In the Philippines, few vehicles have captured the family car market quite like the Mitsubishi Xpander. Practical, stylish, and reliable, it has become a go-to choice for many. The Xpander Cross takes the same formula and adds SUV-inspired styling, higher ground clearance, and upgraded suspension. Living in Cainta, I had the chance to take the latest Xpander Cross from the east side of Metro Manila, through NLEX and all the way up TPLEX with the full load of 6 passengers. It proved to be a true test of what this MPV-SUV crossover can do.
Design: 4/5
The Xpander Cross is one of the best-looking vehicles in its class. The Dynamic Shield grille, T-shaped LED headlights, and bold bumper design give it a confident, SUV-like stance. The raised ride height, skid plate accents, and 17-inch alloy wheels add to its rugged charm. In Cainta’s narrow streets, the size feels manageable, yet on the highway, it looks substantial enough to hold its own among larger vehicles.
Inside, the Xpander Cross strikes a balance between durability and comfort. The leather-like seats with quilted patterns look premium and are easy to clean, perfect for family use. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, anchored by an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All three rows feel usable, with the second row offering plenty of legroom and the third row accommodating adults for shorter trips. With all six passengers on board, there was still enough space in the back for a couple of medium-sized bags.
Hardware: 4.5/5
Powering the Xpander Cross is a 1.5-liter MIVEC gasoline engine with 105hp and 141Nm of torque, paired with a CVT. While not the most powerful in its segment, the engine is tuned for smooth, consistent delivery rather than raw acceleration. Around town, the CVT makes stop-and-go driving easy, and on NLEX, the engine had no trouble cruising at highway speeds even with a full passenger load. Overtaking required a firm push on the pedal, but the response was steady.
The upgraded suspension, inspired by the setup in the Montero Sport and Strada, is one of the highlights. It handled rough provincial roads and uneven patches of TPLEX with composure. With six passengers and cargo, the vehicle still felt stable and steady. Ground clearance of 225mm added confidence when passing through rough patches and flood-prone areas.
User Experience: 4.5/5
Driving out of Cainta during rush hour highlighted how easy the Xpander Cross is to maneuver. The elevated seating position offered excellent visibility, while the light steering made weaving through traffic less stressful. Once on NLEX, the Xpander Cross settled into a relaxed cruise. Even with six passengers, the cabin remained quiet, and ride comfort was impressive. Its ground clearance made passengers’ hopping in/out with ease.
Over-all, passenger’s feedback was positive. The second-row seats reclined slightly, giving more comfort on the long northbound journey, while the third-row passengers said space was manageable even over the two-hour ride. Air-conditioning was a strong point, with roof-mounted vents effectively cooling the entire space, a must-have in our climate.
On TPLEX, the adaptive nature of the CVT made long stretches easy. Cruise control would have been welcome, but the stability and comfort of the drive helped keep fatigue low. With the full load, acceleration wasn’t brisk, but the Xpander Cross never felt strained. The improved suspension truly shone here, smoothing out bumps and keeping the ride composed.
Value: 4.5/5
Priced at around PHP1.3 million, the Xpander Cross sits at the upper end of the MPV category. However, the SUV-like design, raised ground clearance, and enhanced suspension make it stand out. For a family of six, it delivers the space, comfort, and practicality needed for both daily drives in Metro Manila and long-haul trips up north.
Fuel economy averaged around 9–10km/L in mixed city driving from Cainta to Quezon City, while highway runs on NLEX and TPLEX with a full load reached about 13–14km/L, which is respectable for a seven-seater.
Bottomline
The Mitsubishi Xpander Cross continues to show why it has become a staple on Philippine roads. It combines the practicality of an MPV with the toughness of an SUV, making it a capable family car. From daily traffic in Cainta to long stretches of NLEX and TPLEX with six passengers and cargo, it proved comfortable, reliable, and versatile. For Filipino families who need one car to do it all—city errands, school runs, and road trips—the Xpander Cross remains one of the smartest choices available today.
Reviewed by Leo Jaime Garcia
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE Volume 26 Issue No. 4