Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation invited us to attend the Japan Mobility Show 2025, where we had the opportunity to see a new concept car unveiled ahead of its global audience. The event served as the stage for the debut of the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept, an electrified crossover that previews the company’s direction toward sustainable and adventure-inspired mobility. The model illustrates Mitsubishi’s steady progress in hybrid powertrain development and its focus on delivering vehicles that encourage exploration under its “Forever Adventure” theme. Unlike earlier concepts such as the XFC and DST, which were close to production when revealed, the Elevance Concept is a true concept vehicle. It stands as a creative showcase for ideas in design and engineering that push beyond current limits and may influence future production models.

Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motors, said, “We chose ‘Forever Adventure’ as our booth theme to express our passion for delivering the timeless wonder of exploration. This spirit comes to life in models that embody the essence of Mitsubishi Motors – such as the Mitsubishi Elevance Concept, which integrates the best of our electrification and all-wheel control technologies, and the Delica series, now evolved with enhanced performance and refined styling. Even in an age of advanced technologies, we remain committed to the pure joy of driving and aim to inspire a mobility experience that awakens the sense of adventure.”

The Elevance Concept combines a plug-in hybrid system with an engine compatible with carbon-neutral fuels, a setup that demonstrates Mitsubishi’s plan to balance clean performance with practical range. Its quad-motor four-wheel-drive system, operating under the Super-All Wheel Control architecture, provides stability and confidence on different surfaces, from paved roads to rough trails. The large battery pack supplies energy not only for the motors but also for external use, turning the Elevance Concept into a mobile base for camping or leisure.

On stage, the Elevance Concept made an immediate impression with its confident stance and futuristic look. Its design mixed sophistication with bold, forward-thinking surfaces that fully capture Mitsubishi's Kaku-Tan-Jun design philosophy. The front doors open in a conventional manner, while the rear pair are hinged from the back, opening wide into a spacious cabin. Once inside, the front seats can rotate electronically to face the second row, creating a lounge-like setup ideal for conversation or rest. The reimagined Dynamic Shield front end gives the car a strong and familiar face while blending smoothly into the rib-bone structure for added strength. At the rear, the traditional T-shaped lights have been replaced by sharp diagonal elements that cut through the C-pillar and flow into a continuous lightbar across the tailgate, giving the design a wider and more assertive stance.

The cabin feels refined in a very concept car manner, with smooth surfaces and a floor that looks more at home on a high-end yacht than on a car. The wide, door-to-door display shows camera feeds that expand the driver’s field of vision far beyond what mirrors can reveal. The three-row layout comfortably seats six, with the entire vehicle wrapped in a massive tinted glass canopy that adds both space and light to the interior.

One of the stage's highlights was the reveal of the “hotel trailer,” a luxury companion to the Elevance Concept. The trailer includes its own battery pack and transforms the SUV into an outdoor-ready glamping suite, using the PHEV system’s stored energy to power lighting, cooking, and water facilities. It includes a small kitchen, shower, and sleeping area, offering hotel-like comfort far from the city. This represents Mitsubishi’s interpretation of future adventure, a fusion of freedom, comfort, and environmental harmony.

The Elevance Concept also introduces Mitsubishi’s AI Co-Driver. Displayed on the instrument panel and steering wheel screens, it learns from the driver’s habits and preferences, suggesting destinations and routes that match each journey’s purpose. It also recommends drive modes based on real-time data such as road conditions and vehicle status. Born from decades of vehicle engineering, the system reflects Mitsubishi’s approach to intelligent driving support, extending its expertise into the realm of artificial intelligence.

At the show, Mitsubishi also presented the new Delica D:5 prototype and the Delica Mini. The latest D:5 combines the versatility of a minivan with the control of an SUV, now incorporating Super-All Wheel Control technology for improved handling and grip. The compact Delica Mini, on the other hand, offers the same adventurous personality in a smaller, more accessible package suited to city use and light outdoor trips.

Mitsubishi’s showing at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 showed how the brand now sees its future, built on technology that still values the human side of driving. The Elevance Concept, with its hybrid system, AI assistant, and glamping-ready trailer, captures this renewed sense of purpose, taking the company’s long-standing spirit of adventure into the age of electrification.

Production plans for the Elevance Concept remain unannounced, but the design and technology previewed here are likely to shape Mitsubishi’s next generation of hybrid and electric SUVs. More than a showcase model, it demonstrates how the company intends to keep adventure alive in a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future.