Mitsubishi Destinator Earns 5 Stars ASEAN NCAP Rating

The all-new Mitsubishi Destinator has secured a full 5-star safety rating in its first ASEAN NCAP assessment, posting an overall score of 77.27 points under the 2021–2025 protocol. The result reinforces Mitsubishi’s renewed push toward advanced safety technologies in its next-generation ASEAN models.

In the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, the Destinator earned 34.69 points, supported by a stable occupant cell during the frontal offset test. Both front occupants received adequate chest protection, while the driver’s left lower leg also showed adequate protection. 

The SUV recorded 14.30 points in frontal impact, 8.00 in side impact and 5.45 for head protection technology, totalling 27.75 points for AOP-specific crash assessments.

The side-impact test highlighted the model’s rigid construction, complemented by its standard fitment of four airbags, along with seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters for both driver and passenger. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) are also standard across all variants, forming the backbone of its passive and active safety systems.

In Child Occupant Protection (COP), the Destinator achieved 16.54 points, scoring 22.22 in dynamic tests and 10.96 in vehicle-based assessments. The model passed most CRS installation checks using a mix of Joie, Peg-Perego, Maxi-Cosi, Britax and Combi child seats. ISOFIX and top tether anchorages are available across all variants, ensuring secure installation for a wide range of child restraints.

The SUV also posted a strong 15.02 points in Safety Assist (SA), thanks to systems such as AEB City, AEB Inter-Urban, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB). 

ASEAN NCAP confirmed that both AEB systems performed effectively across the required speed and scenario range. The Destinator also features seatbelt reminders for both front and rear occupants, contributing 4.50 points in that category.

In the Motorcyclist Safety (MS) domain, the model scored 11.02 points, earned primarily through its Blind Spot Detection (BSD) capability, which was validated on both sides of the vehicle. Pedestrian Protection also contributed positively, while the standard-fit Auto High Beam enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.

ASEAN NCAP commended Mitsubishi for maintaining strong safety commitments as the current assessment cycle concludes, noting that the Destinator’s result reflects consistent improvements in both structural performance and advanced driver-assistance technologies throughout the brand’s ASEAN offerings.

As the Destinator, just like the Mitsubishi Xforce, is developed as an ASEAN-focused model, we cannot discount the possibility of both SUVs entering the Malaysian market as early as 2026. 

Their arrival would help break Mitsubishi Malaysia’s long reliance on the Xpander and Triton, finally broadening its lineup once again and echoing the more diverse range the brand offered during its glory days.