The Mitsubishi Xpander immediately caught the attention of Filipinos when it was originally launched in the Philippines back in 2018. The striking design of this 7-seater MPV undoubtedly appealed to a wide audience. If the aesthetic appeal isn’t enough for you, Mitsubishi has also introduced the Xpander Cross. This iteration comes with a rugged-ready look that will certainly entice those who want a bit more muscle for their daily ride.
If you’re still unsure about the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, let me assist you in making the decision. Here are 5 reasons why it should be your top choice as your family’s first or next MPV.
Comfort Above All Else
One of the main reasons Filipinos prefer the Xpander Cross is its comfort. There’s generous legroom and elbowroom for all occupants, while there is more than enough headroom as well. Even the third row can be acceptable for average-sized adults.
However, beyond just space, it is the cushioning of these seats that contributes significantly to their comfort. They are thick but compress nicely, giving you comfort on long journeys. The center armrest of the second row also incorporates this cushiony material, providing you with a more restful position while driving.
The 2-tone leather covers everything, ensuring you don’t have to worry about spills that could shorten the foam’s lifespan. You won’t have to worry about heat with the leather either, as it comes with Heat Guard, so it doesn’t get too hot when the car is parked under the sun.
Impeccable Styling
Mitsubishi found the balance of style and muscle in the Xpander Cross. The sharp pieces, like the DRL, headlights, and taillights, are kept only at both ends of the MPV. The sides are more about the muscle of the Xpander Cross, as seen on the squared-off wheel wells and hips. There’s also body cladding on the sides, as well as a faux skid plate on the front bumper and a faux diffuser at the rear bumper.
This balance of accents gives the Xpander Cross a balanced appearance. The design does not rely solely on one style. It all adds up to an interesting mix of sleek, strong, and sophisticated that makes it look good whether it’s at a school, mall, 5-star hotel, or modern building in the business district.
The cabin isn’t left out either. Mitsubishi’s new ‘Horizontal Axis’ dashboard design perfectly complements the unique look of the exterior. It has everything you need in a cabin without the clutter and busy look, giving you a clean and refreshing vibe every time you hop in.
Its styling also hides some nifty tricks. In the cargo area is a storage system under the flooring that gives you more space for things that you regularly bring. There’s also an underseat tray under the front passenger seat for other belongings like slippers, shoes, trash bags, and the like.
Contemporary Tech
Its modern cabin look isn’t just for show either. At the center of the dash is a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by a 6-speaker system. Below it is the digital aircon system, followed by the electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
A few quality-of-life features were also included for the driver, such as a new steering wheel with cruise control, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster behind it, and a push-start button. Rear occupants also get USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports, while third-row occupants have their own 12V socket.
In terms of safety, the Xpander Cross comes with traction control, active stability control, hill-start assist, and a rear camera.
Key Upgrades
The latest Mitsubishi Xpander Cross also enjoys key upgrades. It borrowed the steering wheel of the Montero Sport for a more robust driving feel. Mitsubishi also took the SUV’s shock absorbers and put them in the Xpander Cross to tackle Metro Manila’s horrendous roads more comfortably.
Active Yaw Control also found its way to the Xpander Cross. This feature was born out of Mitsubishi’s rallying days to give a car more control on slippery and curved roads. Having this in an MPV means you can have more peace of mind when traversing twisty roads and other difficult corners, as the Xpander Cross has your back.
Formidable Offering
All of this rides on a 1.5-liter MIVEC engine that produces 105 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, paired to a reliable 4-speed automatic. You won’t have to compromise fuel efficiency just to enjoy the Xpander Cross. More than that, it has something for every member of the family. The driver—be it Mom or Dad—will definitely enjoy the 9-inch touchscreen that works with their phone so they can use Waze or Google Maps to get to their destination easier and faster. The kids will enjoy the cushy seats, while titos and titas will utilize the armrests and cupholders. Passengers of all ages benefit from the charging ports available in the cabin, as well as the cubbyholes and storage spaces. Add the friendly price tag of P1,346,000, and it makes the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross a formidable offering in the MPV space.
