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2025 Mitsubishi XForce GT Review

Can the XForce rise above the crowded sea of subcompact crossovers? We took it for a spin to find out.

Jerome Tresvalles
2025 Mitsubishi XForce Review

For some time, Mitsubishi has been out of the subcompact crossover game in the Philippines, with its last offering being the ASX, which only lasted three years before getting the axe. Since the ASX’s departure, the Mitsubishi stable has had no small crossover offering. Though the Xpander Cross had crossover styling, it can hardly be considered a competitor to the likes of the Raize or the GAC GS3 Emzoom. 

That is, until the arrival of the XForce. Built on the same platform as the Xpander, the XForce features an aggressive, sporty, and even futuristic design as well as an equally sporty interior. Combined with an economical 1.5-liter engine also sourced from the Xpander, the XForce has a winning formula, but there’s a catch. Starting at P1,367,000, the XForce is on the pricier side of the spectrum when it comes to subcompact crossovers, so, in this review, we’re setting out to find out if the XForce’s charms and features are enough to justify the price.

4.0 / 5
2025 Mitsubishi XForce GT Review
Performance
Engine Output (HP), Acceleration, Transmission, Handling 3.5/5
Design
Exterior & Interior Design, Quality, Fit and Finish, Ergonomics 4.5/5
Ride Comfort
Cabin Comfort, Suspension, NVH Insulation 4.0/5
Safety and Technology
Convenience Technologies, Active and Passive Safety Features 4.5/5
Value for Money
Amount of the vehicle you get for the price, Fuel Efficiency 3.5/5
What You Will Like
  • Head turning looks
  • GT variant is abundant in tech and safety features
  • Infotainment and Yamaha sound system combo is impressive
What You Won't Like
  • Price is considerably higher than the competition
  • Engine feels underpowered
  • Noticeable interior rattle
How We Do Our Reviews
Mitsubishi XForce GT Rear Quarter

The stylish Mitsubishi XForce blends the brand's latest Dynamic Shield design language with a boxy silhouette and sharp contours. It measures 4,390 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height, riding on a 2,650 mm wheelbase with 193 mm of ground clearance. Both GT and GLS variants come equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 tires, along with LED headlights and foglights integrated into the front bumper. At the rear, the LED taillights echo the front's wraparound lighting design.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Skirts
Mitsubishi XForce GT Wheels
Mitsubishi XForce GT Rear Lights

Subjectively, the XForce is capable of turning heads, on the move or even parked. The GT variant takes it a step further by featuring a blacked-out roof, adding a bit of flair to an already gorgeous crossover. We genuinely love the XForce’s looks, not just because it looks wild and aggressive, but because it can differentiate itself from the crowd effortlessly while also bearing Mitsubishi’s trademark looks. The wheels could do with a bit more flair, though.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Trunk

Pop open the XForce GT’s power tailgate, and you’ll find enough space for one balikbayan box and overnight luggage. Mitsubishi has also made the floor of the loading bay collapsible so that you can load taller items inside. If you need more space, fold the rear seats, which will allow for two extra boxes to fit. We don’t have the exact numbers in terms of capacity, but the balikbayan box example will help visualize the space inside.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Second Row

Starting from the second row, the XForce’s interior for rear passengers is a mixed bag. We appreciate the seat ergonomics, generous foot and leg space, and the abundance of cubby holes throughout the cabin. The split rear air vents and the inclusion of both USB Type-A and Type-C ports are also welcome touches.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Rear Vents

However, the quality of the leather upholstery leaves something to be desired. While it's soft and livable for the most part, it doesn’t feel particularly premium. Headroom is also limited, which could be an issue for taller passengers. On a related note, while the black-colored headliner is practical, hiding dirt and helping the interior look fresh longer, the material itself could use an upgrade.

On the upside, the rear seats can easily be reclined via a toggle located by the shoulders, which is a nice and thoughtful touch.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Front Interior

Sitting in the driver’s seat, the first thing we noticed was that the driving position is higher than expected for a subcompact crossover. Taller drivers may need to spend some time adjusting the seat to find the right position. The steering wheel has a three-spoke design and is packed with controls for driver aids and infotainment. Unfortunately, these controls are set in piano black plastic, which is prone to smudges and scratches, so expect them to show wear quickly.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Shifter

Moving to the center stack, the XForce features a sizeable 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something we greatly appreciate. In addition to smartphone connectivity, Mitsubishi has loaded the system with a variety of readouts they believe will be useful. These include a barometer, pitch sensor, yaw sensor, altimeter, tilt sensor, and more. We don’t expect the XForce to take flight anytime soon, but if it ever does, Mitsubishi has provided the instruments for the job.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Yamaha Sound System

As for other features we like, the GT variant comes equipped with an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system that delivers crisp, clear audio throughout the cabin. We also appreciate the physical controls on the center stack. Mitsubishi has designed the cabin interface to be intuitive and easy to learn. The use of various materials inside the cabin is another plus; the dashboard, for example, is wrapped in a soft, cloth-like material that's pleasant to the touch. That said, we do worry about how well these materials will stand up to dirt and grime over time.

One final (albeit minor) complaint about the interior concerns the sturdiness of the door panels. The control panel housing the window switches creaks under pressure, which doesn’t inspire much confidence in its long-term durability.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Infotainment

All XForce variants come equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. As we mentioned earlier, the XForce GT comes with an exclusive eight-speaker Yamaha sound system for enhanced audio quality.

Standard features across the range include dual-zone automatic climate control, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, a cooled center console box, an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, rear air conditioning vents, an electronic parking brake, ISOFIX anchors for child seats, ambient lighting, and multiple USB charging ports (Type A and Type C).

Mitsubishi XForce GT HVAC

The XForce GT, which we tested, adds several exclusive upgrades, such as a wireless phone charger, synthetic leather seats with heat guard, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors.

On the safety side of things, standard safety features include a reverse camera, active stability and traction control, active yaw control, hill-start assist, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), and brake assist. Dual front and side airbags are standard across the range, while the top-spec GT variant adds curtain airbags for enhanced protection.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Instrument Cluster

The GT also benefits from a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, a tire pressure monitoring system, and lead vehicle departure notification.

Overall, the XForce’s tech suite is impressive. The GT variant offers a comprehensive array of features, while the base GLS still carries a respectable amount of technology.

Mitsubishi XForce Engine

Powering the XForce is Mitsubishi’s 4A91 engine. a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit, also found in the Xpander. It delivers 103 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels. Fuel economy is impressive for this 1.5-liter mill, delivering nine km/l in the city with heavy traffic and 21 km/l on the highway.

In terms of suspension, the XForce features MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. Braking is handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, ensuring confident stopping performance. On paper, the XForce does deliver some promise as it swaps out the aging four-speed automatic transmission in the Xpander for a CVT, however, it must be said that in terms of raw power, the XForce is definitely lagging behind the competition. How does this translate to real-world experience, though? We need to take it out on the road first.

Mitsubishi XForce GT Side

During our drive, which took us through both expressways and mountainous roads, we found that the XForce’s CVT is well-calibrated. It engages smoothly, responds well, and delivers a generally refined driving experience.

What lets the XForce down, however, is its engine performance. Off the line, there’s a noticeable burst of power to get things moving, but it quickly plateaus and loses steam at higher revs. When you attempt an overtake and put your foot down, the engine strains audibly, it revs high, and produces a loud growl in its effort to deliver more power. That’s expected, considering it’s a modest 1.5-liter engine, but the resulting noise easily penetrates the cabin as the revs climb.

On the subject of noise, while the XForce offers commendable NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) isolation, effectively muffling most road and wind noise, we were surprised by the amount of interior rattling. It’s especially concerning given that the test unit hadn’t even surpassed the 10,000-kilometer mark.

As for the suspension, the XForce delivers a firm ride. It’s not as soft or forgiving as many other crossovers in its class, which means older passengers or those with back issues may not find it as comfortable. Younger drivers, however, might appreciate the more planted feel on twisty roads.

On the upside, the steering feel on the XForce is great. The steering wheel has good weight to it, it doesn’t feel numb, and provides good feedback to your hands.

All things considered, this is where the XForce starts to get a bit confusing. As a car, it offers impressive driving dynamics; it feels planted, rides firmly, and provides great feedback through the steering wheel. However, under the hood, while the CVT is responsive, the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine feels underpowered.

It’s not exactly a case of an identity crisis; rather, the XForce seems unsure of its priorities.

Mitsubishi XForce Front

The Mitsubishi XForce has a lot going for it. It sports a unique and handsome design that can hold its own against the competition, comes loaded with features, and offers a sporty interior. However, it’s let down by what’s under the hood. And when it comes to pricing, its P1,581,000 tag puts it in the same range as larger vehicles, or even some electrified crossovers.

That said, the XForce still makes a compelling case for itself. If you're not ready to make the switch to electric and prefer the tried-and-tested reliability of a naturally aspirated gasoline engine, while still wanting a feature-packed and easy-to-live-with crossover, the XForce might just be the right choice for you.

Check out the XForce Car Guide and maybe even snag some exclusive promos while you’re at it on AutoDeal.com.ph.

Specifications

Engine

1.5 L

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Performance

103 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Transmission

CVT

Summary

Name Mitsubishi XForce GT 1.5G 2WD AT
Body Type Crossover
Price ₱1,581,000
Transmission Category CVT

Engine

Performance

Economy & Environment

Dimensions

Safety & Security

Features

Technology

Colors

Mitsubishi XForce Quartz White Pearl Quartz White Pearl
Mitsubishi XForce Graphite Gray Metallic Graphite Gray Metallic
Mitsubishi XForce Energetic Yellow Metallic Energetic Yellow Metallic
Mitsubishi XForce Blade Silver Metallic Blade Silver Metallic

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