2024 Mitsubishi Xforce

Japan fights back: Suzuki Across and Mitsubishi Destinator SUVs launching in SA soon

South Africa’s compact-to-medium SUV market is largely dominated by Chinese imports, which have captivated the market in recent years with their bargain price tags and high-tech interiors.

However, at least two Japanese brands are fighting back, with Suzuki set to release its new Across and Mitsubishi unleashing its Destinator. Both are set to be launched on the local market later in March.

The two are not direct competitors, however, with the 4,360mm-long Across slotting into the compact end of the C-segment SUV market, and the Destinator is closer in size to Toyota’s RAV4 at 4,680mm.

Let’s take a closer look at the two new contenders.

Mitsubishi Destinator

The Mitsubishi Destinator, not to be confused with the similarly-named vehicle you stole in GTA 5, is built in Indonesia and was designed specifically for emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

While resembling the Outlander Sport, which is built at the same location, the Destinator is a longer and more family-friendly offering, with seating for seven and 25 innovative storage spaces scattered throughout its interior.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but expect it to slot between its aforementioned sibling, which starts at R449,990, and the Outlander, which kicks off at R759,995. Its closest rival is likely to be Hyundai's Grand Creta.

South African models will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine that produces 120kW and 250Nm, with power going to the front wheels via a CVT transmission.

Although four-wheel drive won’t be offered, the vehicle does offer five driving modes, as well as Active Yaw Control for trickier road surfaces.

 
Mitsubishi Destinator (2026) Price & Specs

Pricing scoop! The new Mitsubishi Destinator is set to launch in South Africa later this month, but we already know how much this 7-seater crossover will cost you…

- Destinator range to comprise 2 derivatives at launch
- 1.5T delivers 120 kW and 250 Nm to the front wheels
- Crossover’s cabin offers 7 seats across a trio of rows

Designed specifically for emerging markets, the new Mitsubishi Destinator is scheduled to launch in South Africa towards the end of March 2026. However, Cars.co.za has already uncovered pricing for this fresh-faced 7-seater crossover.

Yes, we now know the new Destinator – which was revealed globally in July 2025 and is built in Indonesia – will be available in 2 forms at launch in Mzansi. Slotting in above the related Outlander Sport but below the larger Outlander, the 3-row crossover will be offered in the Japanese brand’s familiar GLS and Exceed grades.

According to our information, the Destinator 1.5T GLS CVT will be priced from R489 990, while the Destinator 1.5T Exceed CVT will be available from R569 990. Both derivatives employ the Tokyo-based firm’s turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which here delivers peak outputs of 120 kW and 250 Nm to the front axle via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This 3-row model measures 4 680 mm from snout to rump (with a wheelbase of 2 815 mm), making it a considerable 120 mm longer than the likewise 7-seater Hyundai Alcazar but 40 mm shorter than the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. Equipped with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion-beam suspension arrangement at the rear, the new Destinator offers a claimed 214 mm ground clearance.

What does the Mitsubishi Destinator cost in South Africa?

DERIVATIVE PRICE

Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T GLS CVT R489 990
Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T Exceed CVT R569 990

From what we understand, the prices above include Mitsubishi’s 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan.

 
Mitsubishi Destinator SA price confirmed

Mitsubishi has confirmed to CAR magazine local Destinator pricing ahead of the seven-seater SUV’s official launch in South Africa. See pricing below…

The local Mitsubishi Destinator lineup will comprise two models, GLS and Exceed – the former and latter serving as the entry point and flagship derivative in the range, respectively.

As standard, GLS spec features such items as a 4.2-inch multi-information driver’s display, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, manual air conditioning, a rear-view camera that’s supplemented by park distance sensors, keyless entry and start, and six airbags. The seats are upholstered in fabric. GLS grade is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in Dark Grey.

Exceed trim upgrades to 8.0-inch digital instrumentation, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, an eight-speaker Yamaha Premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, a surround-view camera array, and front and rear park distance sensors. The flagship package further includes a wireless smartphone charging tray, ambient lighting, cooling function for the centre console storage box, panoramic sunroof, electrically operated tailgate, cruise control and additional driver assistance systems. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather. Exceed spec rolls on 18-inch machined-cut alloy wheels.

Mitsubishi Destinator price in SA

The two-strong local Destinator lineup is priced from R489 990 for the GLS model and R569 990 for the Exceed flagship derivative. However, Mitsubishi SA has said the first 20 customers will be able to purchase the Destinator at a “special” price, while also unlocking a “substantial” mystery prize.

Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T GLS CVT — R489 990
Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T Exceed CVT — R569 990

 
And i am in the market for a new car...... Destiny ?

Will def test drive when it launches

Yeah great price watched some of the reviews when it launched in the philippines and looks like a compeling offer. Keep geting adds about a mystery prize and price if you are one of teh first 20 to buy (Think its a weekend awat R6k, not sure about the price)

Will also def try a test drive.
 
Mitsubishi Destinator launches in SA: price and specs

The Mitsubishi Destinator has officially launched in South Africa. Here’s how much the Japanese automaker’s new seven-seater SUV costs in SA. See pricing below…

The local Mitsubishi Destinator lineup comprises two models, GLS and Exceed – the former and latter serving as the entry point and flagship derivative in the range, respectively.

As standard, GLS spec features such items as a 4.2-inch multi-information driver’s display, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, manual air conditioning, a rear-view camera that’s supplemented by park distance sensors, keyless entry and start, and six airbags. The seats are upholstered in fabric. GLS grade is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, finished in Dark Grey.

Exceed trim upgrades to 8.0-inch digital instrumentation, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, an eight-speaker Yamaha Premium audio system, dual-zone climate control, a surround-view camera array, and front and rear park distance sensors. The flagship package further includes a wireless smartphone charging tray, ambient lighting, cooling function for the centre console storage box, panoramic sunroof, electrically operated tailgate, cruise control and additional driver assistance systems. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather. Exceed spec rolls on 18-inch machined-cut alloy wheels.

Mitsubishi Destinator price in SA

The two-strong local Destinator lineup is priced from R489 990 for the GLS model and R569 990 for the Exceed flagship derivative.

Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T GLS CVT — R489 990
Mitsubishi Destinator 1.5T Exceed CVT — R569 990

A single engine option is employed across the range – a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol producing 120 kW and 250 N.m of torque, the former and latter available from 5 000 and 2 000 r/min, respectively. The four-cylinder unit is exclusively coupled with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Power is delivered to the road via the front wheels.

 
New Mitsubishi Destinator lands in South Africa: Pricing, specs and driving impressions

What’s it like to drive?

We got to experience the newcomer on a short launch route outside Johannesburg.

As far as its driving qualities go, the Destinator ticks all the boxes with a comfortable ride quality, well-insulated cabin and safe handling, albeit with the typical front-wheel drive understeer as you approach the cornering limits.

Interestingly, the central screen has a “performance display” that probably has even more telemetry than a Lancer Evo. Here’s where you’ll find out everything from boost pressure, to G-force, power and torque delivery and even pitch and roll. For what it’s worth.

Drivers can also choose between five drive modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud, and Tarmac. But those seeking a more hands-on driving experience might be disappointed that there are no manual gear-changing paddles.

Overall performance is certainly adequate for the package on offer here, and overtaking on the open road is relatively effortless.

Mitsubishi’s CVT gearbox is arguably one of the best in the business, and the turbo engine’s low-down torque delivery generally keeps the gearbox in a drone-free sweet spot.

The Mitsubishi Destinator will go toe-to-toe with the Hyundai Alcazar and Jetour X70 Plus. On the price charts, the Mitsubishi is R20,000 cheaper than the Hyundai in base form, but R30,000 more expensive than its Chinese rival.

Given what we experienced at the launch event, we’d say the Mitsubishi is the pick of the bunch for those seeking a compact seven-seater in this price range.

 
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