Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
A little over a week after Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) introduced the upgraded Mitsubishi Xpander model lineup on August 29, 2025, I found myself behind the wheel of a 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, the very same model displayed during the launch at the SM Mall of Asia, for a week-long test drive. Some of my colleagues in the motoring media have driven the upgraded Xpander a week prior to the launch and all of them had only good things to say and write about Mitsubishi’s 7-seat multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). After all, the Xpander is the best-selling 7-seat MPV in the country today.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. officers led by President & CEO Ritsu Imaeda (center) launched the “Level Up” 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander model lineup at SM MOA on August 29, 2025. We’re pretty sure that’s our Xpander Cross test unit at the right.
The Xpander debuted more than seven years ago in March 2018 as the replacement for the aging Mitsubishi Adventure Asian utility vehicle (AUV). It was initially available in GLX, GLX Plus, GLS and GLS Sport variants. Two years later in March 2020, Mitsubishi updated the Xpander and launched the Xpander Cross, which replaced the GLS Sport variant. The Xpander Black Series was unveiled in November 2021 and the facelifted model was unveiled in March 2022. The 2026 Xpander “Level Up” model lineup is the second facelift of this hugely popular MPV.
Seven years ago, MMPC officers made an “X” with their arms to signify the Xpander during its innovative debut in March 2018.
We also had the privilege of getting behind the wheel of a 2023 Xpander Cross media test drive unit two years ago.
If It Ain’t Broke…
Thankfully, Mitsubishi subscribes to the old “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” adage. Since its introduction, the Xpander has been known for its sporty futuristic exterior, spacious and versatile interior, standard safety features, and strong reliable performance. The updated Xpander lineup continues with these positive attributes and simply sharpened its good looks and added more safety features. Our 2026 Xpander Cross added even more pizzazz to provide an invigorating driving experience for the driver and a pleasant riding experience for the passengers.
Our Quartz Pearl White with black roof 2026 Xpander Cross test drive unit retains the SUV-like good looks expected of it.
The 2026 version retains the 5-door MPV functionality of the original that we all know and love.
As a 7-seat MPV designed for families, the Xpander Cross offers versatile seating configuration for all three rows. With all seats upright, the trunk can accommodate around 150 dry liters for small bags, groceries, or our cats’ folding stroller. With the 50:50 split-folding third-row seats folded, there’s around 495 dry liters to accommodate bigger bags and boxes, plus my mom’s folding wheel chair. With both the second- and third-row seats folded, there’s a large, flat 1,600-liter cargo deck that can carry larger items, such as two bicycles for me and my wife, or some materials that we need for a home renovation project.
With all the seats up, there’s 150 dry liters of cargo space behind the 3rd row. Folding the 3rd row increases the cargo capacity to 495 dry liters.
The flexible seating arrangement allows the mixture of long items and passenger seats. Folding the 3rd and 2nd rows increases the cargo hold to 1,600 dry liters.
Under the trunk behind the 3rd row, there’s a storage space for “wet” items such as umbrellas or wet shoes.
Thoughtful Interior Design
Aside from comfort and luxury, Mitsubishi engineers and designers “leveled up” this sporty family MPV to provide a pleasant overall driving and riding experience. The controls around the ergonomic cockpit are all within easy reach with buttons for the audio, infotainment system and cruise controls mounted on the 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, which is tilt and telescopic adjustable. A new 8-inch LCD instrument cluster display provides clear easy-to-read info while a large 10-inch infotainment touchscreen display with Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Audio resides at the center of the dash.
Cockpit is ergonomic and comfortable for long drives. The two-tone burgundy-and-black leather seats add a touch of class to this family MPV.
From the driver’s seat, there’s a commanding view of the road ahead. 8-inch LCD instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen display offer easy-to-read driving information.
The 360° view monitor makes the driver aware of his/her surroundings to ensure driving safety.
The front bucket seats are amply bolstered and cushioned while the bottom of the front passenger seat features a pull-out drawer to keep small valuable stuff away from prying eyes. There’s also a hidden compartment under the rear trunk floor that’s useful for storing small items or separating the wet items from your other belongings. Our Xpander Cross also offers a lot of storage areas, such as cup holders, door pockets, seatback pockets, and other thoughtful cubby holes. Best of all, its burgundy-and-black premium leather interior provides this MPV with a luxury SUV vibe and feel.
Front passenger seat has a pull-out drawer underneath (inset) to store items that you may want to hide like a bag, gun or pair of extra expensive shoes.
2nd row seats have recline and fore-and-aft adjustment, 60/40 folding backrests, folding center armrest with cupholders, and USB charging outlets.
There’s easy access to the 3rd row seats, which have 50/50 folding backrests.
Sporty Exterior Design
Mitsubishi designers leveled-up the familiar exterior of the Xpander Cross with a sporty, dynamic and sophisticated look. The signature Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design is enhanced with a new bold grille that features structured mesh in a large trapezoidal outline. The updated and sharper daytime running lights (DRL), LED headlights and driving lights provide the Xpander Cross with a tougher look while the front and rear bumpers with vertical guards add a robust, protective stance.
Our 2026 Xpander Cross features a new grille, DRLs, and bumpers with vertical guards to project a tougher, more robust facade.
Squint your eyes and, from this view, the Xpander Cross looks more like an SUV than an MPV.
Viewed from the side, the 2026 version still retains the familiar 2-box 5-door modern MPV design that many Mitsubishi Xpander owners know and love. Our Xpander Cross retains the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body shell, 4.6-meter length, 1.8-meter width, 1.75-meter height and 2.8-meter wheelbase, and enhances it with the recent updates, err… leveled-up features. New 17-inch 9-spoke 5-lug two-one alloy aluminum wheels are shod in meaty 205/55R17 Bridgestone Ecopia tires that provide excellent road holding capabilities for this 7-seat family mover. Its 225-millimeter ground clearance allows the Xpander Cross to ease through various road conditions as it blurs the line between MPV and SUV.
From the side, the Xpander Cross is the same familiar 2-box 5-door midsize MPV that has found thousands of loyal and loving owners.
All 2026 Xpanders are built using Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) rigid body shell.
Rally-Bred Safety Feature
Mitsubishi Motors raced in World Rally Championships with their factory-backed Lancer Evolution race cars not just to win trophies and global recognition, but to test the components that will eventually find their way into customers’ vehicles. Aside from the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system, Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and other safety features developed from various racing competition, our Xpander Cross is now equipped with Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control (AYC) stability-enhancing system.
Pop quiz, hot shot: Aside from the Mitsubishi triple diamond emblem, what does our Xpander Cross have in common with the race-winning Lancer Evolution models?
Answer: Our Xpander Cross features the Active Yaw Control (AYC) traction system derived from the Lancer Evo.
AYC works by controlling the driving and braking forces between the front and rear wheels to improve stability, traction and cornering performance. Using electronic sensors and a torque transfer mechanism to direct torque and apply individual wheel braking, AYC functions like a limited-slip differential to suppress changes in yaw angles. Simply put, AYC makes driving smoother and more confident, especially in slippery, wet or curved conditions, like when driving in the rain around a fast corner. Without divulging much information (and avoiding a Show Cause Order from LTO), let’s just say that at one point during our test drive, I was so glad that our Xpander Cross is equipped with AYC.
Active Yaw Control (AYC) makes driving around a curve smoother, safer and more confident, especially in slippery, wet or low traction conditions.
AYC helped us steer away from a slippery and particularly tricky fast bend and keep our Xpander Cross in pristine, like-new condition.
There’s a lot more that I’d like to point out about the “leveled-up” Xpander Cross but it will be too long and too technical that my inner Engineer will overrule the Writer/Editor in me and hijack this entire story. Let’s just say that for you, our dear readers, to fully appreciate the 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, and the rest of the “leveled-up” Xpander model lineup, it would be much better to go to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer and arrange a test drive. After the test dive, I’m pretty sure that like me, you’ll be looking if your available funds are enough to park the “best-selling 7-seat MPV” in your garage. To those who can immediately afford to do so, I envy you.
It’s easy to see why the Xpander Cross attracts drivers who want a sporty yet practical and fuel-efficient family car.
Specifications
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, FWD, 5-door 7-seat midsize MPV
Price: P1,378,000
Engine: 4A491 inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16V MIVEC
Displacement: 1,499 cc
Maximum power: 105 PS (103 hp) @ 6,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 141 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 2,775 mm
Length: 4,595 mm
Width: 1,790 mm
Height: 1,750 mm
Cargo capacity: 131/502/1575 L
Minimum ground clearance: 225 mm
Turning radius: 5.2 m
Gross vehicle weight: 1,840 kg
Curb weight: 1,275 kg
Front suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts with stabilizer
Rear suspension: Torsion beam
Front brakes: Ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: Drum
Steering system: Rack and pinion with electric assistance (EPAS)
Wheels: 17-inch two-tone alloys
Tires: 205/55R17
Safety systems:
ASC – Active Stability Control
TCS – Traction Control System
AYC – Active Yaw Control
HSA – Hill Start Assist
