Mitsubishi Unveils DST Concept: A Seven-Seat Family SUV for South-East Asia

Mitsubishi has taken the wraps off its new DST Concept, a seven-seat SUV designed for road-focused family use, positioning it as a rival to popular models like the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento. Unveiled in the Philippines, the DST Concept is Mitsubishi’s first dedicated seven-seat family SUV, marking a significant step for the brand. However, an Australian release remains uncertain, with the SUV specifically tailored to meet less stringent safety regulations in South-East Asia.

The DST Concept: What Sets It Apart?

The DST Concept is Mitsubishi’s first seven-seat SUV with monocoque (car-based) construction rather than the heavy-duty body-on-frame design seen in its popular Pajero Sport. Mitsubishi’s CEO Takao Kato confirmed last year that no plans currently exist to bring the DST to Australia due to the car’s intended market and its safety requirements. Australian regulations, among the strictest in the world, may pose challenges for the DST, which is intended for markets with less rigorous standards.

Mitsubishi’s Australian division remains open to the idea if the DST makes it to full production. However, the company’s local SUV lineup will continue to focus on the next-generation Pajero Sport, expected to debut in Australia within the next 12 to 18 months, bringing twin-turbo power and other tech upgrades.

A Modern, Road-Focused Design

The DST Concept is unlike Mitsubishi’s previous models that offer optional third-row seating in five-seaters. Instead, it’s the brand’s first truly dedicated seven-seat SUV, built with road use in mind. Externally, the DST Concept draws from the styling of the Xforce, another Mitsubishi SUV designed for the South-East Asian market, with distinctive T-shaped LED headlights, daytime-running lights, emphasized wheel arches, and elevated ground clearance.

The interior design showcases Mitsubishi’s shift toward a modern, tech-focused layout. Twin displays span the dashboard, complemented by touch-sensitive climate controls, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof that adds to the vehicle’s spacious feel.

Built for Variety: Drive Modes for Every Condition

Mitsubishi envisions the DST Concept as a versatile vehicle capable of handling varied road conditions in the ASEAN region, with five distinct drive modes: Normal, Wet, Tarmac, Gravel, and Mud. Although the exact specifications are still under wraps, the presence of a vacuum pressure gauge in the infotainment display hints at a potential turbocharged engine. However, Mitsubishi’s current front-wheel-drive models available in the region do not yet offer turbo engines, so this could signify future updates.

Dimensions and Features

While the DST is considered a ‘mid-size SUV’ by Mitsubishi, its dimensions will likely align more with the larger Pajero Sport, with an estimated length of 4825mm and a width of 1815mm. Unlike the Pajero Sport, the DST Concept features front-wheel drive rather than rear- or four-wheel drive, making it more suited to urban and family-oriented drivers than off-road enthusiasts.

What’s Next for the DST Concept?

The DST Concept’s production version is anticipated to arrive in South-East Asia between April 2025 and March 2026, but details regarding its specifications and final features will emerge closer to that date. The model will likely serve as a regional contender in the growing SUV market, though it remains uncertain if Australian families will see this Mitsubishi seven-seater on local roads.

For now, the DST Concept gives a glimpse into Mitsubishi’s evolving lineup and focus on developing vehicles tailored to specific market needs. And while the concept is still in its early stages, its development could pave the way for more road-focused, family-oriented options in Mitsubishi’s future.