Auto Brawl: Mitsubishi Xpander MPV vs Mazda CX-5 crossover

Updated Sep 15, 2022

In this edition of Auto Brawl, we’re featuring the bestselling MPV and one of the best compact crossovers in the market: Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5

In this article...

  1. 1. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Introduction
  2. 2. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Dimensions
  3. 3. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Engine & Performance
  4. 4. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Safety Features
  5. 5. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Comfort Features
  6. 6. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Exterior Features
  7. 7. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Conclusion

1. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Introduction

Ever wondered how one of the best would fare when pitted against the bestselling?

Now, we’ll find out because the Mazda CX5 is considered a premium crossover with some of the best features for its size. We’ll compare it with the functional and practical Mitsubishi Xpander MPV loaded with upgraded safety features hard to beat.

Of course, there is the price point difference between the two, but more affordable cars are getting better equipment now, and we’ll check out if a value-for-money advantage will be apparent in the Xpander.

Mitsubishi Xpander 2018/2019 Philippines Review & Road Test || Price, Specs, Buying advice & More

Mazda CX-5 SUV 2019 in-depth review

2. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Dimensions

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Dimensions

Size

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mazda CX5

Difference -/+

Winner

Length

4,475 mm

4,550 mm

75

CX5

Width

1,750 mm

1,840 mm

90

CX5

Height

1,700 mm

1,680 mm

20

Xpander

Winner

Mazda CX5

Verdict

If we’re talking about size, the better option between the two is the CX5 over the Xpander

>>> Need detailed info of these two crossover and sub-compact, check out in-depth reviews:

3. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Engine & Performance

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Performance

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mazda CX5

Winner

Displacement

1,499 cc

2,488 cc

CX5

Horsepower

104

190

CX5

Torque

141

251

CX5

Transmission

M/T 5-Speed / A/T 4-Speed

SKYACTIV-DRIVE 6-speed Automatic

CX5

Drive train

FWD

AWD

CX5

Tire size

205 / 55 R16

225/55 R19

CX5

Suspension

Front

MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring and Stabilizer

MacPherson Strut

Xpander

Back

Torsion Beam

Multi-link beam

CX5

Brakes

Front

15-inch Ventilated Discs

Ventilated Discs

Xpander

Back

9-inch Leading and Trailing Drum

Solid Discs

CX5

Tires

205 / 55 R16

225/55 R19

CX5

Euro 4

yes

yes

---

Fuel

gasoline

gasoline

---

Passengers

5-7

5

Xpander

SRP

P1,060,000

P2,222,400

Xpander

Score

4

9

Winner

Mazda CX5

The Mitsubishi Xpander only comes equipped with an aged 1.5L MIVEC DOHC powertrain

Mazda CX5 is armed with a 2.5-liter in-line four mill with 190 hp and 251 Nm

Verdict

When it comes to performance; the Mazda CX5 takes the point again because of the premium features that are installed in it. The Mitsubishi Xpander lost because it lacks the refinement of the CX5.

4. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Safety Features

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Safety Features

Safety features

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mazda CX5

Winner

ESC/VSC

---

Yes

CX5

HSA

Yes

---

CX5

Traction control

Yes

---

Xpander

Sonar

Front

---

Yes

CX5

Back

Yes

Yes

---

ABS

Yes

Yes

---

EBD

Yes

Yes

---

BA

Yes

Yes

---

Lane departure warning

---

Yes

CX5

Blind Side Monitor

---

Yes

CX5

Rear cam

Yes

Yes

---

Dual airbags

Yes

Yes

---

Curtain airbags

---

Yes

CX5

Side airbags

---

Yes

CX5

Knee airbag

---

---

Cruise control

---

---

---

3-pt. ELR seatbelts

Yes

Yes

---

With Load Limiter

---

Yes

CX5

Isofix mounts

Yes

Yes

---

Lane Watch Camera

---

Yes

CX5

Score

2

5

Winner

Mazda CX5

Mazda CX5 is equipped with rear cam

Verdict

The Mazda makes the grade for overall safety features.

>>> You might also like: [Auto brawl 101] Mazda CX5 vs Toyota RAV 4: Which to buy?

5. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Comfort Features

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Comfort Features

Comfort features

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mazda CX5

Winner

Steering wheel controls

Yes

Yes

---

Power features

Yes

Yes

---

Multi-zone AC

Automatic dual AC system

Yes

CX5

DIN Head unit

Yes

Yes

---

Bluetooth Connectivity

Yes

Yes

---

Leather seats

Yes

Yes

---

Lighted Vanity mirror

---

Yes

CX5

Best option

Mazda CX5

Verdict

These two options have a good assortment of comfort features, but the more premium CX5 wins out.

6. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Exterior Features

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Exterior Features

Exterior

Mitsubishi Xpander

Mazda CX5

Winner

Headlamps

Halogen Projector

LED, Active

CX5

Fog lights

Yes

Yes

---

Third brake light

Yes

Yes

---

Auto headlamp

Yes

Yes

CX5

Rain sensor

---

Yes

CX5

Winner

Mazda CX5

Verdict

More advanced features for the CX5 allow it to handily win over the Xpander.

Mazda CX5 wins this round for Exterior

7. Mitsubishi Xpander vs Mazda CX5: Conclusion

The better option is the Mazda CX5 which has more premium features between the two. If the price is the main consideration, the Xpander hits the spot.

If you prefer something at reasonable price, Mitsubishi Xpander should be your next choice

If you're attracted by these two, search for the best deal on the latest version of  Xpander 2019 and CX-5 2019:

Norjan Ismail Abbas

Author

Norjan enjoys writing about various topics, and car is among them. Don't ever ask him which his most favorite car is since he has none. He believes each car is beautiful in its own way.