When Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) launched the updated Xpander last year, one variant of the venerable nameplate was missing – the Xpander Cross. That’s because even in its home country in Indonesia, the refreshed Cross wasn’t available then.
Now that the facelifted model got introduced, it’s high time that MMPC gets its share of the top-spec Xpander for yearning Filipino buyers.
Thankfully, I got to test the 2023 Xpander Cross before its official launch. There are added features that were missing before, but for the most part, the model builds upon the revere and greatness of the standard Xpander. And then some.
A proper refresh
The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has a familiar silhouette, similar to the previous version. However, it includes a number of new features that give it a more adventurous appearance. The front of the new Xpander Cross features the familiar Dynamic Shield front fascia, which is also present on the standard Xpander. The vehicle also has sharp-looking LED daytime running lights and T-shaped tri-projector LED cluster headlamps. A new feature on the front of the vehicle is a thin strip of black colored plastic that extends from the grille to the cladding, giving the vehicle a beefier stance. The front bumper is also more prominent, adding depth to the vehicle’s overall front end.
One of the unique style updates found on the 2023 Xpander Cross is a set of 17-inch polished alloy wheels – an improvement over the outgoing model’s. The vehicle also features square-shaped wheel arches, giving it more presence than its standard Mitsubishi MPV sibling. Of note, the outgoing Xpander Cross had rounder wheel arches.
The rear of the new Xpander Cross has the same overall shape and updates as the standard Xpander, but it sports a more appealing rear bumper as well as a new tailgate garnish.
Most of the vehicle’s dimensions remain the same, except for the longer body due to the updated front and rear bumpers. Ground clearance is also retained at 225mm, which is the same as the standard Xpander. More on this later.
We swear it’s blue
The 2023 Xpander Cross has a similar interior layout as the standard Xpander, but it includes exclusive trims to give it added style. The gauge cluster is now an eight-inch LCD digital meter set, which provides better legibility and makes the dashboard appear more modern and premium. The interior has a blue color scheme. While blue isn’t exactly the best color for a cabin, I’m giving the faint, non-striking hue a pass in my books.
The Xpander Cross also features a new steering wheel, which is similar to the one on the Montero Sport and is more modern and comfortable to grip. The seating in the second and third rows is comfortable, with ample headroom and legroom. The second row can accommodate up to three individuals, and the third row also provides ample room for legs and heads for those with average heights. Stowing cargo is made easy thanks to a flat-folding second and third row and a hidden cargo compartment in the trunk.
Not brimming but more than enough
The updated Xpander Cross comes equipped with a variety of tech and safety features. A standout feature is a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to stay connected to the web.
Additionally, the vehicle has a variety of safety features such as dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, and hill-start assist. The updated Xpander Cross also includes an active yaw control system, which is unique to this model (not available in the standard Xpander and the outgoing Xpander Cross) and helps the vehicle stay stable during cornering and braking.
Drives like a standard Xpander – and that’s a good thing
The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is powered by the same 1.5-liter 4A91 inline-4 gasoline engine that is also found in the updated 2023 Xpander. It can produce 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, and is paired with a four-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. This contrasts the Indonesia-spec Xpander Cross which utilizes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for better fuel economy. The four-speed automatic gearbox on the Xpander Cross is responsive during abrupt acceleration and maneuvers, which should be great for those who want a responsive people-hauler.
With the same ground clearance and mechanical bits, the handling also feels the same to the updated 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander, with minimal body roll and direct steering. Noise, vibrations, and harshness (NVH) levels are present but not too jarring. The Xpander Cross also handles well on rough roads and inclines, even with maximum occupancy.
However, I wasn’t able to test the new Active Yaw Control feature as the testing situation dictated, but that’s actually something you wouldn’t want to use but you’ll feel thankful to have. Fuel efficiency was also something I can’t report on given the brevity of our testing period.
Why buy?
With the advantage of having a higher ground clearance than a regular Xpander taken out of the equation, why buy an Xpander Cross? Well, the appeal of the refreshed Xpander Cross targets those who want individuality in their vehicles and those who want to customize. Those who aspire to own an SUV but are not yet ready to jump the gun and buy a midsize model riding on a pickup platform can also turn their attention to this refreshed version. It’s also not as cumbersome to drive as midsize SUVs and far more comfortable, too, so there’s that.
At P1,328,000 for the monotone variant and an additional P10,000 for the Orange two-tone (P25,000 more for the Pearl White), the Xpander Cross fits in an interesting price point, which is striking distance from entry-level midsize SUVs but nears some pickup truck models. If you want a robust model for true off-roading, then this is not the model you should be looking at.
Just a reminder, the Xpander Cross is still a non-SUV for SUV lovers, which should tell you to not bring this car on hardcore off-road sessions.
