mReview: Mitsubishi X-Force – The Japanese hybrid combining rugged style, genuine frugality, and serious tech

Mitsubishi X-Force Review: A characterful hybrid crossover matching the very best for fuel economy in 2026, wrapped in bold, adventurous styling

What’s Great?

• Striking interior styling staying fiercely true to Mitsubishi's adventurous rally DNA.
• Larger battery pack than rival hybrids, extracting far greater usability from pure EV mode.
• The only crossover in its class boasting up to 7 dedicated terrain drive modes.

What’s Good?

• Impressive real-world fuel economy with usable pure-electric driving range.
• Engaging to drive with bags of distinct character.
• Exceptionally smooth and refined engine-to-motor transitions.

What’s Not Great?

• Paper fuel economy figures trail slightly behind hybrid class rivals.
• Relatively premium pricing compared to the aggressively discounted 2026 market.

“Pleasantly surprised” was the unanimous verdict among the Motorist team. Expecting the usual sterile, minimalist, and eco-conscious commute typical of 2026, we were instead greeted by a raw, punchy, and engaging machine that begs to be taken on weekend road trips!

Don't assume for a second that the X-Force neglects environmental efficiency. Real-world fuel economy is thoroughly commendable: against an official factory claim of 24.4 km/L, our test team reliably recorded mid-20s (20–21 km/L) in mixed driving, with CO2 emissions kept to 94 g/km.

Above all, credit goes to Mitsubishi for remaining faithful to its rugged roots. It stands out as one of the few urban crossovers fitted with 7 selectable drive modes tailored to surface conditions, including Mud, Gravel, and Wet.

Front-end styling takes clear cues from the new 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero, featuring signature T-Shape lighting clusters integrating DRLs and indicators, with LED Projector headlights neatly tucked beneath.

Our range-topping Ultimate X test model comes equipped with a sporty full-body skirt kit and chrome grille accents, alongside a comprehensive sensor suite. While nighttime camera feeds can appear slightly grainy, daytime resolution is razor-sharp. Mitsubishi's “Diamond Sense” active safety suite is fitted across all trims, leaving only the base Ignite with a standard reversing camera.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre MIVEC DOHC petrol engine paired with an electric motor dubbed “MITSUBISHI e:MOTION”, designed to alternate seamlessly between electricity generation and direct drive.

Primary propulsion is handled by an electric motor producing 116 PS and 255 Nm of torque, supported by a 95 PS petrol engine generator. The real engineering party piece is its 2-Speed Transaxle gearbox: 1st gear manages low-to-mid speeds and steep climbs, while 2nd gear engages at steady motorway cruising to reduce motor and engine load, making it exceptionally quiet compared to rival hybrid systems.

Furthermore, an above-average 1.1 kWh battery pack allows drivers to extract meaningful EV utility—delivering up to 9 km of pure electric driving, or allowing you to sit parked with the air-con running on pure battery power for 20 to 30 minutes in Charge mode.

Sizable dimensions easily straddle the upper BC-SUV class. Built on a generous 2,650 mm wheelbase, it provides one of the roomiest and most comfortable second-row seating spaces among Japanese hybrid crossovers.

Exterior measurements stand at 4,390 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,660 mm tall, boasting an off-road-like 222 mm ground clearance. It wades through flooded monsoon streets and rutted dirt trails effortlessly—just bear in mind it remains front-wheel drive, so leave extreme rock-crawling to the 4WDs!

Suspension tuning delivers genuine driver engagement. When pressing on through winding sections, it inspires immense confidence—making you completely forget there's a humble torsion beam at the rear axle.

The only slight complaint? Even when you intend to drive leisurely, the chassis continually tempts you into driving enthusiastically!

The dashboard layout immediately captured our admiration, oozing authentic rally-raid DNA. The central digital touchscreen displays telemetry like a row of competition gauges, paired with chunky aviation-style climate toggle switches.

The electronic drive selector is styled like a traditional gear lever with intuitive shift action. Physical buttons for Auto Brake Hold, the Electric Parking Brake, and the 7-mode drive selector are placed right at your fingertips, eliminating the dangerous need to fiddle through touchscreen menus on the go.

Subjectively, it ranks as one of the sportiest, most visually engaging cockpits in the entire Japanese hybrid crossover segment.

Interior trim prioritises tactile luxury. While the base Ignite gets durable all-black synthetic leather, our top Ultimate X features warm sand-tone accents upholstered in stylish mélange fabric (it's water-repellent, though quick wipes are still advised!).

Looking around the vehicle, the flagship Ultimate X trim stands apart with platinum-accented body skirts, a two-tone floating roof, and bespoke “X-Force” lettering running across the bonnet lip.

The mid-spec Ultimate trim retains the two-tone roof with grey bumper garnishes, whilst the entry-level Ignite keeps things utilitarian with unpainted black cladding and a monotone roof.

Standard boot space measures an accommodating 410 litres. Uniquely for this segment, the second-row seatbacks fold in a versatile 40:20:40 split, accommodating long luggage while carrying two rear passengers.

Lifting the boot partition reveals an underfloor storage tray housing the tyre repair kit—with plenty of spare room left over for muddy boots or 2–3 pairs of trainers.

The Mitsubishi X-Force emerges as a genuinely compelling hybrid crossover. If you appreciate individuality, athletic styling, and spirited dynamics backed by generous equipment from the base model upwards, it deserves a spot on your shortlist.

• Mitsubishi X-Force Ignite (Entry): 899,000 THB
• Mitsubishi X-Force Ultimate (Mid): 1,039,000 THB
• Mitsubishi X-Force Ultimate X (Top): 1,089,000 THB

Author’s Note – While the wider market chases sterile, futuristic minimalism, Mitsubishi chose to stay fiercely loyal to its adventurous heritage. Endowing a front-wheel-drive crossover with genuine terrain-conquering ability, 7 drive modes, and a towering 222 mm ground clearance makes the X-Force a uniquely refreshing choice!

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