Suzuki Ertiga vs Mitsubishi Xpander - The better buy

Mid-size SUVs may have taken over as the Philippines’ most popular car segment. But it doesn’t mean that “people carriers” like Suzuki Ertiga and Mitsubishi Xpander have lost their charm. These compact MPVs (which stand for multi-purpose vehicles) continue to woo us with their large cabins. Unlike pickup-based SUVs, they provide better passenger comfort at a friendlier price.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is proof that this segment has its own fanfare. Shortly after it was introduced in 2017, the new model came close to Toyota Innova as one of the best-selling MPVs. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi Motors experienced setbacks when Xpander units were recalled due to faulty fuel pumps.

Suzuki Ertiga launched three years ahead of the Xpander but it struggled to compete against the Innova. While not as popular as its rivals, the MPV has made a name for itself as the best-selling Suzuki vehicle. 

Is Ertiga a good car?

Suzuki Ertiga has its pros and cons but overall, it’s a decent car that appeals to families on a budget. The fact that it earned a four-star crash test rating from the ASEAN NCAP shows it’s a formidable contender in the compact MPV segment.

Can the Ertiga compete with Mitsubishi’s overnight wonder? Let’s find out in our comparison review of Suzuki Ertiga vs Mitsubishi Xpander.

Dimensions

Mitsubishi Xpander is longer, taller, and wider than the Suzuki Ertiga. Its larger dimensions aren’t for intimidating. They are meant to provide the Xpander with significant ride height and storage space.

Measuring 205 mm from the ground, Mitsubishi Xpander is tall enough to handle bumpy and pothole-ridden roads. It can also help you avoid damaging the car’s underbelly when you accidentally drive over curbs or large rocks.

Suzuki does try to offer as much cargo space with its wide stowage, flat-lip trunk entry, and foldable third-row seats. But the 803-liter space inside the Ertiga is easily blown away by the Xpander which has more than twice the room thanks to its flat luggage floor and seats that can be folded up to the second row.

Exterior 

The Xpander is a sure standout, but whether you will love it or hate it depends on your taste. Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield Concept gives the front fascia a futuristic and somewhat aggressive grin. This unique design language is carried over to the rear. Overall, its exterior looks different from the typical family-friendly MPV. Although it’s more of a “take it or leave it” kind of deal rather than something you might instantly fall in love with.

Suzuki Ertiga hints on elegance without overdoing the chrome. We dare say that its horizontal front grill looks more stunning than the Dynamic Shield. The grill is flanked by headlights that frame the hood so well you wouldn’t even notice they’re halogen. Upcoming models of the new Ertiga will soon feature two-tone alloy wheels. But for the meantime, only higher-end Xpander units will have them as a standard.

The Ertiga does have some nifty features like door open stoppers and an aerodynamic design. However, Mitsubishi Xpander has more to offer. For instance, not only does it have LED taillights – they’ve been integrated to the bumper as well to reduce glare for oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The Xpander also has aerodynamic qualities plus a few other perks. 

Interior

Both the Ertiga and Xpander make heavy use of plastic throughout their cabins, but not to the point where they look tacky. Seats are covered in fabric with no option to upgrade to leather. Forgivable really, since these are vehicles that cater to budget-conscious buyers.

In terms of styling, we prefer the interior layout of the Suzuki Ertiga. Everything on the dashboard is well-executed. From the display to the AC vents and controls, you should find it easy to reach them. Faux wooden trims add a splash of luxury to this affordable vehicle, and you can choose between beige and an all-black theme.

Mitsubishi Xpander doesn’t look as elegant as the Ertiga but it is still thoughtfully designed. It has a clean, no-nonsense layout that mimics the sharp lines on the exterior. What it lacks in style it makes up for with flexibility. The Xpander comes with telescopic adjustment as a standard, making it easy for the driver to find a comfortable position behind the steering wheel.

In spite of this setback, Suzuki Ertiga is equipped with some comfort features such as elbow cushions, reclining seats, and enhanced NVH performance to prevent outside noise from coming in. It also offers offline navigation and a larger display on its range-topping variant.

The Xpander does have a superior audio system to the Ertiga. It comes with four speakers and more connectivity features.

Engine

Suzuki Ertiga and Mitsubishi Xpander have nearly identical configurations. Both have 1.5-liter engines that deliver almost similar amounts of power and torque. The two vehicles are also available in either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and are equipped with multipoint fuel injection systems.

Once you take fuel economy into consideration, the Xpander gains the upper hand. The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System (aka MIVEC) gives it an impressive fuel efficiency of 22.9 kmpl.

Safety

Ertiga and Xpander are both made of high tensile steel bodies for better impact protection. Mitsubishi Xpander has a Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) which includes side impact beams and a reinforced center pillar. Its main highlight is the energy absorption feature that directs force away from passengers during an impact.

Then again, Suzuki Ertiga has similar technology. Its HEARTECT platform has earned the MPV a four-star crash test rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program. In addition to side impact beams, a reinforced structure, and energy distribution, its front end has been designed to minimize pedestrian injury in the event of accidental collision.

Price

Suzuki Ertiga is a budget-friendly MPV with great design and safety features. It delivers almost the same performance and fuel efficiency as the Xpander. If you want to have some of the latter’s features without breaking your bank, you have two options – the mid-range Suzuki Ertiga GL and the range-topping Suzuki Ertiga GLX. Both variants are sold under Php 1 million.

Mitsubishi Xpander has more well-rounded features. Many of which are a standard across the range. For the most part, you can expect similar capabilities and functionalities from all variants, though you would have to spend a little over Php 1 million.

Now if you’re keen on getting the best experience for your passengers, we don’t recommend the entry-level Mitsubishi Xpander GLX. You’ll be better off with higher-end models of Suzuki Ertiga which are equally equipped for a cheaper price. If you badly want an Xpander, you might as well go for GLX Plus variant or higher so you can enjoy the more advanced audio system for a slight price hike.

Verdict

Suzuki Ertiga and Mitsubishi Xpander are both perfect MPVs in their own right. The Ertiga is great for families who want a budget-friendly vehicle to drive around in the city but have little need for excess cargo space.

The Xpander is likewise an exceptional family car. Given its price and features, it is better suited for people who drive long distances and require plenty of cargo space for their luggage and travel equipment.

Also read: Mitsubishi Xpander: Which is better, manual or automatic?