Last year, the Mitsubishi Xpander was the best-selling car not just for Mitsubishi, or the MPV segment, but across the whole industry, including all brands and categories. 2025 saw 28,081 new Xpanders enter the Philippine roads, a full 1,000 plus units ahead of second placer Toyota Vios, and around 4,000 units more than the closest MPV rival in the form of the Toyota Avanza.
Those are not things to scoff at; to be the only non-Toyota model in the top 5 selling category is no easy feat. With a mild refresh in 2025, I had to find out what makes Filipinos go for this rather simple MPV.
I was lent the top-of-the-line GLS A/T variant; the only model above it is the Xpander Cross, which I would say is a different class altogether, even though the brand says it isn’t. Anyway, I have to say that the Xpander remains a looker in the segment. I never really cared for the “plain” looking Avanza, while the Stargazer’s looks have taken a step back in my opinion. Mitsu, on the other hand, has kept the very familiar Xpander design from the very beginning, but has, over the years, updated the look to keep it fresh-looking, and it worked; instead of ruining it, the conservative approach has saved it. I must say it looks much more premium than it actually costs.
Inside, the interior has also been refreshed, the GLS gets a fully digital instrument cluster which can be found in the bigger Destinator as well, and a sizeable 10-inch infotainment screen that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a small consolation for the lack of wireless charging. Other creature comforts include standard cruise control and an electronic handbrake with auto hold. Passengers get USB-C and A charging ports for the second row, as well as overhead air conditioning vents with fan speed control. Interestingly, the third-row passenger gets 1 12-volt socket as opposed to individual USB ports, which could ignite your children’s angst during a long drive, depending on who needs to charge a device.
When it comes to space, though, I have to say the Xpander has plenty. In fact, it is the roomiest amongst its competitors, and is only 5 mm shorter in terms of wheelbase compared to the Stargazer. It pays off in the third row, where my 175-centimeter frame can easily fit and can survive a long journey in a real 3rd row and not just for the sake of it. However, that’s where the positives end for me, because sadly, I was not impressed by the Xpander’s overall build quality and fit and finish. The materials used are passable, understandably filled with hard plastics and synthetic soft-touch materials, but it didn’t feel solidly built.
As I drove along, it rattled, creaked, and made different sounds depending on the surface it was being driven over. What makes it even more difficult for me is that the chassis, under chassis, and engine all feel solid, the powertrain and parts that make it a moving car all seem to have been built with 3rd world country roads in mind. Simply put, the body of the Xpander is the let-down, not the chassis, leading to a discombobulated driving feel in terms of quality.
However, the engine for me remains smooth and capable; the 141 Nm is ample enough, and the ride is actually very good, managing to feel solid but comfortable. After all, this is the brand that makes the logic-defyingly comfortable suspension for the Triton and Montero Sport. It also feels very light; the steering at any speed is consistent, making it easy to drive around the city, and the Xpander easily has the best visibility in the MPV class. The massive windows and thin pillars give you unobstructed views of your surroundings, something you want especially if you have your family with you.
Fuel economy is decent, and I mean just decent. In the city, during heavy traffic, it registers 6-7 km/L; lighter traffic brings it up to 10 km/L, highway can go up to 15 km/L. The truth is, the engine isn’t to blame here; it’s the ancient 4-speed automatic transmission. If this car came with a CVT, it would be much, much more frugal, as proven by the fact that the Stargazer I had a month was driven the same distance in the week I had it, without dropping a single bar of fuel. When the Xpander was picked up, it had 1 bar above half tank. Another interesting thing to take into account is that the Xpander has a 5-liter fuel capacity advantage over the Stargazer, yet it consumed more.
Yes, a CVT is boring and devoid of any feel, but for a family hauler, all you want is comfort, smoothness, and less fuel consumption, which is what a modern CVT is designed to provide. All my gripes aside, though, in the end, I completely understood why the Xpander reigns supreme.
Despite its high price of P 1,259,000 for the GLS, I still think it’s decently priced. That’s after considering that it costs P 50,000 more than the equivalent Stargazer and P 200,000 more than the top-end Avanza. It’s because the Xpander is fit for purpose from a brand that our country trusts. Let me explain, while Toyota remains number 1 in terms of sales, the Avanza’s overall experience is basic, bordering on “barren”, while the Stargazer suffers from the wild west days of Hyundai, where reliability and servicing were “spotty.”
Mitsubishi has never failed the Filipinos, and the Xpander is a very good middle-ground product. It lacks nothing, looks good, and is backed by a brand we have come to know and love. Another thing is I like that the Xpander is a common sight on our roads, it gives me peace of mind knowing that parts support will always be there, plus the “incognito” effect of being one of the many, not drawing any unwanted attention.
With Mitsubishi announcing hybrid production in the Philippines, it might be safe to assume the Xpander will get that electrified treatment. I can only hope Mitsubishi keeps it within reach of the average Filipino family, a customer base that is single-handedly keeping the brand at number 2 locally. In short, I still think the Stargazer is the best in class, but the Xpander is a very, very close second for me.
Words and Photos by Pablo Salapantan.
It was only number one because Toyota separates the Avanza and Veloz numbers (both are basically the exact same car, just like Xpander and Xpander Cross)
ReplyDeleteStill looks ore of the same. Just some minor cosmetic improvements. The older Xpander still look as fresh as new despite this refresh.
ReplyDeletePlease dont call the philipines a 3rd world country. Our category is developing industrialised country. Our GDP is 1.5T dollars. Thats nothing to scoff at. We are 30th highest economy in the world brating 140 other countries.
ReplyDeleteAgain our politicians is another issue.
Pinabango mo pa. Aanhin ang mga numero na yan kung di naman ramdam ng mga mamamayan ang asenso?
DeleteHala! Highest economy pala tayo? Bakit ang hirap ng buhay dito?
DeleteHindi naman ramdam yan ng mga Pilipino dahil ang taas ng consumer goods prices dito sa Pinas. Maniwala pa ako sa numbers nung Pnoy admin kasi affordable talaga mga consumer goods back then.
Deleteits the inequality, too few people controlling the economy and too many people living below poverty line. politicians living the high life 😖 many people living in poverty 😔
DeleteKaya kayo poor kasi internet kayo ng internet. Mag trabaho kayo bago kayo magreklamo.
DeleteAre we using the "fit for purpose" in terms of how the Top Gear trio used them?
ReplyDelete"a CVT is boring and devoid of any feel, but for a family hauler, all you want is comfort, smoothness, and less fuel consumption, which is what a modern CVT is designed to provide"
ReplyDeleteHow about reliability and maintenance cost of the cvt transmission or the entire car itself? Most car reviewers always forget about the ownership experience. They only scratch the surface as they only use the car for a few days.
Previously, Sir Uly published about cost of ownership of some car models, but haven't wrote such no-holds-barred reviews for the last few years.
By far the best car if you want an appliance. And that's not an insult, thats a compliment.
ReplyDeleteAn inefficient appliance LOL. It is the equivalent of buying a non-inverter aircon over inverter aircon (appropriate appliance metaphor)
DeleteOutdated and gas guzzler. Badly needs an all new model
ReplyDeleteXpander also has higher ground clearance.
ReplyDeleteFor ordinary Filipino families it’s more than enough.
ReplyDeleteMore like bare minimum.
DeletePilipinas lang nagagandahan sa Xpander.
ReplyDeleteThis. I like the ground clearance and the interior is ok na, feels wide inside compared to, say the BRV. Medyo matigas upuan on the 2nd row but decent aftermarket seat cover may help. The looks though, uhm, pass.
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