The compact SUV segment in Malaysia is fiercely competitive, with familiar players like the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V dominating the conversation. Into this crowded space steps the Mitsubishi Xforce, a stylish B-segment SUV designed primarily for urban life, but also capable of handling the occasional long-distance trip.
In Malaysia, the Xforce is offered in two variants – Urban and Ultimate – with estimated prices of around RM110,000 and RM120,000 respectively (on-the-road, without insurance).
For this first impression review, we spent time with the range-topping Ultimate variant, and it quickly became clear that while the Xforce does many things right, there are also a few areas where it could have been better.
Exterior: One of the Best-Looking SUVs in Its Class
First impressions matter, and this is where the Xforce makes a strong statement.
The design is bold and sporty without being over the top. Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield front fascia is paired with T-shaped LED lighting elements that give the SUV a distinctive look both day and night.
From the side, the Xforce looks muscular thanks to its pronounced wheel arches and sharp body lines, while the rear mirrors the front with T-shaped lighting graphics.
Dimension-wise, the Xforce is actually one of the larger SUVs in the segment:
- Length: 4,390 mm
- Width: 1,810 mm
- Height: 1,660 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,650 mm
- Ground clearance: 222 mm
The proportions make it look planted and confident on the road.
What I personally like most about the design is that it feels universally appealing. It’s sporty enough for younger buyers, yet mature enough that it doesn’t feel out of place for older drivers or families. It’s the kind of SUV that suits almost anyone regardless of age or gender, which is exactly what a mass-market crossover should aim for.
Interior: Funky Dashboard, Spacious Cabin
Step inside and the Xforce continues to impress. The highlight of the cabin is undoubtedly the Melange Weave dashboard finish, which has a denim-like texture that stands out from the usual plastic-heavy interiors found in this segment.
It gives the dashboard a funky, youthful vibe without feeling gimmicky.
The Ultimate variant also gets a host of upgrades, including:
- 12.3-inch infotainment display
- 8-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Yamaha Premium 8-speaker sound system
- Wireless charger
- Nanoe X air purifier
- Ambient lighting
Space is another strong point. Malaysian buyers tend to prioritise cabin room, and the Xforce delivers here. The cabin feels airy, with generous shoulder and legroom even for rear passengers.
A particularly thoughtful feature is the eight-step reclining rear seats, allowing passengers to adjust their seating angle for extra comfort during longer journeys. For balik kampung drives, that feature alone could make a noticeable difference.
The Xforce is also practical, with plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin and a 410-litre boot that should be more than sufficient for everyday use.
Driving Experience: Composed, Thanks to Active Yaw Control
Under the hood, the Xforce runs a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated MIVEC four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT automatic transmission.
Key figures:
- Power: 105 PS
- Torque: 141 Nm
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
On paper, those numbers don’t exactly scream excitement, but the Xforce isn’t meant to be a performance SUV anyway. Out on the road, the first thing you notice is that the car feels easy and relaxed to drive, which is ideal for city commuting.
There is still some body roll when you push the car harder into corners – something that’s common for taller SUVs. However, Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control (AYC) system helps keep things in check.
Originally developed for the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, AYC works by subtly adjusting braking force between the left and right front wheels to improve cornering stability.
In simple terms, it helps the car rotate more confidently through bends, giving the driver better control and composure. The result is a compact SUV that feels more planted than you might expect from something in this category.
What Could Have Been Better
As good as the Xforce Ultimate is, it’s not without its shortcomings. The first issue is the value gap between the Urban and Ultimate variants.
While the Ultimate comes well equipped, the Urban variant feels rather barebones by comparison. The smaller infotainment screen, fewer features, and reduced safety equipment make it feel like you’re missing out on a lot. In reality, the Xforce only truly shines when you opt for the Ultimate variant.
Another noticeable aspect of the interior is the amount of hard plastics used throughout the cabin. To be fair, this is not a luxury SUV, and cost considerations are inevitable in this price bracket. The materials are durable and well assembled, but a few additional soft-touch surfaces would have made the cabin feel more upmarket.
Finally, there’s the engine. While the 1.5-litre unit is smooth and efficient, it lacks the punch that some buyers might expect from a modern SUV. This is largely because the Xforce does not offer turbocharging or electrification in Malaysia – at least for now.
Compared to turbocharged rivals like the Proton X50, the acceleration feels noticeably more relaxed. So, if you’re looking for a quick SUV, the Xforce may not be the best choice.
Verdict: A Great Daily SUV for Malaysian Roads
Despite its shortcomings, the Mitsubishi Xforce still manages to leave a positive impression. It looks great, has a unique and stylish interior, offers plenty of space, and delivers a comfortable driving experience that suits everyday Malaysian conditions perfectly.
And realistically speaking, most of us spend more time crawling in traffic than blasting down empty highways anyway. For daily commuting, school runs, and the occasional balik kampung journey, the Xforce feels like a very sensible and practical SUV. Just don’t expect it to be the fastest one in the segment.
That being said, the Mitsubishi Xforce is all set to make its official Malaysian debut in early April, so watch this space for the exact price, early bird promos (if there is any) and whatnot.
