Mitsubishi launches 2025 XForce HEV, poised to light up the competition
We all know the waves Mitsubishi made with the launch of the XForce less than a year ago. In big(ger) news, the XForce HEV has just been launched in Thailand, and that bodes very well for the brand and its presence here in the Philippines as well. It is undeniable that the XForce has been a, err, force to be reckoned with in its segment, and with an electrified variant, it can very well bring the competition a good run. So what can we expect, then?
Thailand debut of Mitsubishi XForce HEV may very well mean a PH debut
Photo: Mitsubishi
So it’s not exactly a new “model”, and we should simply expect it t be a new option, a variant, if you will. That said, there should always be something that sets any brand’s electrified models apart from its petrol-powered offerings, right? The XForce HEV does have a few, starting with new accent pieces found on the front and rear bumpers. Both ends of the XForce HEV will come with sportier blacked-chrome tail- and headlight assemblies, too.
The electrified XForce will also sit on bigger 18″ alloys that come with a totally new design from the current range-topping GT variant. And of course, we can expect the HEV badges to be sprinkled quite generously throughout the exterior; that will include the grill, front doors, as well as the tailgate.
At this point, it’s safe to say that the XForce HEV will not look radically different from its older variants, but that’s not a bad thing, is it?
Photo: Mitsubishi
If you weren’t taken by the exterior updates, we’d like to set your expectations that the interior isn’t much different either.
The XForce HEV will still sport the two-tone interior that adorns the upholstery and panels, and it will retain its fabric-lined dashboard and door handle frames. Other than these, there really isn’t much to write home about. Perhaps the only giveaway that you’re riding the hybrid XForce is the different shifter lever. What takes the place of the older piece is a new gear selector aesthetically (and functionally?) different from the older one. Also, as an electrified vehicle, we can also expect new screens, information, and options to be made available in both the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen.
Photo: Mitsubishi
Powering the XForce HEV is the same technology that Mitsubishi debuted for and with the XPander HEV. Under the hood sits a 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve MIVEC4 engine whose hybrid tech has since evolved.
The Atkinson Cycle engine works along with a 1.1 kWh battery that drives a single electric motor. Together, the output of this XForce goes up to about 114 HP and 255 Nm of pull. It also now comes with an electric water pump, features seven different drive modes (Normal, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, Wet, EV Priority, and Charge Mode), and has Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing and other passive safety features such as front and rear parking sensors and six SRS airbags standard.
Photo: Mitsubishi
Before we forget, the economy of the XForce HEV is declared to be 24.4 km/L.
“Light up the competition”, we say? Yes. Why? Despite the XForce not having a hybrid variant in the PH, we can still see a very good number of them on the roads. Its main competitors like the Nissan Kicks, Toyota Yaris Cross, and most recently, the Honda HR-V have all gone the electrified route. Not one to want to be left behind, Mitsubishi is kicking it up a notch with their new XForce HEV, and that just means that the current trio is about to get some serious competition for the top spot.
Of course, all of that matters greatly on the pricing should Mitsubishi Philippines (finally) bring it in. That’s something many will be waiting for, for sure. We know we are.
