Mitsubishi is reviving a well-known name in its model range but this time in an entirely new form. The new Mitsubishi Grandis is no longer an MPV with three rows of seats but instead a compact crossover with two rows, based on the Renault Symbioz.
With electrified powertrains and modern design, Mitsubishi aims to gain a larger share of the European market.
Mitsubishi Grandis: Familiar Name, New Body
The Grandis name was first introduced in 2003 as a spacious family car but disappeared from the market in 2011. Now the name returns this time as a compact crossover based on the Renault Symbioz, a car that is not marketed in Denmark and Norway – but you can read our test drive here.
Mitsubishi Grandis shares almost all of its technical foundation and interior with the Renault Symbioz but has received a few visual changes to give it a more Mitsubishi typical appearance.
From the front, the Grandis closely resembles the smaller Mitsubishi ASX, which is also based on Renault Captur. The black front grille and silver detailing are familiar from the ASX, while the headlights and silhouette are directly borrowed from the Symbioz.
However, Mitsubishi has fitted the Grandis with its own 19-inch alloy wheels and “Hybrid EV” badges on the doors.
At the rear, Mitsubishi has made more effort in differentiating the design. The new taillights and distinctive tailgate give the Grandis a sportier look one that even evokes thoughts of a modern Evo model. However, the lower part of the rear bumper still reveals its Renault origins, with design elements like fake air intakes carried over directly from the Symbioz.
Hybrid Only
The engine lineup includes the well-known 1.3-liter TCe petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, delivering 140 hp. It can be paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
Alternatively, the Grandis is offered as a self-charging hybrid that combines Renault’s new 1.8-liter petrol engine with a 1.4 kWh battery. The petrol engine alone produces 109 hp, while the full hybrid system delivers 158 hp.
Inside, the similarities with the French sibling continue. The interior is nearly identical to the Renault Symbioz, with the Mitsubishi logo on the steering wheel being the only real difference. The SUV seats five passengers and offers 434 to 566 liters of luggage space, depending on the position of the rear seat. With the rear seats folded, total capacity reaches up to 1,455 liters. The 10.4-inch touchscreen is also seen in several other Renault models and supports Google services.
No Plans for a Scandinavian Launch
The Mitsubishi Grandis will be manufactured at Renault’s plant in Valladolid, Spain –alongside the Renault Symbioz. The European launch is scheduled for late 2025, and the model will initially be offered only as a hybrid.
This model is not expected to reach the Scandinavian market, where the Symbioz was also never offered.
However, Mitsubishi’s future in Europe looks somewhat brighter. A fully electric version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, based on the Renault Scenic E-Tech, is on the way, as well as a new Colt model built on the upcoming Renault 5, marking the second rebrand of the iconic Cinq after the new Nissan Micra.
