Diverse Vehicles – Long-Distance Drive with the Mitsubishi XForce: Smooth Suspension and Reasonable Fuel Economy
The Mitsubishi XForce hybrid SUV delivers smooth suspension and responsive handling across diverse road conditions, from urban streets to highways, with strong grip in wet weather and fuel-efficient performance on long-distance drives.
Although the team had participated in a test drive of the Mitsubishi XForce, a crossover-style SUV, several months ago, the short distance covered didn't provide enough time to fully grasp the vehicle's overall character or get a reliable sense of fuel consumption. After consulting with Wichanya Nualuai, PR Manager at Tri Diamond, we got the opportunity for a more thorough evaluation.
The XForce's design follows the SILKY & SOLID concept, appearing modern and powerful. The front features an ADVANCE DYNAMIC SHIELD grille, LED headlights, and distinctive ICONIC T-SHAPE LED taillights in Smoked finish arranged in a T-pattern that looks striking and unique. The side lines and design are well-proportioned, conveying agility and stability. Large 18-inch alloy wheels are complemented by wheel arches with materials and colors that contrast with the body.
Inside, the cabin features a two-tone color scheme, a 12.3-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and an 8-inch information display divided into three sections showing various data.
Power comes from a 1.6-liter full-hybrid MIVEC DOHC engine producing 107 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 Newton-meters of torque at 4,500 rpm, working alongside an 85 kW electric motor delivering 116 horsepower and 255 Newton-meters of torque in a two-speed transmission.
The automatic drivetrain adjusts based on driving style and road conditions. Off the line, even in Normal mode, it delivers satisfying acceleration. In EV mode, acceleration and overtaking feel responsive. In urban conditions, the vehicle handles both large and small obstacles comfortably.
The steering provides good directional control. The suspension on smooth roads is smooth and quiet, with adequate softness—not as refined as a luxury sedan, but the bumps don't transmit to the steering wheel or seats. Passing through potholes, ruts, and bridge joints at appropriate speeds results in no bouncing whatsoever.
On curves, however, the early sections require slightly more focus. It doesn't feel particularly tight, partly due to unfamiliarity with the AYC (Active Yaw Control) system. On later curves, when approaching at appropriate speed, the vehicle flows through smoothly without requiring brake input—just confident steering inputs.
On open highways, we tested the Tarmac mode, described by Mitsubishi as a sport mode that tightens engine and transmission response. The vehicle accelerates forward rapidly. Speed builds smoothly from 90-120 km/h, though acceleration slows afterwards. Engine noise becomes noticeably louder, and hard acceleration braking creates noticeable weight transfer that could cause motion sickness on extended drives.
When heavy rain suddenly began, we switched to WET mode for improved grip confidence. The vehicle showed no signs of hydroplaning or water skidding, maintaining good speed even on flooded roads.
The XForce offers multiple driving modes including 100% electric, continuous charging, rough terrain, and notably, a clay road mode that works effectively without relying on four-wheel drive.
Our test covered a total distance of 564.4 kilometers.
