The All‑New Mitsubishi ASX (2026) Review

The All‑New Mitsubishi ASX (2026) Review - A Brisbane Weekend Test (City, Suburbs & Country Roads)

There’s a certain kind of driving that tells you more about a car than any short test drive ever could, the real-world weekend. The sort that includes a supermarket run, a boot full of nursery plants, stop‑start inner‑city traffic (gotta love Brisbane traffic), and a longer cruise where you finally settle into the seat and let the road unfold.

So that’s exactly how we tested the all‑new 2026 Mitsubishi ASX. Shopping errands, garden centre trips, suburban looping, and a countryside drive where the ASX could stretch its legs.

And the biggest takeaway? This isn’t the “budget ASX” you might remember...

What is the new Mitsubishi ASX and who is it best suited for?

The 2026 Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV reimagined for urban and suburban life, best suited to drivers who want easy manoeuvrability, modern tech, and everyday practicality, rather than people moving or off‑road focus. It’s ideal for singles, couples, downsizers, doing commutes, school runs, shopping trips and weekend drives. It’s less suited to larger families who prioritise maximum space and practicality.

What’s new or different in the latest Mitsubishi ASX model?

This is a complete generational change, the first true “all‑new” ASX in a long time, now a European built small SUV with a new platform and a much more modern cabin and tech focus.

It features a 1.3‑litre turbo petrol engine producing 113kW and 270Nm, paired with a 7‑speed dual‑clutch automatic, driving the front wheels with a claimed 6.4L/100km, improved over the previous gen ASX. Overall, this setup gives it a sporty driving feel, with strong responsiveness under acceleration, especially considering its lighter 1,294kg kerb weight.

Why should you consider the Mitsubishi ASX over other compact SUVs?

If your shortlist includes a small SUV but you still want it to feel a step above the everyday, the all‑new Mitsubishi ASX delivers a more refined and considered experience. It stands out with its upmarket interior, strong turbo performance for its size, and a clear focus on modern technology and comfort.

Where the ASX really separates itself is in long‑term ownership confidence. Mitsubishi’s 10/10/10 Diamond Advantage program adds a strong layer of reassurance, giving buyers peace of mind well beyond the initial purchase.

Compared to key rivals like the Hyundai Kona, Honda HR‑V and Volkswagen T‑Cross, the ASX positions itself as a smarter choice for those who value long‑term support, dealer‑backed servicing, and overall ownership experience, not just the drive‑away price. However, there is a trade-off when it comes to drivetrain options such as hybrid or AWD variants, an important decision for buyers these days.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX a good SUV for Australian roads?

Yes, for the roads most Brisbane drivers spend time on. By that we mean the typical winding roads, rough sections, hills and the occational pothole (very common around Brisbane).

Over my weekend mixed driving conditions, the ASX felt composed and easy to place, with a compact footprint that suits tight car parks and busy lanes. The drivetrain is tuned for on‑road confidence rather than any sort of off‑road use.

How does the Mitsubishi ASX compare to other small SUVs in its class?

The new ASX has moved upmarket in price and presentation, focusing on tech, cabin experience and refinement, rather than being the budget friendly option it once was. Currently, there is a range of deals accross the ASX model range starting from around $35k drive away. It’s aimed more at private buyers who value features with long‑term peace of mind than purely lowest drive‑away price.

How does the Mitsubishi ASX drive on city roads and highways?

The ASX is a small SUV that’s happiest being driven as a daily companion, responsive around town and settled once speeds rise. The 1.3‑litre turbo brings strong usable torque for its size, and the dual‑clutch automatic gives it that modern, efficient feel that suits a mix of running errands and weekend cruising.

Speaking of which, the transmission is well calibrated and intuitive, consistently selecting the right gear for the situation. It’s especially noticeable when switching into sports mode on country roads, where it holds gears longer and responds more eagerly, adding to the overall sense of control and enjoyment behind the wheel.

Another feature that stood out was the level of customisation in the driving experience. In the selectable Perso mode, you can fine‑tune elements like steering, throttle response, and suspension to suit your preference.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX easy to drive in Brisbane traffic and tight parking spaces?

This is one of the ASX’s biggest wins for Brisbane life. The new model is smaller than the outgoing ASX in key dimensions, which helps in tight streets, shopping centre ramps, and packed weekend car parks. That compact sizing plus the modern cabin layout and available parking aids (360 sensors and reverse camera) depending on grade, makes it feel like a natural “city SUV”.

What is the ride quality like in the Mitsubishi ASX?

Over rougher suburban patches, the ASX delivers a tidy, controlled ride. It stays composed rather than floaty, even when the road isn’t perfect.

That “European feel” comes through in how it balances comfort with a more planted, precise drive, giving you better control and confidence (especially in sports mode). It’s something you’ll notice day‑to‑day, making the ASX feel more enjoyable and effortless to live with.

Does the Mitsubishi ASX have modern infotainment and connectivity features?

Yes, it features a 10.4” Smartphone‑link display, with higher grades adding Google built‑in (Maps/Assistant/Play) and embedded navigation. That’s especially useful in Brisbane where “quick reroute” navigation and voice controls make daily driving simpler. Apple Carplay and Android Auto come standard.

The screen itself is well‑sized and easy to reach, helping make the overall user experience feel intuitive and modern. Physical controls are still easy to find and use, with tactile volume buttons that feel familiar, similar to a smartphone, making quick adjustments simple while driving.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX comfortable for long drives?

For a small SUV, the ASX is a comfortable place to spend a few hours, especially because the cabin experience has moved forward dramatically compared to the previous generation. The front seats not only look the part (leather look with contrast stitching on Exceed spec), they also feel supportive and comfortable for everyday driving.

In the rear, space is a little tighter compared to some rivals, reflecting the ASX’s focus on compact sizing and urban practicality rather than full family‑focused space. The steering wheel is compact and ergonomic with a funky squared off shape on the top and bottom with essential buttons like cruise control at your finger tips. Overall, the new interior is a major step up, with a modern touchscreen layout and a more premium atmosphere than before.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX worth buying in 2026?

The all‑new ASX is worth considering in 2026 if you’re looking for a small SUV that feels noticeably more modern, refined, and premium than previous ASX models, while still offering strong long‑term ownership confidence. It’s clearly positioned as a more sophisticated step up for the nameplate, supported by Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage ownership benefits, which add real peace of mind over time.

While it’s no longer a budget‑focused option in the segment, that shift is intentional. The ASX is better suited to buyers who value improved interior quality, advanced technology, and a more polished driving experience that's backed by long‑term warranty support.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX a good first car or family SUV?

As a first new car, the ASX makes sense because it’s not intimidating to drive, is sized for city living, and offers the comfort and connectivity modern buyers expect. As a family SUV, it suits small families best, especially if your routine looks like mine did: groceries, weekend activities, and trips where boot space matters.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX good value for money?

The ASX is no longer the “budget ASX” of the past, it’s deliberately moved upmarket.

Value here is about what you get for the spend: strong standard equipment across LS/Aspire/Exceed, modern infotainment options (including Google built‑in on higher grades), and the ownership story of Diamond Advantage. For buyers who keep cars long‑term, the ASX’s value story isn’t only about purchase price, it’s about the capped servicing, long warranty potential, and roadside support.

What is the interior like in the new Mitsubishi ASX?

This is where the “new generation” is most obvious. The ASX cabin is modern, more premium in layout, and built around a large central screen (with different tech depending on grade).

From a day‑to‑day perspective, it’s the kind of interior that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into something current, not something that’s been left behind by the segment. In higher grades, features like a large panoramic sunroof also help lift the overall cabin experience, adding more natural light and creating a more open, airy feel, especially noticeable on longer drives or when cruising through scenic routes around Brisbane.

Final Verdict: The ASX “Grows Up” (Without Losing Everyday Ease)

If you remember the ASX as the sensible small SUV you’d recommend for practicality, the 2026 version keeps that spirit, but adds a noticeably more modern, premium edge. After living with it through a genuinely Brisbane‑style weekend, errands, plants, city traffic, and a countryside drive, the ASX comes across as a smart choice for people who want tech, comfort, and long‑term peace of mind wrapped in a compact, easy‑to‑drive shape.

Buy it if you want a compact SUV that’s easy to live with during the week, but still enjoyable when the weekend arrives. Skip it if you’re looking for a budget‑focused family SUV centred purely on space and practicality.

If you’re in Brisbane and want to test out the “new ASX” Motorama makes it easy to book a test drive and explore the range.

Book a test drive or explore available Mitsubishi ASX stock at Motorama Mitsubishi today.