2024 Mitsubishi XForce GT 1.5G 2WD CVT: The Compact SUV with Mid-Size Performance and Full-Size Features

Whenever we test drive and review sport utility vehicles (SUV) here in Power Wheels Magazine, we always categorize the test vehicles size and type as subcompact, compact, mid-size or full-size SUVs. For those who are new in the automotive world, subcompact SUVs are those small 5-passenger crossover models such as the Ford EcoSport, Suzuki Jimny, Toyota Raize, and other brands while compact SUVs are models that are a bit larger and share some components with the brand’s compact front-wheel drive (FWD) sedans, including popular models such as the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, and offerings from European and Chinese automakers like Peugeot, Volkswagen, BAIC, Chery, Foton, GAC, Geely, Jetour, Lynk & Co., and others.

Meanwhile, mid-size SUVs are much larger 3-row 7-passenger models, usually based on the brand’s pickup truck chassis, which may include a 4-wheel drive (4WD) option aside from the standard rear wheel drive (RWD), and these include the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Nissan Terra, Toyota Fortuner and others. On the other hand, full-size SUVs are larger and luxurious vehicles, mostly top-of-the-line models that include the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Toyota Land Cruiser, and similar models. Of course, there are the ultra-luxury SUVs from Audi, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Rolls-Royce, but let’s not go there.

Compact Dimensions

Let’s focus instead on this recently-launched all-new compact SUV that we had the privilege of test driving for a week – the 2024 Mitsubishi XForce. Our friends at Mitsubishi Motors Philippines lent us their top-of-the-line GT variant that comes with a plethora of luxury, convenience and safety features that raises the bar for its segment. Measuring around 4.4 meters long and 1.8 meters wide, the XForce is easy to drive around Metro Manila’s congested streets and easy to park in tight spaces. At 1.7 meters tall, it is short enough to fit easily into most parking buildings, even those with low ceilings, as it is tall enough to provide more-than-adequate interior headroom for its occupants.

Unlike most common compact SUV designs where a long tapered nose hints at aerodynamic efficiency and sports car-like performance, the X-Force features Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield Concept, along with the T-shaped LED headlamps and slit accents, and a square-jaw façade give it the appearance of toughness akin to an American pit bull terrier that’s sizing you up before biting. Mitsubishi designers carved shoulders, notches and accent pieces along the sides of the body to imply brash masculinity while the T-shaped LED taillights continue the theme to the back. At a time when most SUVs are beginning to look the same, the XForce stands out from the rest.

Compact Powertrain    

The X-Force is powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline inline-4 engine with four valves per cylinder (16V), double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and the brand’s proprietary variable valve timing engine technology dubbed as Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system, or MIVEC for short. Aside from improving performance, reliability and fuel economy while minimizing emissions, MIVEC also allows Mitsubishi engineers to design a compact power plant with reduced engine block height, size and weight. 103 horses allow the 1,250-kilogram XForce to run at legal (and extra-legal) speeds effortlessly while returning about 16 kilometers per liter in mixed city & highway driving.

A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with 4 Drive Modes allows this 2WD SUV to be driven almost anywhere. On city roads, we left it in Normal mode all the time, although at times when we mash the throttle to overtake some slower vehicles, we could hear the engine screaming as the CVT tries to manage the 141 Newton-meters of torque and convert it to forward acceleration. However, when a strong torrential downpour suddenly hit us while we were on the tollways, we switched to Wet mode and immediately felt in control despite the slippery conditions. Out of respect for this media test drive unit’s low mileage and near showroom condition, we didn’t venture off-road to try the Gravel and Mud modes.

Mid-size Performance    

The monocoque chassis places the front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam to form an independent suspension system within the XForce’s 2.65-meter wheelbase. Road contact is through 225/50R18 Hankook Ventus Prime 4 tires wrapped around 18-inch 5-spoke two-tone aluminum alloy wheels while disc brakes on all four corners, with anti-lock ABS and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) provide safe, dependable and reliable stopping power all the time. The ride is controlled and mostly comfortable but the rear torsion beam and the low-profile tires have a tendency to announce themselves on road undulations, especially when the driver is the only occupant.

Even though the XForce is classified as a compact SUV, we find the interior spacious and airy as mid-size SUVs, especially those without the 3rd row. We particularly like the XForce GT’s synthetic leather seats, the ergonomic layout of the cockpit, the telescopic-and-tilt adjustable steering wheel, the floating center console, and the monolithic instrument panel with 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen display. We also liked the ambient lighting that adds class to the interior but we’re on the fence with the mélange fabric that covers the dash. We’re afraid that after some time, it will look faded or dirty, like an old pair of denims. Oh well, only time will tell…

Full-size Luxury & Convenience

Our inner audiophile was awakened by the great-sounding Yamaha Premium audio system that gave the interior of this compact SUV the aural ambience of the premium full-size luxury models that cost 10 times as much. With pre-set selectable modes – Lively, Signature, Powerful or Relaxing – we didn’t mind the slow, crawling traffic as long we’re surrounded with our favorite wonderful music while inside the XForce GT’s cool and comfortable cocoon. It was also gratifying to have a rear cargo area that can be easily configured to accommodate whatever items that we’re transporting. We love the folding rear center armrest with cup holders that opens a gap between the rear seatbacks that can easily accommodate a long slender item like a guitar case, or provide convenient access to the cargo area without reaching over the seatbacks.

Speaking of convenience, the power tailgate of the XForce GT can be opened several ways: You can press a button on the key fob when you outside the vehicle; or you can press a switch on the dashboard when you’re in the vehicle and a companion is going to load something into the cargo area. You can reach for the switch on the lower edge of the tailgate if you have a free hand and you don’t want to take the key fob out from your pocket. However, the XForce GT also allows you to open the tailgate hands-free by just swinging your foot under the rear bumper, which is very convenient especially when you have your hands full. Closing the tailgate is also as easy as pushing a button.

Confidence-inspiring Safety Features

If you read our review of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete from a month before, we mentioned that it inspires driver confidence because of its safety features. Ditto with the XForce GT, which is fully equipped with confidence-inspiring driving aids and safety features, such as Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collison Mitigation (FCM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Blind Spot Warning (BSW), and Auto High Beam (AHB), as well as ABS and EBD that were mentioned above. We also learned that the XForce GT has curtain airbags to protect the occupants in case of side impacts in addition to the driver and front passenger airbags.

Our XForce GT retails at P1.581 Million while the suggested retail price (SRP) of the GLS variant is at P1.367 Million. Pundits might argue that these prices are just a couple of hundred thousand pesos below the SRP of the manual-transmission-equipped base models of popular 3-row 7-passenger mid-size SUVs. We would agree that if you have a large family and you don’t mind clutching and shifting gears in traffic, you’d be better off in one of those vehicles. Pundits might also argue that you can get a similarly-equipped compact SUV from a Chinese brand for a much lower price, and they may have a point.

However, if you value safety, performance, comfort, convenience, economy, dependability, durability, innovation, and most specially, the peace of mind that comes with dealing with an established car brand like Mitsubishi that has an extensive dealership network and a long, long tenure in the Philippine market, then the 2024 XForce GT 1.5G 2WD CVT is a viable choice as your next brand-new compact SUV.

SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle Type: Front-engine, FWD, 5-door compact SUV
Price: P1,581,000
Engine: 4A91 inline 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC with MIVEC
Displacement: 1,499 cc
Maximum power: 103 hp (105 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 141 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: CVT with 4 Drive Modes
Fuel tank capacity: 42 L
Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
Length: 4,390 mm
Width: 1,810 mm
Height: 1,660 mm
Minimum ground clearance: 193 mm

Curb weight: 1,250 kg
Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts
Rear suspension: Independent, Torsion Beam
Front brakes: Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: Solid discs
Steering system: Rack and pinion with electric power assistance (EPAS)
Wheels: 18-inch two-tone alloys
Tires: 225/50R18