Mitsubishi Xpander: Top alternatives

The Xpander has been Mitsubishi’s one of the most successful products of all time. It created a buzz even before it was launched here in the Philippines. It was also one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year. Available in a total of 4 variants, the Mitsubishi Xpander price starts at Php 999,000 for the base model and goes all the way up to Php 1.18 million for the range-topping variant.

Mitsubishi Xpander specs for all its variants are quite similar. They are powered by the same 1.5-litre engine which churns out 105 hp of max power at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It comes mated to either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox. One of the main reasons of Xpander’s demand is its styling. It is a looker! And it is the front end that takes your breath away. Mitsubishi has also implemented its new Dynamic Shield design philosophy which makes things even better. Apart from looks, the Xpander also impresses us with its safety features as it has a 4-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

Even after being such a brilliant product, the Xpander faces heat from its competitors. Following are its top alternatives.

Toyota Avanza

The new facelifted Toyota Avanza is also a very capable 7-seater MPV that falls in the price range of Php 731,000 - Php 1.06 million. Launched in the Philippines a few months ago, the Avanza features a very modern design just like the Xpander. Toyota completely revamped the look of this MPV. It now features a split-type headlamp setup that makes it appear to be a premium vehicle than it actually is. Toyota has also done certain changes on the side and rear to complete the facelifting process. The cabin space is the same as before and is sufficient to carry 7 people onboard. It also gets a new 6.8-in touch screen infotainment system and a high-quality LCD display for the AC controls.

The rest of the Toyota Avanza specs remain more or less untouched. It continues to draw power from the same two engines - 1.3-litre with 96PS of max power and 121 Nm of peak torque and a 1.5-litre mill that has got 104 PS of max power and 136 Nm of peak torque. The transmission options also remain the same - a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Available in 4 colour options - White, Silver Mica Metallic, Black Metallic and Dark Red Mica - the Avanza is a good alternative to the Xpander.

Honda Mobilio

Honda launched its facelifted Mobilio earlier this year after it realised the growing competition in the 7-seater MPV segment. The Mobilio has been around for quite some time now and Honda has a good fan base in the country, thus, launching a facelift was a good move. The new Mobilio gets some aesthetic changes like projector headlamps, LED daytime running light located just under the projector lights and new alloy wheels. The interior has been given a minor change. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which has been borrowed from other Honda cars.

The engine that was listed in the Honda Mobilio specs before continues to take charge in this model as well. It is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 120 PS at 6600 rpm and generates 145 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at 4600 rpm. The base variant comes with a manual transmission whereas the other two are equipped with CVT. Honda Mobilio price starts at Php 895,000 for the base model. We like the RS variant which costs Php 1.08 million.

Honda BR-V

We have another entrant from Honda. Just like the Mobilio, the BR-V has been in the market for a while now and has received a minor facelift. Some of the most prominent changes include a revised front grille, LED daytime running lights, and new premium fog lamp housing. It also gets a set of new alloy wheels and a shark fin antenna. The biggest change on the inside is the new 7-in touch screen display with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Also, a red hue in the entire cabin freshens up things a bit.

The remaining Honda BR-V specs remain unaltered - same 1.5-litre engine which churns out 120 PS of max power at 6,000 rpm and 145 Nm of peak torque at 4,600 rpm, SRS airbags, EBD, Hill Start Assist and Vehicle Stability Assist for safety, and 6 colour options - Modern Steel Metallic, Taffeta White, Lunar Silver Metallic, Premium Amber Metallic, Passion Red and Platinum White Pearl. The BR-V is a bit expensive than the Mobilio with prices starting at Php 1.04 million.

These were the top alternatives of the Mitsubishi Xpander. Each of them has got some unique features that make it a good buy over the other but overall all of them are pretty nice and impressive. Which of these do you think is the best 7-seater?

Also Read:- Production of Mitsubishi Xpander in Vietnam by 2020