Word on the street is that the Mitsubishi Xforce will be making its Malaysian debut by Q1 2026.
2026 looks to be the year that Mitsubishi Malaysia finally expands beyond just two models in its local lineup after a long while, with the Mitsubishi Xforce now spotted uncamouflaged on Malaysian roads.
Having initially made its debut in Indonesia back in 2023, this compact crossover has since been confirmed for an imminent local arrival, and will soon take on the likes of the Honda HR-V and Proton X50 in the increasingly crowded small SUV segment.
Effectively taking over the role once filled by the ASX a decade ago, the Xforce adopts a muscular, boxy silhouette. Up front, this is defined by the latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield fascia, flanked by horizontal T-shaped LED headlights. The same lighting theme continues at the rear, while along the sides, a floating roof treatment and pronounced wheel arches frame polished alloy wheels measuring up to 18 inches in diameter.
Moving along within meanwhile, the Xforce’s straight-edged dashboard features an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other niceties reportedly on offer include an eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system, along with a powered tailgate with hands-free access.
As for what lies under the hood, the Xforce is rumoured to be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated MIVEC four-cylinder engine as seen on the Xpander (with which it shares the same general underpinnings). Power and torque figures are expected to match the MPV’s 105 PS and 141 Nm, but where this compact crossover differs from its people mover sibling is the use of a CVT to drive its front wheels instead of a four-speed automatic transmission.
Now despite driving only its front wheels, the Xforce still channels some of Mitsubishi’s off-road DNA by featuring the brand’s patented Active Yaw Control (AYC) system and four selectable driving modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud). Six airbags and a host of active driver assistance systems are also expected to be standard, with the model having already achieved a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.
Prices will only be officially announced closer to its local launch, but a guesstimate of around RM 100,000 to RM 120,000 should not be too far off the mark. Also worth noting is the availability of a hybrid version in Thailand, which could be a compelling option for Malaysia should Mitsubishi decide to introduce it, particularly as competition from electrified rivals such as the Chery Tiggo 7 CSH and Honda HR-V e:HEV continues to grow.
