Here are the Mitsubishi XForce's 2 available trims

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation has released the XForce, its latest and only entry into the Philippine subcompact crossover segment. As such, buyers may be keen to consider the all-new model as another capable daily driver option.

The all-new Mitsubishi XForce, however, has two options for the local market. The model’s top-spec trim is the GT CVT, while the entry-level trim is the GLS CVT. Like many other models, the two share plenty of mechanical bits but with differences in terms of features. 

So, how are the GLS CVT and the GT CVT different? Let’s find out through this short guide. 

XForce GLS CVT

As said above, the GLS is the more affordable entry-level trim of the XForce lineup. Under its hood is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine capable of producing up to 103 horsepower (hp) and 141 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

Disk brakes on all four wheels handle stopping power for the all-new crossover. The model’s front MacPherson strut suspension and rear torsion beam suspension also provide ride comfort and the ability to take on rough roads. 

On the outside, it sports visually striking elements such as a pair of sharp LED daytime running lamps, a wide quadrilateral grille, and a chunky lower front bumper. Its sides, meanwhile, get a decent amount of character lines, while its rear comes with a pair of T-shaped LED headlamps. 

Other exterior equipment present on the GLS includes LED front fog lamps, power-folding side mirrors, and a set of 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 R18 tires. 

For size, the XForce GLS is 4,390-millimeters (mm) long, 1,810-mm wide, and 1,660-mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,650-mm, a ground clearance of 193-mm, and a curb weight of 1,245 kilograms (kg). 

Interior comfort and practicality for the GLS trim are offered by a wide array of features, such as a dual-zone air-conditioning system, a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat, rear air-conditioning vents, and a dual-level cargo space at the rear. 

All seating inside the GLS trim is wrapped in black and gray fabric. The front seats can be repositioned manually, though the driver’s seat, in particular, has sliding, reclining, and height adjustability. 

The driver of the lower XForce trim level also has access to a push-to-start button, a standard cruise control system, an eight-inch digital gauge cluster, a drive mode selector, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among others. 

Onboard entertainment, on the other hand, is provided by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is linked to a Yamaha eight-piece speaker system. The vehicle also gets USB ports for the front and rear cabins, as well as a 12-volt accessory port for its front center console. 

Safety aboard the GLS is provided by a standard kit consisting of dual front airbags, side airbags, anti-lock braking, reverse camera, active stability control, active traction control, active yaw control, hill-start assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. 

XForce GT CVT

The higher-spec trim for the XForce is the GT CVT trim. Like the entry-level GLS variant, the top-of-the-line version also uses the same 1.5-liter mill offering the same power and torque output as the lower-spec version. The said engine also utilizes a CVT.

The same disc brake setup, McPherson strut front and torsion beam suspension systems, were also carried over from the GLS to the GT. 

Appearance-wise, the GT looks identical to the GLS. It uses the same set of exterior LED lighting elements, the same set of wheels, and the same dimensions. However, it is a fair bit heavier than the lower-end variant, with a curb weight of 1,250 kg. 

Also, the LED headlamps on the higher-end variant get automatic functionality, while the ones on the GLS do not. Its wipers also offer more convenience thanks to rain-sensing functionality. 

Inside, the top-spec XForce trim largely features the same interior amenities as the GLS. However, the more expensive version includes an ambient lighting system to set a better interior mood and an adaptive cruise control system to further reduce driver fatigue. 

For its seats, the GT retains manual adjustability from the GLS. But instead of fabric upholstery, the top-spec variant utilizes synthetic leather upholstery decorated with brown trims. 

For better road safety, the GT is equipped with an advanced driver-assist (ADAS) suite. The suite consists of a forward collision mitigation system, lead car departure notification, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and tire pressure monitoring. 

The ADAS bits are paired with the same standard safety kit found on the GLS, which was made more capable thanks to the addition of curtain airbags and rear proximity sensors. 

Pricing

• XForce GLS CVT: P1.367 million
• XForce GT CVT: P1.581 million

Final thoughts

For newbie car buyers on the lookout for a safer vehicle that may end up preventing crashes and other on-road mishaps, the GT may be the one to get. It has an ADAS kit, which the GLS does not offer. Plus, the top-spec XForce variant may prove to be more relaxing when driving on long trips due to its adaptive cruise control. 

On the flip side, the XForce GLS may suit buyers who don’t need too much handholding while driving. It has fewer convenience features than the top-spec GT, but it's more of the same in terms of engine output and infotainment systems. 

Before jumping the gun, though, it is highly advisable to give each trim of the XForce a test drive. Doing so, after all, may result in a more informed car purchase in the end. 

Also read: 

Mitsubishi PH formally launches Xforce

Mitsubishi PH starts pre-order for all-new XForce