Mitsubishi Xpander Cross - First impression

The compact 7-seater MPV segment of our local auto industry is heating up as carmakers try to unseat the Honda BR-V. One of the rising stars for this compact SUV segment is the Mitsubishi Xpander. Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) just introduced another variant on their Xpander line up, the 2020 Xpander Cross. Positioned as the flagship model of the Xpander nameplate, the new Xpander Cross comes with the “Live Extra” tagline to highlight how Mitsubishi incorporated added style, comfort, safety, and space to its MPV offering to challenge Filipino families to take those extra adventures.

According to MMPC President and CEO Mr. Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, “The XPANDER is a very important nameplate to MMPC as it fits many of the vehicle requirements of Filipinos. It provides the reliable performance, spacious and comfortable interior, [a> host of safety features and a very bold design. Now with the entry of the XPANDER CROSS, its added features, we see renewed potential to the already successful Xpander nameplate.” MPC first vice president for Marketing and Sales Division, Alvin Dalida, adds “with the tagline 'Live Extra' the Xpander Cross challenges Filipino families to break away from the regular work-to-home routine and live life to the fullest. Now with class-leading high ground clearance and robust design, the Xpander Cross enables its owners to explore more adventurous terrains."

With that in mind, let’s see how impressive the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross truly is in this in-depth look of the car both inside and out.

Extra stylish exteriors

The new 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is more robust and rugged. Reflecting on the design cues of the new Montero Sport, the Xpander Cross boast of a new front grille and bumper design under the Dynamic Shield styling. The Daylight running lights are not integrated on the headlights but placed separately on top near the hood. The stacked headlights get a new design and for the proper SUV look, front fog lights are also added. A protective skidplate is likewise installed on the bottom part of the front bumper. For a more robust look, there are new fender arch mouldings coupled with side body garnish. On top are new roof rails and shark fin antenna for a proper modern SUV look. At the back are roof spoiler with integrated stop lamp, new LED combination taillights, and matching rear garnish. The Cross rides on a set of 17- inch dual tone 5- spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 205/ 55 R17 tires. The Xpander Cross is available in four exclusive colors: Sunrise Orange, Quartz White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Graphite Gray.

Extra space and comfortable interior

For the interior cabin, the Xpander Cross would remind you of the inside of the Montero Sport when it comes to the dashboard set up and center gearbox area. There’s the tilt-and-telescopic adjustable multi-function steering wheel; keyless start-stop engine; and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Bluetooth, navigation, and mirror link feature, all set in a two-tone ergonomically-designed dashboard. One of the more outstanding features inside is connectivity. There are 12V power sockets on every row of the Cross. This means that whether you are seated in the front, middle, or third row, you can juice up your phone or gadgets.

Another striking feature of this Mitsubishi MPV is the storage spaces scattered throughout the cabin to keep your things organized. There’s a cellphone holder at the center console, center console box, under the chair shoe cubby on the front passenger seat, seat back pockets on the front passenger and driver seat, underfloor luggage storage at the rear, and cup holders scattered throughout the vehicle. Lastly, the interior size of the cabin— 1,411 mm wide and 2,840 mm length ensures that all 7 passengers are seated comfortably on the two-tone leather seats— at least for the front and second row passengers. Plus, the seats can be folded and reconfigured depending on the passenger and or cargo needs.

How about performance?

Powering the Xpander Cross is a 1.5- liter in-line 4 DOHC 16-valve with MIVEC engine that delivers 103 Hp of power at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This is the same engine that powers the rest of the Xpander line up so don’t think that you’ll get better performance. However, the impressive fuel efficiency and high ground clearance (225mm) model which is best of its class, makes this flagship model of the Xpander a versatile vehicle that can take you to the paved roads of the metro all the way to rougher terrains as you seek your family adventure. The suspension system is a combination of a MacPherson strut with coil spring and stabilizer on the front and torsion beam at the rear. While the braking system is handled by 15-inch ventilated discs up front and nine-inch leading and trailing drum brakes at the rear with the 10-inch master vacuum brake booster.

Global standard safety

When it comes to active and passive safety and driver-assist features, the Xpander Cross specs sheet is fully loaded. After all, we want to get the safest car for our family. Some of these features include:

• Driver and front passenger SRS airbags
• 3 pt. ELR seatbelts on all three rows
• Active stability control
• Traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
• ISOFIX
• Tether anchors
• Emergency stop signal system

How much is the new Xpander Cross?

The 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is priced at Php 1.255 million. The Cross is over a hundred thousand more expensive than the previous top-of-the-line Xpander GLS that carries a price tag of Php 1.13 million.

Bottom line

In terms of power and engine capabilities, don’t expect the Cross to perform much better than the rest of the Xpander lineup as these siblings share the same engine specs. Plus, just like in all 7-seater MPV, despite the claimed interior cabin length, it’s still a tight squeeze for those sitting on the third row with such narrow leg space. But if you think that the price justifies the higher ground clearance, updated exterior, and the additional safety features, then the Xpander Cross is still an affordable, versatile MPV pick.