Expanding on style and practicality: Spec-checking the Mitsubishi Xpander

With its updated Xpander, Mitsubishi, well, aims to expand its sales in the MPV market. The brand’s best-selling model now sports a more advanced and progressive look, while combining the comfort and capability akin to larger SUVs.

The design of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander was created to exude a more aggressive and tough road presence. With the inclusion of three-dimensional skid protectors, the front embraces a more horizontal form. The newly installed black metallic radiator grille and the headlight's familiar T-shape with redesigned LED daytime running lights (DRL) and turn signals are both noticeable.

With the addition of uniform T-shaped tail lights to the reshaped bumper, as well as tailgate garnish and glass, the rear also displays an improved appearance. The larger 17-inch wheels and side sill garnish are visible on the sides.  

The 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander's dashboard has the "Horizontal Axis," Mitsubishi's Design Identity. Accents made of plush padding materials with actual stitches go well with this. In addition to sporting a more contemporary style, the tilt and telescopic steering wheel has been redesigned with a compact center to improve grip. A new meter cluster and dynamic opening image takes its place behind the steering wheel.

What's also hard to miss inside is the patented seven-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA-3), a touchscreen infotainment system that supports hands-free functions and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. A new digital LCD A/C panel that was created to be both understandable and aesthetically pleasing is located at the bottom of the display. The front console has been changed into a larger capacity open tray with a 12V outlet and USB port for greater convenience. 

The new floor console in the center can contain four 600-millimeter-sized bottles in the main area and a tissue pack on the back of its lid. The cup holders on the console have been rearranged to be sideways and have a bigger circle. All of these are done to improve organization and make the most use of available space within the 2022 Xpander.

Two rear USB ports in the second row now have one Type-A and one Type-C charger incorporated on the console's back. Additionally, there are now more enticing colors on the rear A/C dial and louver, and cup holders have been added to the seat armrest. All of these improve overall cabin ergonomics. 

With all seats up, this seven-seater MPV has more than enough room for full-size adults plus luggage. As for the rearmost cabin area, it’s been designed to fit four four-gallon water bottles or a stroller immediately behind the last row, with more hip-width and enough head-to-toe space.

However, when the third-row is folded, the cargo deck is flat with no gaps or protruding parts. It's now simpler to transport bikes, potted plants, or even furniture as needed. The 2022 Xpander displays versatility at its finest.

According to the carmaker, the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander is still the only vehicle in its class with cruise control, which helps drivers feel less fatigued on lengthy drives. Additionally, a reverse camera has been added to help improve vision while backing up.

When driving, the improved settings for the suspension and steering can make themselves known. A smoother and more pleasant ride is achieved, even on winding roads, thanks to the larger rear absorber, more front and rear springs, and high performance valves. To reduce driver stress, a steering wheel return control was also incorporated for enhanced agility at low speeds.

The shift panel now has the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and Brake Auto Hold (BAH) buttons. The former allows for less effort when applying the brakes, which increases comfort, especially in traffic circumstances. The latter, when stationary, eliminates the need to press the pedal all the way down.

These are currently included as standard equipment for automatic transmission models of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander, together with Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and Traction Control (TCL).

What the 2022 Xpander also expanded on is its ground clearance — after all, it's said to be the best-in-class in this area. When the ground clearance is increased to 225 millimeters, the driver has a higher vantage point from which to assess the state of the road and has greater confidence, particularly during floods.

A 1.5-liter MIVEC engine with 103 horsepower and 141Nm of torque is housed underneath the hood. It continues to be a dependable power plant with exceptional fuel efficiency and strong performance. As before, the engine is mated to a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions. 

All of the above are just a glimpse of what the familiar and popular 2022 Xpander can offer. To know more about the MPV, the model’s spec sheet — along with the details of each Xpander variant — is available below.  

SPECIFICATIONS	Mitsubishi Xpander GLS 1.5G AT	Mitsubishi Xpander GLX 1.5G AT	Mitsubishi Xpander GLX 1.5G MT
Overall Length (mm)	4,595	4,595	4,595
Overall Width (mm)	1,750	1,750	1,750
Overall Height (mm)	1,750	1,750	1,750
Ground Clearance (mm)	225	225	225
Wheelbase (mm)	2,755	2,755	2,755
Seating Capacity	Seven	Seven	Seven
Engine Model	4A91	4A91	4A91
Engine Type	Four-cylinder, Inline, 16-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), with MIVEC	Four-cylinder, Inline, 16-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), with MIVEC	Four-cylinder, Inline, 16-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), with MIVEC
Displacement (cc)	1,499	1,499	1,499
Maximum Power Output (ps/rpm)	105/6,000	105/6,000	105/6,000
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)	141/4,000	141/4,000	141/4,000
Transmission	4-Speed Automatic	4-Speed Automatic	5-Speed Manual
Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Tank (L)	45	45	45
Curb Weight (kg)	1,260	1,255	1,255
Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut  Coil Spring with Stabilizer Rear: Torsion Beam	Front: MacPherson Strut  Coil Spring with Stabilizer Rear: Torsion Beam	Front: MacPherson Strut  Coil Spring with Stabilizer Rear: Torsion Beam
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Drums	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Drums	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Drums
Tires and Wheels	205/55 R17 Alloy	205/55 R17 Alloy	205/55 R17 Alloy
Headlamps	T-Shape	T-Shape	T-Shape
Daytime Running Lights	LED	Standard	Standard
Front Fog Lamps	With	With	With
Side Mirrors	Power Adjust and Auto Retract	Power Adjust	Power Adjust
Front Grille	Chrome	Chrome	Chrome
Seat Material	Fabric Black	Fabric Black	Fabric Black
Seat Type and Adjustment	Driver: 4-Way Manual Front Passenger: 4-Way Manual Second Row: 60:40 Split, Recline Third Row: 50:50 Tumble	Driver: 4-Way Manual Front Passenger: 4-Way Manual Second Row: 60:40 Split, Recline Third Row: 50:50 Tumble	Driver: 4-Way Manual Front Passenger: 4-Way Manual Second Row: 60:40 Split, Recline Third Row: 50:50 Tumble
Seatback Table	Without	Without	Without
Information Display	With	With	With
Steering Wheel Material	Leather	Urethane	Urethane
Shift Knob	Urethane	Urethane	Urethane
Steering Wheel Switch	Audio	Audio	Audio
Sun Visors	With Passenger Mirror	With Passenger Mirror	With Passenger Mirror
Inside Door Handle	Chrome	Chrome	Chrome
Assist Grip	Front: Two Rear: Four	Front: Two Rear: Four	Front: Two Rear: Four
Door Trim	With Silver Accent	With Silver Accent	With Silver Accent
Glasses Case	With	With	With
Seat Back Pockets	With	With	With
Deck Box	Without	Without	Without
Front Personal Lamp	With	With	With
Room Lamp	With	With	With
Luggage Room Lamp	With	With	With
Keyless Entry	With	With	With
Push Start	With	Without	Without
Power Steering	With	With	With
Power Windows	Driver Window with Jam Protect	Driver Window with Jam Protect	Driver Window with Jam Protect
Power Door Locks	With	With	With
Air-conditioning System	Manual	Manual	Manual
Audio Type	7-Inch Touchscreen ,USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto	7-Inch Touchscreen ,USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto	7-Inch Touchscreen ,USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto
Wireless Charging	Without	Without	Without
Speakers	Four + Two Tweeters	Four	Four
SRS Airbags	Driver, Front Passenger	Driver, Front Passenger	Driver, Front Passenger
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	With Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)	With	With	Without
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)	With	With	Without
Seatbelts	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3) Third Row: Three-point ELR (x2)	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3) Third Row: Three-point ELR (x2)	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3) Third Row: Three-point ELR (x2)
Child Restraint System	Isofix and Tether Anchor	Isofix and Tether Anchor	Isofix and Tether Anchor
Emergency Brake Signal	With	With	With
Security System	Immobilizer and Horn	Immobilizer and Horn	Immobilizer and Horn
Parking Support	With (Reversing Camera)	Without	Without
Blind Spot Monitor	Without	Without	Without
Cruise Control	With	Without	Without
Available Body Colors	Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray, Quartz White Pearl, Red Metallic	Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray	Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray, Jet Black Mica
PRICE	P1.180 million	P1.110 million	P1.05 million

 

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.