More rugged Mitsubishi Xpander Cross arrives in PH
Fans of the Mitsubishi Xpander that want something more rugged-looking need not look any further. After making its regional debut in Indonesia last year, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) is launching the 2023 Xpander Cross today.
Borrowing inspiration from its big brother the Montero Sport, the 2023 Xpander Cross looks bolder and more aggressive than ever. In addition, gets a refreshed look and comes with more equipment than its predecessor. Last but not least, Mitsubishi put more safety features for additional peace of mind.
The Xpander Cross gets new T-shaped LED headlights which were first seen on the standard Xpander. It also gets a unique front grille and sharper-looking LED daytime running lights that appear to seamlessly connect with the chrome garnishes. This further adds to the Montero Sport-inspired design of the updated Xpander Cross. Also receiving an update are the LED foglights which now feature a rectangular shape instead of the round ones from the pre-facelift model.
Changes to the side and rear of the Xpander Cross are subtle at best. However, we did notice it now comes with thinner overfenders, a new rear bumper design, and slightly revised LED T-shaped taillights.
Size-wise, the 2023 Xpander Cross now measures 4595mm long and 1790mm wide. This makes the MPV 95mm longer and 10mm narrower than the outgoing model. Height, on the other hand, has been retained at 1750mm. Ground clearance is rated at 225mm which is the same as a regular Xpander.
More inspiration from the Montero Sport can be found inside the 7-seater MPV. For starters, it gets a new four-spoke leather steering wheel that is clearly reminiscent of the one found in the midsize SUV. There's also a new 8-inch digital instrument panel that was also derived from the Montero Sport. Not only does it show the multi-info display, but it also features a digital tachometer, speedometer, and various vehicle data.
Infotainment inside the 2023 Xpander Cross comes in the form of a 7-inch touchscreen. It comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard which makes for seamless smartphone connectivity. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, and USB.
Other amenities present inside the 2023 Xpander are a digital air-conditioning system with max cool function, leather-wrapped seats finished in dark navy blue with heat guard technology, a leather-wrapped armrest, a rear cargo under-floor organizer, rear USB charging ports (Type-A and Type-C), a rear center armrest with integrated cupholders, and a rear under-seat tray below the front passenger seat.
Like the regular Xpander, the Xpander Cross is powered by the familiar 1.5-liter 4A91 four-cylinder MIVEC engine. It puts out 104.5 PS at 6000 rpm along with 141 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. No manual transmissions here as the Xpander Cross is only married to a 4-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels.
Standard safety features on the 2023 Xpander Cross include; anti-lock brakes, active stability & traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, an electronic parking brake, and cruise control for ease of highway driving. The MPV is now also equipped with Active Yaw Control (AYC) which electronically and intelligently guides and stabilizes the vehicle on sharp turns and on slippery roads.
“With the New Xpander Cross, they (customers) can comfortably and confidently go out and experience the scenic places of the Philippines. Hence our tagline: 'Cross the Current'. Where your family can expand horizons in comfort and style. It is as if you are crossing into a new world filled with memorable experiences,” said Takeshi Hara, president & CEO of MMPC.
The 2023 Xpander Cross starts at PHP 1.328 million when finished in Blade Silver Metallic or Graphite Gray. Opt for the two-tone Sunrise Orange Metallic, the price goes up to PHP 1.338 million (additional PHP 10,000). Last but not least is the Quartz White Pearl two-tone hue which further kicks up the sticker price to PHP 1.353 million (an extra PHP 25,000).