Mitsubishi Xpander

Like the outside, the Mitsubishi Xpander’s cabin follows the Dynamic Shield design philosophy. The dashboard is well laid out, with a clean and clutter-free design. The use of soft-touch materials and piano black trims in higher variants adds a premium touch. The entry-level model gets more durable hard plastics. The three-spoke steering wheel offers an ergonomic grip. It has integrated controls for audio and hands-free calling in higher trims. The overall build quality is robust with well-fitted panels.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-passenger MPV.  The driver’s seat is well-bolstered with adequate lumbar support. Manual adjustment is standard, with no power-adjustable seat options. The two front seats, as usual, offer the biggest legroom. The 60:40 split-folding middle bench-type seat with adjustable recline and sliding functions, allow easy access to the third row and optimizing legroom. It comfortably accommodates three passengers. The third-row seats are functional but best suited for children. They get a 50:50 split-folding mechanism. Legroom is limited. 

Upholstery of the Mitsubishi Xpander varies by trim level, with fabric seats in lower variants and premium leather-type material in top variants.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Spacious front seats 

Con: Rear-seat is not suitable for adults

Features and Technology

The higher trims of the Mitsubishi Xpander come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit connected to a multi-speaker audio system. It supports Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and smartphone mirroring. The display is bright, but the response is a bit delayed at times. The analogue-digital instrument panel comprises the speedometer and tachometer. A multi-information display in the centre provides fuel consumption details and trip information.

The Mitsubishi Xpander comes with manual or automatic air-conditioning, depending on the model. A roof-mounted rear vent for the second and third-row passengers ensures a well-ventilated cabin.

Pros and cons:

Pros: Smaller infotainment unit 

Cons: Cabin is not in line with the latest tech trends

Boot Space and Storage

With all three rows up, the Mitsubishi Xpander offers 150 litres of boot space, which is enough for small bags, groceries, or a couple of backpacks. It may feel a bit cramped for larger luggage. The third row is 50:50 split-folding type. When folded down, third-row seats significantly increase the cargo space to approximately 495 litres, making the MPV more practical for medium-sized luggage or bulkier items. With both the second and third rows folded down, the total volume expands to more than 1,600 litres, providing a flat and spacious cargo area.

The cabin of the Mitsubishi Xpander gets a decent-sized glove compartment. The central console provides additional space for small essentials such as phones and wallets. There are ample pockets in the front and rear doors, capable of holding water bottles and other small items. The cabin gets 12 cup holders, which is a standout feature. Some models come with hidden under-seat storage that adds to the practicality. The seatback pockets on the front seats are useful for storing magazines, tablets, or maps.

Pros and Cons

Pro: Lots of practical storage options

Con: No powered lift gate

The Mitsubishi Xpander measures 4,595 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width, and 1,750 mm in height. The car has a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. The front-end of the Mitsubishi Xpander sports the brand’s Dynamic Shield design. The grille is broad and is seamlessly integrated with the front bumper. The split-headlamp design enhances the futuristic appeal. The car gets all-around LED lights. The slim daytime running lights (DRLs) are positioned at the top, while the main headlights are mounted lower on the bumper. Chrome accents surround the grille, adding a premium touch, while the sharp, angular lines lend the MPV an aggressive character. The sculpted hood further complements the sporty appeal.

The side profile of the Mitsubishi Xpander gets bold character lines that run along the doors. The flared wheel arches lend the MPV a muscular stance. The car runs on 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on the variant). The black plastic cladding around the wheel arches and lower body contributes to the rugged aesthetics, reinforcing a sports utility vehicle-inspired styling. The floating roof effect is achieved through blacked-out pillars. The roof rails add a sporty touch. The well-integrated side mirrors with turn indicators and chrome door handles (in higher trims) further elevate the refined look.

The rear-end of the Mitsubishi Xpander is as impressive as the front. The T-shaped taillights extend onto the tailgate. This distinctive lighting signature enhances visibility while making the MPV easily recognizable on the road. The roof-mounted spoiler and the sculpted tailgate lend the car a sporty character. The rear-bumper gets silver skid-plate-like elements. The high-mounted stop lamp and rear windshield wiper add to the functionality.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is available in Jet Black Mica, Graphite Grey, Red Metallic, Blade Silver Metallic, and Quartz White colours.

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Bold design

Con: Lack of premium feel in some parts

The mileage of the Mitsubishi Xpander varies according to the model and driving conditions. The MT versions returns a mileage of around 16-18kmpl. The automatic models have a fuel efficiency of around 14-16kmpl. The mileage is pretty decent though it isn’t the best in class. The fuel economy increases on highways. 

Pros and cons: 

Pros: Decent mileage

Cons: Not the best in class

The MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam suspension at the back does a good job of absorbing road imperfections. It handles bumps and potholes well, ensuring a smooth ride even on rough roads. The high ground clearance makes the Mitsubishi Xpander capable of tackling uneven surfaces without scraping the undercarriage.

Cabin insulation is superb in the Mitsubishi Xpander. Road noise is much reduced, making highway driving much quieter compared to most rivals. 

The Mitsubishi Xpander is a tall MPV and sporty handling isn’t expected out of it. There’s some body roll when tackling corners at higher speeds. But for city and highway driving, the car remains stable and composed. The steering wheel is light and nicely balanced, making manoeuvring easy. The front-wheel-drive layout of the Mitsubishi Xpander provides decent grip. But it's not meant for aggressive cornering. The MPV offers a predictable and safe driving experience within the city.

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Comfortable ride

Con: Noticeable body roll during cornering

The Mitsubishi Xpander is equipped with a four-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 103PS/141Nm. The motor is paired with a five-speed manual transmission (MT) or a four-speed automatic. The powertrain is tuned more towards efficiency than outright performance. The engine sometimes feel underpowered while carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The power output is sufficient for urban driving. On highways, the engine feels comfortable, but tends to get noisy at higher speeds. 

Pros and cons:

Pros: Potent powertrain for city

Con: Gets noisy on highways

The Mitsubishi Xpander comes with a decent set of standard safety features. It includes antilock braking, active stability control that helps prevent skidding by adjusting engine power and braking individual wheels, traction control, and hill-start assist. Rear parking sensors and camera are available in top trims. 

The Xpander is mounted on Mitsubishi’s proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body structure that offers crash protection by efficiently absorbing impact forces. The car comes with multiple airbags, 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, and child-seat anchors.

Some advanced safety features are reserved for the higher models. These include emergency stop signal that automatically flashes hazard lights during sudden braking to warn other drivers, and cruise control hat enhances driving comfort and control on highways, reducing fatigue.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Well-equipped in basic safety

Con: Some rivals have better equipment

Competitor Comparison

The Mitsubishi Xpander’s nearest rival in the Philippines market is the Toyota Rush. Both are popular seven-passenger cars but they cater to slightly different needs. The Xpander offers a more car-like driving experience, with a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and modern design. It has a 1.5L engine with front-wheel drive, making it ideal for city use. The Toyota Rush, on the other hand, has a more rugged feel, with higher ground clearance. It also has a 1.5L petrol engine. The Mitsubishi Xpander is for comfort, while the Toyota Rush is more for durability.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Mitsubishi Xpander is a practical MPV that comes with a stylish design, spacious cabin, and smooth driving dynamics. While not the most powerful car in its segment, the Xpander’s reliability and ride comfort make it a smart choice for families seeking versatility without compromising affordability.