Mitsubishi Xpander: Which is better, manual or automatic?

Mitsubishi Xpander is a 7-seater MPV that was introduced in our shores back in 2018. It was marketed by Mitsubishi as a fuel-efficient, family vehicle with a sharp-enough design that could fit just about any lifestyle.

The Dynamic Shield design on the front fascia, bumper-embedded headlights and the overall styling of the Xpander will make you do a double-take cause it can sometimes be mistaken for a Montero Sport. The Xpander is offered in four variants—one manual and three automatic: GLX 1.5G Manual, GLX Plus 1.5G AT, GLS 1.5G 2WD AT, and GLS Sport 1.5G 2WD AT. So which variant is best suited for you? Let’s find out by looking at what separates the manual from the automatic models besides the transmission.

Mitsubishi Xpander engine & specs

Mitsubishi Xpander specs sheet come with the same 4A91 1.5- liter in-line 4 DOHC 16-valve with MIVEC diesel engine for all models that deliver 105 hp of maximum power at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and are mated to either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. All Xpander also has 45 liters fuel tank capacity and an electronic controlled multi-point injection (ECI-MULTI) fuel system.

Other general specifications that are similar across all Xpander variants are:

Dimensions
Overall Length	4,475 mm
Overall Width	1,750 mm
Wheelbase	2,775 mm
Tread (front/rear)	1,520/ 1,510
Interior length	2,840
Interior width	1,411
Gross vehicle weight	1,780 kg

The difference comes in terms of overall height with the automatic variants at 1,700 mm which is 5 mm higher than the manual version. The minimum ground clearance for automatic is also 5 mm higher at 205 while the manual variant is at 200 mm. The curb weight for the GLS and GLS Sport is at 1,240 kg; the GLX Plus is at 1,235 kg; while the GLX is at 1,220 kg.

Mitsubishi Xpander safety

In terms of passive and active safety features and driver-assist systems, the Xpander has the essentials to truly make it a family-friendly vehicle.

Features	Manual	Automatic
Front SRS Airbags	YES	YES
3 pt. ELR Seatbelts	YES	YES
Active Stability Control (ASC)	NO	YES
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)	YES	YES
Cruise Control	YES	YES
Hill Start Assist (HSA)	NO	YES
ISOFIX	YES	YES
Traction Control (TCL)	NO	YES
Tether Anchors	YES	YES
GPS Navigation	NO	YES

 

ASC, TCL, and HAS are available only on the GLS Sport variant but all automatic variants are equipped with GPS navigation.

Mitsubishi Xpander features

Other notable specs and features of the Mitsubishi Xpander are:

Features	Manual	Automatic
Brakes (front/rear)	Disc/Drum	Disc/Drum
Tires	185/65 R15	205/55 R16
Wheels	15-inch x 5.5J Alloy	16-inch x 6.5J Two-tone Alloy
Gear Type	Rack and Pinion	Rack and Pinion
Power Steering	Electronic- type	Electronic- type
Steering Wheel	Multi-function leather-wrapped	Multi-function Urethane

 

In terms of the infotainment system, the GLS and GLS Sport trim comes standard with 6-speakers including 2 tweeters, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity with mirror link, and the basic 2 DIN tuner, USB and Aux-in ports. The only difference on the GLX Plus is it has a smaller touchscreen at 6.9-inch and is only equipped with 4 speakers. The basic GLX MT, on the other hand, has the basic 2 DIN tuner, USB and Aux-in ports only and 4 speakers.

 

Mitsubishi Xpander colors

The Mitsubishi Xpander comes in 5 color variants:

• Titanium Gray
• Jet Black Mica
• Sterling Silver Metallic
• Quartz White Pearl
• Red Metallic

The Quarts White Pearl is exclusive to automatic trims while the Red Metallic is solely available to the GLS and GLS Sport variant.

In terms of accessories, the top trim GLS Sport comes standard with front, side, and rear air dams which is an add-on option to other variants. Other genuine accessories available for more porma are:

• Muffler cutter
• Door mirror cover
• Hood emblem
• Luggage mat

Mitsubishi Xpander prices

The price range for the Mitsubishi Xpander is quite affordable for an MPV as compared to buying an SUV with the same seating capacity as the Mitsubishi Montero.

Variant	Suggested Retail Price
GLX 1.5G 2WD MT	Php 999,000
GLX Plus 1.5G 2WD AT	Php 1.08 million
GLS 1.5G 2WD AT	Php 1.11 million
GLS Sport 1.5G 2WD AT	Php 1.18 million

This multipurpose vehicle has a starting price of Php 999,000 for the GLX MT while the automatic variants are at the Php 1.08 million to Php 1.18 million price range. In essence, just by adding Php 80,000 to the price of the GLX MT, you can already have a GLX Plus AT or Php 111,000 more and you get the GLS AT. This can be translated to an additional Php 7,000 or Php 20,000 on the down payment and a mere Php 1,000 to Php 2,000 more on monthly amortization for a 60-month term.

Verdict

When it comes to choosing between manual or automatic, it all comes down to personal preference. If you are more comfortable with a manual transmission and are price conscious, then you might reason out that with the same engine specs with virtually the same specs with the other AT mid variant, the entry-level GLX MT would be a good option. But if you are someone who is used to driving a manual, then adding a few thousand pesos will already get you an automatic.

However, if you are getting an automatic and if your budget is quite flexible, it is best to go with the GLS Sport model. Not only does it have all the basic safety features, but it also comes with the most features and accessories. After all, compared to its closest rival, the Toyota Rush also comes with the same price range at Php 968,000 to Php 1.1 million (but with a gasoline engine).

Also Read: Mitsubishi Xpander - Key highlights