New Models / 30 March 2026 / Warren Hawkins

Mitsubishi Destinator goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Mitsubishi has announced that its newest adventure family SUV – the Destinator – has arrived in South Africa.

Initially teased last month, the Destinator has now gone on sale in two derivatives, namely the GLS and top-spec Exceed.

Mitsubishi already managed to sell twenty models ahead of the launch, with prices for the Destinator starting at R489,990.

“The all-new Mitsubishi Destinator is ready to drive families to new destinations in comfort and with confidence,” notes Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

“It perfectly bridges the gap between the practicality of our Xpander and the affordability of the Outlander with a package that leaves nothing to be desired.”

Engine

Mitsubishi has fitted the Destinator with a refined version of the same engine found in the Eclipse Cross.

The second-generation 4B40 motor features several improvements over the previous generation, including a next-generation cooling system, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and better acceleration.

Its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 120kW and 250Nm, and sends this power to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

This setup offers drivers a fuel consumption of 7.2l/100km, which means its 45-litre fuel tank offers an impressive range.

Buyers who opt to spend a little more to get the Exceed derivative will have access to five driving modes – Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, and Tarmac – which have been refined for different driving conditions.

Its MacPherson strut front suspension ensures ride quality and passenger comfort, while its Active Yaw Control – borrowed from the Lancer Evolution – ensures safe and confident handling on a variety of surfaces.

Features

Designed with previous models in mind, the Destinator features a new take on Mitsubishi’s characteristic dynamic shield design with a transparent grille that features a smoked finish and metallic backing.

Its T-shaped LED headlights in the front and rear combine daytime running lights with turn signals in a single design that adds to its wider look.

The SUV features deep fender cuts, where 18-inch alloy wheels can be found, to give it a more muscular stance.

At the back, LED taillights wrap around the D-pillar and flow into the Destinator’s large tailgate.

As a family-focused SUV, the Destinator features seven seats across three rows, with the second and third rows able to adjust between a 40:20:40 or a 50:50 split, and features 25 individual storage spaces.

“The all-new Mitsubishi Destinator features a spacious interior, with excellent ride comfort that ensures a relaxed driving experience for all occupants as well as an extremely high level of standard equipment that ensures that it ticks all the right boxes in this department,” explains Nonyane.

Comforts include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, a console tray with wireless charger, a console side pocket for both driver and passenger and a seatback table.

The cabin features customisable 65-colour ambient lighting in five locations, enhancing its spacious feel, while its front seats include a memory height function and anti-pinch safety system.

GLS models are equipped with an 8-inch Smartphone link Display audio system, rearview camera, parking sensors, electric parking brake with auto hold, steering wheel controls, USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents in all three rows, a six-speaker sound system and a fabric interior.

Exceed models are fitted with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display audio system, paired with an eight-inch digital driver display, a Multi Around View Monitor, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, panoramic sunroof, roof rails, power folding door mirrors, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Drive mode selector, power adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charger, keyless operation, power remote tailgate and cruise control.

In terms of safety, families can expect six airbags and a suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS).