It sounds like the title of a new movie but it’s not superhuman like the “Terminator” or a super machine like the “Transformer.”

It is the all-new Mitsubishi Destinator, a cutting-edge seven-seater SUV built for customers who are “Destined for More.” 

Blending the premium driving feel of an SUV with the versatility and practicality of an MPV, the Destinator positions itself as the ready-for-anything, do-more partner for growing and adventure-driven Filipino families.

The new SUV was introduced last month in a festive manner complete with a four-day test drive at the Ayala Concert Grounds in Paranaque City to give the public a chance to see how the SUV performed on various terrains.

The vehicle has five driving modes- Normal, Gravel, Wet, Mud and the new Tarmac mode. So, the test course represented these driving terrains.

The Destinator was with us for a week right after the launch. We first brought it to Pampanga for coverage. Here, we used the Normal and Tarmac modes on the Skyway and NLEX. 

As we lined up at the toll, a highway patrol slowly approached us. And as he slowly walked toward our vehicle, we were a bit nervous, thinking we incurred a violation. 

As it turned out he was just curious about the vehicle. “Sir pasilip nga po sa interior ng Destinator, “ he said, to which we obliged. Yes, the SUV catches quite a lot of attention. 

Running at an average of 100 km per hour on the expressway, we had an easy time overtaking a number of vehicles.The car was stable, balanced, quiet and very comfortable. Its 1.5L turbocharged gasoline engine gave smooth and powerful acceleration.

Going back to Quezon City was also a breeze despite the traffic from the Bocaue exit to the Skyway A. Bonifacio ramp.

The Destinator boasts a commanding SUV-proportioned body with a strong stance that exudes confidence on any road. 

Its signature Dynamic Shield front fascia delivers a bold yet refined presence, while the stylish LED headlamps and DRLs enhance visibility on the road.  The 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels add a touch of sportiness and sophistication.

Together, these elements create a dynamic and premium look that reflects the Destinator’s balance of strength, elegance, and adventure-ready spirit.

Next, we brought the Destinator to Tanauan City in Batangas via the Skyway, SLEX, Star Tollway and the Talisay-Tagaytay Road. Here, the SUV had a taste of the twisty roads going to the Taal Lakeview. Again, it showed balance and stability and good road presence.

The Destinator is engineered to deliver confidence in every drive with its best-in-class 214-mm high ground clearance and a newly-developed 1.5L 4B40 turbocharged engine that produces 161 hp maximum power and 250 N-m maximum torque. 

Mitsubishi says it draws from the carmaker’s rich rally heritage — most notably from the legendary Lancer Evolution.

With the advanced safety technologies and Mitsubishi Motor’s commitment to durability and reliability, the Destinator was able to achieve the highest five-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP, a comprehensive safety performance assessment program for new vehicles in the ASEAN region.

It offers a spacious and roomy interior for seven people, providing ample room for growing families. Flexible utility and cargo configurations also make every trip effortless. 

For enhanced safety, the Destinator is also equipped with Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing with a multi-around view monitor.

I also like the enhanced a panoramic sunroof, and an eight -speaker Dynamic Sound YAMAHA Premium Audio

System, a display panel featuring 12.3- inch Smartphone Display Audio, 8-inch Multi-Information Display (MID), and many others.

The All-New Mitsubishi Destinator comes in three variants with the entry variant having an introductory price of P1,289,000.

It is a practical family car ideal for long drives and adventures.