Rugged family rides: 2023 Honda BR-V vs. 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Crossovers are automobiles built on a car chassis, but they have an SUV-like higher ride height and ground clearance that allows them to traverse any terrain. MPVs are frequently utilized as family vehicles due to the useful room they provide, as well as the comfort, adaptability, and safety required when traveling.

Many carmakers combine the best ingredients of both kinds of cars, and the results are spacious MPVs that also sport the go-anywhere, rough-and-tumble capabilities of bigger vehicles.

And so recently — with the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross’ official debut from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), and the launch of Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) of the 2023 Honda BR-V — the MPV-SUV hybrid segment has gotten bigger.

They may belong to the same market, but the 2023 Honda BR-V and 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross have various differences. Let’s examine what qualities set them apart from each other.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross exterior, colors

The 2023 Honda BR-V features a dynamic body form that is emphasized by a body line that captivates the eye and goes from the front to the back of the vehicle, as well as a character line that connects the side to the taillights.

All models have a matte black grille on the front fascia, but the gloss black grille is only found on the top-of-the-line 2023 Honda BR-V VX CVT Honda SENSING model. This all-new model's higher ground clearance than the previous generation, which gives it a stronger and more aggressive SUV stance, is one of its primary selling points.

New 17-inch aluminum wheels that are offered for all CVT grades emphasize the durability of its presence. In contrast, the Honda BR-V S MT has a set of 16-inch wheels. The BR-V is equipped with newly created LED taillights that gracefully brighten the night over the back.

It has newly created headlights with Daytime Running Lights and Full LEDs (DRL). The top-of-the-line variant comes standard with auto on-off illumination, while the VX CVT Honda SENSING, V CVT, and S CVT variations all provide LED fog lights for improved driver visibility on the road.

For better convenience, the All-New BR-V features Power Adjustable Door Mirrors across all variants. Meanwhile, the VX CVT Honda SENSING and the V CVT variants come with Power Folding Door Mirrors with Integrated LED Side Turn Signal Lights.

The 2023 Honda BR-V comes in five colors:

• Premium Opal White Silver Pearl.
• Meteoroid Grey Metallic.
• Crystal Black Pearl.
• Lunar Silver Metallic.
• Taffeta White.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross was created to give off a more "active" and "outdoorsy" vibe. The black wheel arch moldings, door garnishes, and side sills have given it a taller stance, and the guard bar motif rails on the front and rear bumpers give them a more aggressive appearance. Roof rails are also offered with the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross as standard equipment.

Additionally, it sports LED fog lamps and T-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) for the headlights.

The freshly created 17-inch alloy wheels provide the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross an even more muscular appearance. With T-shaped LED taillights that effortlessly blend into the tailgate garnish, the rear also appears more assertive.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is available in four exterior colors:

• Sunrise Orange Metallic (Two-Tone).
• Quartz White Pearl (Two-Tone).
• Graphite Gray Metallic
• Blade Silver Metallic.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross ground clearance

The 2023 Honda BR-V boasts of a ground clearance of 207mm, while the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross maintains its position as the finest in its class with its 225mm high ground clearance.

Thanks to these vehicles’ lofty ground clearance, the driver benefits from a higher eye-point so they can see the road better and have more confidence, especially when driving through floods.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross variants, prices

Pricing for the 2023 Honda BR-V is as follows:

• Honda BR-V S MT – P1.10 million.
• Honda BR-V S CVT – P1.19 million.
• Honda BR-V V CVT – P1.30 million.
• Honda BR-V VX CVT Honda Sensing – P1.39 million

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is priced at P1.328 million for the monotone variants, P1.338 million for Sunrise Orange Metallic, and P1.353 million for Quartz White Pearl.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross interior

The 2023 Honda BR-V maintains its internal focus on its two fundamental principles.

In terms of SUV Value, the premium interior design is highlighted by the high-quality materials, which give the SUV a bold, expensive feel. The BR-V excels in usability because of its roomy interior, which has been greatly enhanced for both second and third-row passengers. Additionally, its flat folding seats allow flexible cargo loading, which should be helpful for moving heavier objects.

With its flexible interior that features a 60:40 Split with One-Touch Tumble for the second-row seats, and a 50:50 Split with Dive Down Mechanism for the third-row seats, the redesigned BR-V is purpose-built to serve a wide range of needs. Leather upholstery is exclusive to the VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT variants, while the S CVT and S MT are treated with high-grade fabric. It is also worth noting that the 2023 Honda BR-V now features a seat height adjuster for the driver.

Moving on to the Xpander Cross, its inside was redone while keeping comfort and convenience in mind. A distinctive combination of high-end amenities, some of which are exclusive to Mitsubishi's premium vehicles, are offered in the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross's front-projected "Horizontal Axis" dashboard harmoniously merges every interior component. The dashboard is covered in comfortable cushioned materials with real stitching in a new navy blue color.

At the driver's seat, the new four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel is immediately visible and reminds one of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport. It is tilt- and telescopic-adjustable and has a more robust design for greater grip. The steering wheel return control has been increased to improve handling at low speeds. Behind the steering wheel is a new, highly visible eight-inch LCD digital meter cluster. This makes it simple to offer various information needed for driving and to access it.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has more than enough space to accommodate seven full-size adults and their luggage with all the seats up. It is designed to have more hip-width and head-to-toe space. The rear cargo's versatility makes it easier to load bikes, camping equipment, or any other bulky items.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross features

Aside from plenty of room, the well-designed cockpit area of the 2023 Honda BR-V is focused on giving the driver and passengers comfort, too.

With the all-new BR-7-inch V's touchscreen audio display and 6-speaker sound system for the VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT versions, as well as a 4-speaker sound system for the S CVT and S MT variants, Filipino families may also have a more pleasurable journey. The infotainment system can be used with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connections, among other features.

Other convenience features include a One Push Start System for the VX CVT Honda SENSING, VX CVT, and S CVT. Smart Entry, on the other hand, is available for VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT, while both the S CVT and S MT variants feature keyless entry. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls and rear air ventilation are standard across all variants.

On top of those features, the Honda BR-V is also available with Remote Engine Start which allows the driver to start the vehicle through the key fob, allowing it to partially cool the cabin before entering the vehicle.

Inside the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, all controls are easy to reach, and the central console ensures seamless pairing with smart devices. There is also a digital AC system with a max cool button for quick in-cabin cooling. All of the seats are covered in innovative leather and have navy blue stitching and soft-touch padding. Its heat guard technology prevents any increase in surface temperature.

The seven-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA-3) system makes rides more enjoyable. This touchscreen infotainment system has hands-free functions and support for Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The front console has been redesigned into a larger capacity open tray with a 12V outlet and USB port for greater convenience.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross engine, transmission

Powered by a 1.5-liter double overhead cam engine, the 2023 Honda BR-V produces 119hp and 145Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the variant. 

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is powered by a 1.5 MIVEC DOHC 16-valve engine that produces 104hp and 141Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a four-speed automatic transmission, and sends the power and torque to the front wheels.

Honda BR-V and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross safety

The 2023 Honda BR-V VX CVT variant comes standard with Honda Sensing, which offers comprehensive protection for drivers and passengers by issuing warnings and taking actions to reduce the risks of accidents.

Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Auto-High Beam (AHB), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF).

Rear suspension parts from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport are used in the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. Particularly on uneven roads, the ride is more stable and comfortable thanks to the bigger rear shock absorber. Together with cutting-edge safety features like Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and Traction Control, this ensures that every drive is safe and pleasurable (TCL).

Photos from Honda, Mitsubishi, Hazel Nicole Carreon, Roy Robles, and Juan Paulo Papa and Ruben D. Manahan IV for Carmudi Philippines