2026 Mitsubishi ASX Review Australia: First Drive Impressions
The 2026 Mitsubishi ASX has arrived in Australia, and it’s not just an update — it’s a full reset. After years as one of the most familiar faces in the small SUV segment, the ASX has stepped into a new generation with fresh engineering, new tech, and a very different driving feel.
Here at Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee, we’ve been looking forward to this one. The ASX has long been a favourite with drivers across the Sutherland Shire for its practicality and easy ownership experience, and this next-gen model pushes the nameplate into a more modern, refined space.
If you’re considering a small SUV for daily commuting, family life, or weekend escapes, here’s a Tynan Motors breakdown of what the new Mitsubishi ASX 2026 is like on Australian roads — including what’s improved, what’s changed, and who it suits best.
A New-Gen ASX: A Big Change in Direction
The outgoing ASX built its reputation on simplicity, value, and reliability. The 2026 ASX, however, takes a different approach. It’s sourced from Europe and shares a platform and key components with Renault’s Captur — a change that brings both positives and a few trade-offs.
The upside? The new ASX feels far more sophisticated than before. Cabin quality, technology, and overall refinement have taken a noticeable step up. It’s clearly designed to compete in today’s small SUV market where comfort, connectivity, and safety matter more than ever.
At Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee, we see this as Mitsubishi repositioning ASX as a more premium small SUV — while still keeping the practical DNA the model is known for.
Design: Modern, Sleek, and More SUV-Like
Visually, the 2026 Mitsubishi ASX carries a cleaner, more European design language. The front end features Mitsubishi badging and a distinct grille, while the rear adds model-specific details. Overall, it’s a sportier, more contemporary look compared to the boxier outgoing model.
In person, the 2026 ASX styling comes across sharp, well-proportioned, and genuinely contemporary for the segment. The surfaces are smoother and more refined, with a confident stance that makes it feel more SUV-like and less “compact hatch on stilts.” Up close, the details add to that polished vibe — it’s a design that looks tidy, modern, and right in step with what small SUV buyers want today.
If you’re upgrading from an older ASX, the new one will feel more polished and upmarket from the moment you walk up to it — something our customers at Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee have already been noticing.
Engine and Performance: Turbo Power Makes All the Difference
Every 2026 ASX in Australia uses the same powertrain:
- 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Front-wheel drive
On paper, peak power doesn’t jump dramatically compared to the old model — but the big leap is torque. The turbo setup delivers strong pulling power low in the rev range, which makes the ASX feel more responsive around town.
What that means in real driving:
- Brisk take-off from traffic lights
- Effortless city acceleration
- Less need to “rev it out”
- Smoother overtaking feel
The dual-clutch auto is also a strong match here. It avoids the low-speed jerkiness some DCTs can have, and shifts cleanly in everyday driving. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel add a bit of control if you like being more involved.
For commuters in and around Kirrawee, Sutherland, Caringbah, and Cronulla, this powertrain feels well suited to stop-start traffic and suburban driving.
Ride and Handling: Comfortable for Real Australian Roads
Despite being European-sourced and not locally re-tuned, the suspension is impressively compliant. The ASX does a great job soaking up rougher surfaces, speed bumps, and patchy urban roads.
On-road feel highlights:
- Stable and predictable through corners
- Strong bump absorption
- Quiet and insulated cabin in most conditions
- Easy to drive and park in tight spaces
At highway speeds, you may notice a bit more engine strain and some wind noise compared to larger SUVs — but for the small SUV class, the overall refinement is strong.
At a test drive with Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee, expect a car that feels more grown up and composed than the ASX you might remember.
Interior Space: Slightly Smaller, Still Practical
One of the old ASX’s calling cards was excellent interior space for its size. The new model is slightly smaller overall, but the cabin packaging is smart.
Even taller adults can fit comfortably behind the driver with good head and leg room. The main limitation is width — three adults across the back seat will feel snug, as expected for this segment.
Up front, the seats are supportive and adjustable, and the cabin offers plenty of practical storage for phones, bottles, bags, and everyday gear.
For couples, young families, and downsizers in the Shire, the ASX remains a highly usable small SUV.
Technology: A Modern Leap Forward
This is where the new ASX makes a big statement. The cabin feels light-years ahead of the old version.
Standard tech includes:
- Large portrait-style 10.4-inch infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital driver display
- Keyless entry and push-button start (grade-dependent)
- Modern interface and sharper graphics
Higher grades add more luxury and driver-assist tech, including:
- Bigger digital instrument cluster
- Heated steering wheel and other comfort upgrades
- Additional safety assists like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
The main takeaway: the ASX now feels like a properly modern Mitsubishi SUV inside — and that’s a win for buyers looking at the small SUV category in 2026.
Ownership Confidence: Mitsubishi’s 10/10/10 Diamond Advantage Backing
Another big reason the new ASX continues to appeal is Mitsubishi’s standout ownership program. When you buy new through Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee, your ASX is covered by Mitsubishi Diamond Advantage (10/10/10), which delivers long-term peace of mind most small SUVs can’t match.
Diamond Advantage includes:
- 10-Year New Car Warranty (up to 200,000km), as long as all scheduled services are completed at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.
- 10-Year Capped-Price Servicing (up to 150,000km), locking in the cost of your first 10 scheduled services so you can plan ownership with confidence.
- Up to 10 years of Roadside Assistance — starting with 12 months included with your new vehicle purchase, then extended year-by-year when you service with Mitsubishi.
For many Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee customers, that kind of decade-long coverage is just as valuable as the features list. It’s reassurance that your ASX is backed for the long haul — whether you’re commuting around the Shire or heading off on bigger trips up and down the coast.
Is the 2026 Mitsubishi ASX Worth Considering?
The short version: yes — if you want a more refined, tech-forward small SUV with Mitsubishi’s ownership confidence.
Compared to the outgoing ASX, this new generation:
- feels more modern and comfortable
- drives better in daily use
- has stronger low-end response thanks to turbo torque
- delivers a noticeably upgraded interior experience
What’s lost is a bit of the old ASX’s ultra-simple, ultra-budget positioning — but what you gain is a small SUV that fits today’s expectations far better.
Test Drive the New ASX at Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee
If you’re thinking about a small SUV upgrade, the best way to judge the new ASX is from behind the wheel.
Come see the 2026 Mitsubishi ASX at Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee, explore the different grades, and take one for a drive on local roads you know. Our team can help you compare the ASX to other Mitsubishi options and find the right fit for your needs.
Check Tynan Mitsubishi Kirrawee’s current ASX stock today to see what’s available right now, and book your test drive while new arrivals are landing.
Source: drive.com.au