tailgate reserved for the top-end model. If it comes to India, expect similar variants to appeal to both value-conscious buyers and those wanting premium bells and whistles.

Colour choices like Pearl White, Metallic Silver, Jet Black, Fiery Red, and Navy Blue are likely, with dual-tone finishes for the top trims to keep up with Indian buyer preferences.

Mitsubishi Destinator Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rugged SUV styling with Pajero-inspired design cues
• Practical 7-seater layout with thoughtful storage solutions
• Segment-first Yamaha premium sound system
• High 244 mm ground clearance – perfect for pothole-ridden Indian roads
• ADAS safety features to match segment leaders

Cons

• No diesel engine – could hurt appeal in smaller towns & highways
• CVT gearbox may feel dull compared to Hyundai’s DCT or Mahindra’s AT
• Mitsubishi’s weak dealer/service network in India
• Pricing uncertainty – a deal-breaker if it crosses ₹25 lakh mark

ALSO READ: All-New 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander – Bold, Powerful & Smart SUV from $29,995

Price & Rivals

In Indonesia, prices start at the equivalent of ₹18 lakh and stretch to ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom). If Mitsubishi decides on an India launch, it would sit squarely against:

• Hyundai Alcazar (₹16–21 lakh)
• Tata Safari (₹16–27 lakh)
• MG Hector Plus (₹17–23 lakh)
• Mahindra XUV700 (₹13–26 lakh)

The trick for Mitsubishi will be aggressive pricing. If they can undercut the Alcazar slightly, say around ₹16.5 lakh, they’ll attract both enthusiasts nostalgic about the brand and practical family buyers.

Final Verdict

The Mitsubishi Destinator looks like a strong package on paper – stylish, practical, and packed with features that matter to Indian buyers. But the truth is, Indian SUV buyers have become spoilt for choice. Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra, and even MG have massive sales and service networks, while Mitsubishi is almost invisible today.

If Mitsubishi truly wants to make a comeback, they’ll need to do more than just launch the Destinator – they’ll have to rebuild trust, open new showrooms, and ensure spare parts availability. Do that, and the Destinator could be the SUV that finally gives Indian families a fresh, premium, and slightly exotic alternative in the crowded 7-seater space.

Mitsubishi Destinator FAQs