The Mitsubishi Xforce has been spotted at Port Klang, meaning a launch could be around the corner.
The Mitsubishi Xforce has officially been spotted on Malaysian soil as spyshots show two units in red and dark grey being loaded onto a carrier at Port Klang. The Xforce will be Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s first new namplate since the XPANDER.
It’s a direct rival to the likes of the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Chery Omoda 5, but the Xforce arrives tailored specifically for Southeast Asian road conditions. With test units now visible locally, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia looks ready to shake up the crowded compact SUV market in 2026.
Unlike many global SUVs that are merely adapted for our region, the Xforce was designed from the ground up for ASEAN. The headline feature is its best-in-class ground clearance of 222 mm.
To put that in perspective, that is higher than many competitors, making it exceptionally capable of handling flash floods, rough kampung roads, and high speed bumps.
While it is strictly Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Mitsubishi has equipped it with four specialized drive modes to handle tricky terrain:
- Normal
- Gravel
- Mud
- Wet Mode: A first for Mitsubishi
In neighboring markets like Indonesia and the Philippines, the Xforce is powered by a reliable 1.5-litre naturally aspirated MIVEC engine.
- Power: 105 PS (103 hp)
- Torque: 141 Nm
- Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
However, Thailand recently received a 1.6-litre Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) variant. This system combines an Atkinson cycle engine with an electric motor for a total output of 116 PS and a massive 255 Nm of torque. While the petrol variant is the expected starter for Malaysia, the sighting raises questions about whether the hybrid will join the lineup to fight the Honda HR-V e:HEV. The spied models don’t have any HEV or hybrid badging, so we’re likely stuck with the 1.5L NA.
Inside, the Xforce features a relatively modern, tech-focused cabin.
- Screens: A 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims.
- Audio: In a unique collaboration, the SUV features an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, specially tuned to deliver immersive sound quality often reserved for luxury vehicles.
The Xforce enters the fierce B-segment battleground and while it doesn’t have a major trump card, there are thousands of Malaysian Mitsubishi fans. They just need to find a price point that makes sense, and we’re guessing it will be between RM90K to RM120K.
