‘XForce’ now, the xEV force in 2028
The luxury of being a legacy brand, like Mitsubishi Motors, is that it can toy around with both traditional and new energy technologies, and the market would still trust it enough to buy its products, whether it be an internal combustion engine-powered one or an electrified one.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp (MMPC) has been burning the midnight oil on both ends as of late, as it has just recently announced a game-changing decision to produce a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model in its Laguna plant. At the same time, it has ramped up its ICE roster with the introduction of the newest, most affordable variant of its stylish, XForce compact SUV.
The new XForce variant, however, makes its entrance much sooner. Last June 24, members of the motoring media, myself included, were invited to drive the newest variant, the entry-level GLX CVT. This addition aims to make the XForce more accessible to buyers who love the compact crossover but find the existing P1.299 million to P1.661 million price range a bit out of reach. From previously offering two variants, the XForce lineup now expands to three, slotting below the mid-level GLS and the top-of-the-line GT.
At an introductory price of P1.119 million (or an even more tempting P1.049 million until July 31, 2026), the GLX doesn’t skimp on the essentials. Buyers get full LED illumination—including headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, and tail lights—alongside 17-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin features two-tone fabric seats, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. It also comes equipped with an 8-inch smartphone display audio system with a reverse camera, steering wheel audio and hands-free controls, and a digital climate control system. While it utilizes an analog-type instrument cluster, a colored digital display sits neatly in the center. Passengers also get front and rear Type-A and Type-C USB slots, paired with rear AC vents to keep everyone cool.
During the brief drive, I asked about the seating materials on the higher variants. Alan Cruz, MMPC assistant vice president for product planning, clarified that the GLS and GT feature synthetic leather. For the animal lovers out there, rest assured this material is entirely cruelty-free and non-animal sourced. Furthermore, it features a “heat guard” technology that easily dissipates heat, making the seats less likely to become scorching hot under the intense Philippine sun.
Cruz explained that MMPC wanted to open up the model to a broader audience, given the explosive growth of the local small SUV segment.
“In this price point, there are several players, but we think, especially with the size of this vehicle given its price point, it’s very competitive,” Cruz said.
The P1.119 million/P1.049 million price tags are particularly attractive to younger, mid-20s buyers on the market for their first car—people looking for a flexible interior and a bit more capability than a standard sedan. “We think this is a very good choice, especially given that the 1.5-liter engine with the CVT is quite fuel-efficient as well,” Cruz added.
When asked how this variant would fare against flashy, tech-laden Chinese brands, Cruz emphasized that it ultimately depends on the buyer profile.
“For Mitsubishi, we offer proven Japanese reliability and our long, 60-year history and established dealership network in the Philippines. Buyers have several choices these days with so many brands offering vehicles. That’s why we wanted to broaden our appeal by introducing more variants and competitive pricing. In the end, it’s the buyer’s choice, and the buyer will be the winner here,” Cruz said.
When asked which variant he would personally choose, Cruz pointed to the mid-spec GLS as his personal sweet spot. “I think it’s a great combination of features and pricing. Among other things, the GLS already comes equipped with the synthetic leather seats with heat guard, a multi-around monitor for easy parking, and key advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features like blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s quite well-equipped for P1.299 million.”
Beyond the ‘X-Factor’
Kudos to MMPC for expanding the XForce lineup, but what I’m really looking forward to is the genuine game-changer that Mitsubishi Motors Corp (MMC) announced last April 6.
That day, a news release landed in my inbox: “MMC announced its intention to participate in the Philippine government’s EV promotion program, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS), during a meeting between President Marcos and Takao Kato, chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors… MMPC—Mitsubishi Motors’ production and sales company in the Philippines—plans to begin production of a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) model at its plant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, around the middle of calendar year 2028.”
To support this localized HEV production, MMPC is planning additional investments to upgrade its facilities for electrification. These initiatives are expected to expand the local automotive supply chain and generate new employment opportunities in the region.
During the high-level meeting, Kato said, “The Philippines has long been one of our most important markets, where we have engaged in production and sales for many years. In cooperation with the Philippine government, we are honored to contribute to the advancement of vehicle electrification and industrial development through the EVIS program, as well as to support the further growth of the Philippine economy.”
This, I feel, is the real “XForce of nature,” the game-changing move that will have a lasting, structural impact on the Philippine automotive landscape, the kind of impact only a legacy brand with global influence can make. For a car brand that has called the Philippines home for over 60 years, this step toward sustainable local manufacturing is a highly welcome, future-proof milestone.
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