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March 2, 2018

2018 Mitsubishi Xpander vs Honda Mobilio vs Honda BR-V vs Toyota Avanza


Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has just released their much-awaited Xpander MPV. Dubbed as the next-generation MPV, the Xpander combines the best attributes of a compact MPV with the design cues of a compact SUV.

Though you can try out the all-new Xpander for yourself at MMPC’s Xpander Xpo and you can also read our in-depth coverage of its launch (including its full brochure), naturally we just had to pit it against some of its potential rivals. Here, we compare the Xpander versus the Honda Mobilio and BR-V as well as the Toyota Avanza. We discounted the Suzuki Ertiga because it’s powered by a smaller displacement engine. We can certainly do another comparison in the future, but for now, it’s just the 1.5-liter MPV/SUVs.

You can check the full table below (it’s high-res, so you can right-click and Save As) , but here are some interesting takeaways:

The Mitsubishi Xpander is class-leading in terms of size. It’s slightly longer, wider, and taller than the next biggest choice, the Honda BR-V. It also trounces everyone else in terms of wheelbase and ground clearance.

In terms of curb weight, it’s certainly on the portlier side with the lightest Xpander tipping the scales already at 1,220 kilograms. And that could potentially dampen its on-road performance given its 1.5-liter MIVEC-equipped 4-cylinder engine touts run-of-the-mill figures. It does match the Avanza for having the biggest fuel tank in its class, but it’ll likely need it to eek out the extra range given it uses a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

The suspension set-up is the same for all these choices (Independent MacPherson Struts upfront and rear Torsion Beam Axle), however, the Xpander does benefit from high-performance shock absorber valves which are derived, supposedly, from the Lancer Evolution X. Whether that will give spirited handling is best left for another story, it does have a tight turning circle of 5.2 meters (the BR-V is unwieldly at 5.6 meters).

Feature-wise, the Xpander is well-equipped for the price. While it’s not the cheapest in this price range, it’s certainly not the most expense either. And yet, it’s fitted with comfort-oriented features such as a tilt/telescopic steering column (class-exclusive). It’s also the most generous in terms of infotainment system and speaker count (it’s got 6).

When MMPC said they’ll shake up the small MPV market with the Xpander, they’ve clearly delivered on this front. All it takes now is a proper drive to find out how well it performs.

41 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Battle of the 3rd world 7 seater wannabe crossovers.

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    2. really sir ... there's no need for comments like these... just don't buy one if you don't like it. Don't even read articles like this if you're not even interested.

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    3. well... he/she's got a point there. they are MPV that are really trying hard to be crossovers. And they are catered/created for ASEAN countries only (most countries in Asia are true to be 3rd world countries). So don't take it to personal.

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  2. They are MPVs, not crossovers. Go move to a developed nation if you cannot bear seeing these vehicles.

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    Replies
    1. I think you don't know what wannabe means.

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  3. Im surprised, 4 speed lang talaga xpander? Parang fuzion lang na facelifted

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  4. Cheap third world eco cars

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    1. then you dont belong here.

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    2. I have an Avanza 1.5G and a Mobilio 1.5V. Avanza wins on height, but the Mobilio is a better driving experience thanks to CVT and stronger aircon. 4AT hirap sa highway.

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    3. And sliding 2nd row seats for Mobilio.

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  5. Tsk tsk Ang daming Langaw dito na nakatungtong sa ibabaw ng Kalabaw..if i know gusto nila ang Pilipinas kasi sa ibang bansa hindi sila makapagnakaw.

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. It's the best looking of all. That's for sure. And everything is bigger so there's no comparison. If this was a diesel they will all die.

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    1. ^Cant fit a diesel... perhaps the engine bay is too small...

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  8. WTH! 7 seaters tapos 2 lang airbags? Tapos P1 million+?

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  9. Kulang lang sa category: Chevrolet Spin, Nissan Grand Livinia, Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Rush.

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  10. Toyota Avanza? the Filipinos still buying that Junk?

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  11. I see so much negative comments, here are the possibilities...

    1. They are too bitter that they can't even afford a Wigo or an Eon which is why they keep on nagging here.

    2. They have a luxury car, but this is not a viable reason since at least 9/10 of the people i know that have luxury cars don't speak this way.

    So it's 1!!!! Hahaha!

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    1. I have both a Wigo and a Lexus NX200t and other cars as well. For me the Xpander, BR-V and even the upcoming Rush are nice vehicles even though they’re not available in North America and Europe. They serve the markets where they are available very well. To be honest, the Rush is on my shopping list as well after the purchase of another Lexus model and a luxury SUV later this year

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  12. I am a Pinoy pero I do agree with what u said plus why does the Xpander looks overly designed like it's trying hard to look good tsktsk

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  13. Mt siguro dapat dito sa mga new people carriers. 4at is ok for subcompact sedan but not for 100hp people carriers laden with 7 people

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  14. Toyota Innova is a better buy. 4AT w/ 1.5L gasoline engine is a no no for a 7 seater.

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  15. The BR-V's iVTEC (more horsepower and torque) and CVT make it better.

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  16. I think the negative comments are unwarranted. Test drove most of these and they quite decent. Think of these as a better replacement for old school AUVs, perfect for school runs but just barely passable for a long packed road trip.

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    Replies
    1. Actually the Mobilio can go on a long packed roadtrip. Took mine to La Union for 4 days with 7 adults. No complaints from my passengers and only spent 1k on gas. People dont even test drive because they’re so quick to judge.

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  17. I think this will be the next battleground in the auto industry. In Indonesia these are the best sellers. Sa taas ng presyo ng Innova baka maging parang Altis yan at Vios na lang ang mabenta.

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  18. Hi, which among these 7-seaters are Euro-4 compliant?

    Also, could you do an article listing all Euro-4 compliant vehicles (similar to the car price list)? I mean, instead of prices for each car in the list, you could indicate if Euro-4 or not..

    Thanks

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    1. I know the Mobilio is euro 4 compliant, but im pretty sure all cars sold now have to be compliant.

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    2. It's easy to make the engines of these Turd World vehicles Euro 4 compliant, they just detune them until it passes the emission standards. It's what Isuzu, Toyota, Honda have been doing for their diesel vehicles.

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    3. I dont know whats your problem with these cars. Just because they’re not sold in 1st world countries doesnt mean they’re bad.

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    4. Raise your standards kiddo. That way manufacturers won't disrespect you and treat you like a poor man all the time...

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    5. So basically if I dont own a Mercedes, Bmw or any other luxury car that not everyone can afford even in other countries im a poor person who buys cars that automatically bad because they’re not sold in 1st world countries. Wtf is this logic.

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  19. The Mit Expander is like steroids on wheels. It's too big for its displacement and the wheels are quite small. However, the interiors look nice.

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  20. I like the fact that you can fold the rear seats. It expands the space.
    Xpander vs Innova...hmm

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  21. underrated masyado ang mobilio at ertiga parating wala sa choices. pag comparison battle parati nalang xpander vs rush vs brv vs avanza... pero para sakin price point pinaka the best ang mobilio dahil sa fuel efficiency at strong engine at strong aircon, di ka bibiguin especially kapag fully loaded yung sasakyan.. altough kulang lang talaga sa height at ground clearance ang mobilio pero i think dinesign nila ito na parang sedan/wagon 7seater

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  22. I own a mobilio and Im not really bothered when people tell me i bought a cheap car. It was my first car which I had when I was just 22, without the help of my parents.
    I was able to provide myself a car that serves its purpose, a condo unit, and a house at 25 while still paying for personal insurance.
    You call it cheap, I call it frugal��

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  23. mao daghan bagyo ga agi sa pilipinas ky daghannnn kau hangin...mahimong hanginan

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  24. If you are born rich its not your fault just like the poor its not their fault also...buying a cheap car is not bad at all as long its a hard earned money.

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  25. Mga boss,ask ko lng kung ano b s dalawa and d best for road trips?got 2 kids in tow..xpander po o brv?akyat s norte..

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