Mitsubishi Xpander

Model Overview

The Mitsubishi Xpander is an entry-level seven-seater MPV by Mitsubishi Motors, making its global debut in 2017. Geared primarily towards global emerging markets led by Southeast Asia, it quickly became a segment favourite courtesy of its practical seven-seater layout, accessible price tag, and rugged crossover styling. In 2021, the Xpander received its first facelift; in mid-2025, Mitsubishi rolled out a second facelift in the Indonesian market. As of June 2026, the overseas line-up has expanded to include pure petrol, hybrid electric (HEV), and the more ruggedly styled Xpander Cross variants. The model is currently not officially offered in the Chinese mainland market.

In overseas markets, the 2025 Xpander retails between IDR 270 million and IDR 337 million in Indonesia (approximately RM120,000 to RM150,000); the 2026 Xpander HEV starts from THB 939,000 in Thailand (approximately RM185,000).

Design Language

Exterior-wise, the Xpander sports Mitsubishi's signature  Dynamic Shield front fascia, lending it a commanding, SUV-inspired stance. The split headlamp cluster integrates seamlessly with the sleek, three-slat radiator grille, giving it immediate road presence. Muscular body lines paired with a generous ride height deliver an adventurous edge far beyond conventional MPV proportions.

The 2025 facelift retained the core silhouette while introducing subtle styling tweaks, including revised grille finishes and refreshed front and rear bumpers. The Xpander Cross variant gains a more rugged, off-road-inspired aesthetic with chunky bumper claddings and bespoke alloy wheels. In terms of dimensions, the 2026 Xpander measures 4,595 mm long, 1,750 mm wide, and 1,750 mm tall, with a 2,775 mm wheelbase and 205 mm of ground clearance. Inside, the 2025 facelift adopts the fresh three-spoke steering wheel seen on the Triton pick-up, alongside an upgraded 8-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 10-inch infotainment display.

Powertrain and Performance

The Xpander is available with both petrol and hybrid electric (HEV) powertrain options:

• Petrol Variant: Powered by a 1.5-litre 4A91 four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, pushing out 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels (FWD) via a CVT (a 4-speed automatic in selected markets) or a 5-speed manual gearbox. Drive layout is front-engine, front-wheel drive.

• Hybrid Electric Variant (HEV): The hybrid iteration introduced in 2026 combines a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with an electric motor. The 1.6-litre unit (codenamed 4A92) develops 95 PS and 134 Nm of torque, while the electric motor delivers 116 PS and 255 Nm, drawing power from a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery.

The HEV variant comes with seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, Charge, and EV.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Xpander rides on a setup consisting of front MacPherson struts with an anti-roll bar and a rear torsion beam. Stopping power is managed by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear. A tight 5.2-metre turning radius on the petrol variant makes navigating tight urban confines a breeze. The hybrid variant further benefits from Active Yaw Control (AYC) , which applies light braking to the inner wheels to elevate cornering poise and tracking accuracy.

Cabin and Amenities

Step inside, and the 2026 Xpander HEV greets occupants with black synthetic leather upholstery highlighted by copper accents. The driver’s seat features height adjustment, while the steering column offers tilt and telescopic adjustability.

As a genuine seven-seater, modular cabin flexibility remains the Xpander’s biggest draw card: the second-row seats feature a 40:20:40 split-fold with slide and tumble functions, while the third-row seats split 50:50 and feature reclining backrests. The 2025 facelift further introduced a centre headrest and built-in cup holders on the second-row centre armrest. Storage cubbies abound throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets and discreet underfloor luggage trays. Infotainment duties are handled by a 10-inch touchscreen system complete with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety kit varies across markets and model years. Early units secured a four-star safety rating in ASEAN NCAP crash tests. Post-2025 facelift, the range-topping grade saw its airbag count bumped from 2 to 6. The hybrid (HEV) variant fits 6 airbags as standard alongside advanced driving aids like Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) .

Crucially, as of June 2026, the entire Xpander range still lacks Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and equivalent Level 2 ADAS features, leaving it a step behind several direct rivals in both active and passive safety. On the baseline front, standard safety kit includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and ABS.

Market Track Record and Verdict

The Xpander stands as one of Mitsubishi Motors’ crowning commercial achievements globally. In Vietnam, the MPV clocked 19,891 deliveries in 2025 to retain the country's top-selling ICE vehicle crown for the third year running, leading its B-segment MPV class for seven consecutive years; in April 2026, it recorded another 1,273 registrations in the country. In Malaysia, cumulative sales have crossed the 50,000-unit milestone, cementing its position as the nation's best-selling non-national MPV for five consecutive years. Over in the Philippines, the Xpander chalked up 28,081 units in 2025, while in Indonesia, it clinched sixth place on the overall national sales charts in 2024.

All in all, the Mitsubishi Xpander has carved out an enviable niche across Southeast Asian emerging markets on the back of its bold crossover silhouette, versatile seven-seat packaging, competitive price point, and bulletproof mechanicals. Its fiercest rival remains the Toyota Veloz in the entry-level seven-seater arena. That said, its glaring omission of advanced active safety systems like AEB and the staggered rollout of hybrid power in selected markets will prove challenging as competition within the segment heats up.