Bangkok 2025: We get a closer look at Mitsubishi XForce HEV

As you’ve probably read here recently, the 2025 Mitsubishi XForce HEV has made its world debut in Thailand. Made in Mitsubishi’s Laem Chabang plant, the electrified crossover joins the growing family of hybrids in the Japanese brand’s lineup for the Southeast Asian market.

While we’re still waiting for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to bring in the hybrids to the country, we took a closer look at the new XForce HEV in its public debut at the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show.

At first glance, the XForce HEV does have a few extra style points added to its exterior when you compare it to the ICE units being offered in the country. The front bumper gets lower lip extensions while the XFORCE is proudly spelled out in the hood. We also finally get to see that the aerodynamic wheels get a two-tone gloss black and chrome combination.

The treatment done to the XForce HEV’s taillights seems to have followed the trend of its rivals – the Corolla Cross GR Sport and HR-V RS with the smoked lenses. But elsewhere, the HEV badge found on the front grille, front doors, and tailgate are the ones that identify we’re seeing an electrified XForce.

Mitsubishi has carried over the interior of the ICE XForce to the HEV version, which includes the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment and even the Yamana premium sound system. But the main difference is found in the central part. Instead of the usual PRNDL shifter, the HEV has a soapbox-shaped gear selector.

Of course, the main talking point here is the hybrid powertrain. The 1.6-liter Atkinson cycle engine with the MIVEC system already makes 107 PS and 134 Nm of torque. But with an electric motor powered by a 1.1 kWh battery, power outputs go up to 116 PS and 255 Nm. The smaller electric motor is designed to run more efficiently while the electric water pump takes parasitic loss away from the engine to improve fuel consumption.

Mitsubishi was also able to design the hybrid powertrain in a way that the electric motor disconnects to the driveshaft at high speeds so the ICE motor can run more efficiently, with Mitsubishi claiming a fuel consumption of 24.4 km/l.

With Mitsubishi’s established rivals in the country already offering hybrid variants for the B-SUV segment, the XForce HEV will indeed face tough competition but it sure seems to have the tools to be competitive. The only thing that MMPC needs to get right, of course, is the pricing of the electrified crossover. Hopefully, we get to know that soon.