Al Habtoor Motors, the exclusive UAE distributor for Mitsubishi Motors, has officially launched the all-new Mitsubishi Destinator SUV in the Emirates. The vehicle made its inaugural appearance at a dedicated launch event held at the Al Joud Ballroom within Dubai’s Hilton Al Habtoor City.
Positioned as a mid-size seven-seater SUV, the Destinator represents a strategic expansion within Mitsubishi’s vehicle lineup. It is engineered specifically to address the growing consumer shift in the UAE automotive market toward vehicles that seamlessly blend urban sophistication with weekend adventure capability.
Design and Engineering
The Destinator’s exterior is built upon a design philosophy termed “Gravitas & Dynamism,” aiming to project both a stable, commanding presence and an energetic profile. Its front fascia is dominated by the evolved “Dynamic Shield” grille, which integrates strong horizontal and vertical elements. This is complemented by an innovative honeycomb-patterned inner grille set beneath a transparent acrylic surface. The rear design draws from Mitsubishi’s heritage, featuring the “Hexaguard Horizon” concept. Rugged styling cues are emphasized by pronounced front and rear skid plates, 18-inch wheels, and distinctive T-shaped LED lighting.
Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the SUV is powered by a high-efficiency 1.5-litre MIVEC Turbo engine, designed to deliver responsive performance and robust torque. This is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) tuned for smooth power delivery across diverse driving conditions. A key feature for regional adaptability is the inclusion of five selectable drive modes: NORMAL, GRAVEL, TARMAC, WET, and MUD. With a class-leading ground clearance of 214 millimeters and optimized approach, break-over, and departure angles, the Destinator is positioned as a confident performer on both city roads and varied terrain.
Interior and Technology
The cabin is crafted as a spacious, high-quality environment focused on family comfort and shared experiences. It is equipped with a monolithic display integrating a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) system and an 8-inch Digital Driver Display, offering standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A notable first for Mitsubishi is the inclusion of a 64-colour ambient lighting system, controllable via the central screen. Premium comfort is further enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a bespoke console tray with wireless charging.
For acoustic excellence, the vehicle features a Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system with an eight-speaker setup, fine-tuned by a Yamaha “sound meister” and offering four optimized sound modes. Practicality is addressed with generous storage solutions, including seatback tables, multiple USB ports (Type A and C) for all three rows, and significant cargo capacity that remains functional even with all seven seats in use.
Market Positioning and Availability
Ahmed Khalaf Al Habtoor, CEO of Al Habtoor Motors, stated that the Destinator’s launch responds to a clear market evolution. He highlighted increasing customer demand for mid-size SUVs that deliver advanced technology, genuine space, and everyday versatility without the compromises of larger vehicles. The Destinator is now available at Al Habtoor Motors showrooms across the UAE, offered in a palette of six monotone exterior colours including Quartz White Pearl, Blade Silver Metallic, and Lunar Blue Mica.
