2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

1. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: SUV-esque seven-seaters battle it out.

By now, we’ve established that Filipinos are family-oriented. This of course influences our choice of vehicles. As such, we gravitate towards large, roomy cars that can fit the entire family. However, Filipinos are also known to be frugal. Sure, there are seven-seater midsize SUVs in the market, but these come with a hefty acquisition price.

In response to this need, car manufacturers have introduced seven-seater MPVs that can accommodate seven occupants, while providing comfort, as well as a decent amount of style and road presence.

The newest example is the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, which is the beefier, more aggressive-looking version of the Xpander.

On the other hand, one of the earliest of these seven-seater, SUV-esque MPVs is the Honda BR-V, which was introduced way back in 2016. Until today, it remains one of Honda’s best sellers.

So, Xpander Cross vs BR-V, which seven-seater MPV is better on paper? Let’s find out.

Which seven-seater MPV has the better specs?

2. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Exterior

If we compare these cars in terms of size, then the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is 4,500 mm long, 1,800 mm, wide, and 1,750 mm high.

Meanwhile, the Honda BR-V is 4,456 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, 1,677 mm high, and its wheelbase is 2,662 mm in length. The Xpander Cross also has a wheelbase length of 2,775 mm. 

Which is the better-looking MPV? Is it the Xpander Cross (left), or the BR-V (right)? Use this slider to find out.

Overall, the Mitsubishi made seven-seater is the larger vehicle. Moreover, the Xpander Cross has more ground clearance at 225 mm as compared to the BR-V’s 201 mm.  

When it comes to exterior features, both of these models are equipped with front fog-lights, LED taillights, turn signal side repeaters, and roof rails.

The Honda BR-V, however, sports a smaller 16-inch set of alloy wheels, while the Xpander Cross has a larger 17-inch set. The latter also comes with a brighter set of LED headlights, whereas the BR-V only has halogens.

3. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Interior

Inside the Xpander Cross vs BR-V, you’ll be greeted with a spacious cabin clad mostly in dark colors. Both can comfortably seat up to seven people, but the Xpander Cross’s seats do come with brown trim.

The BR-V’s seats however are covered in leather so they can provide a more premium feel. On top of that, the Honda BR-V’s air-conditioner is automatic, while the Xpander Cross’ is a manual unit. Both do have rear AC vents.

The interior of the Xpander Cross has more color.

For the driver, the Xpander Cross is much more generous. The driver’s seat comes with a height adjuster, and the steering wheel can be tilted or telescopically adjusted. It also comes with a reverse camera. Both models however, are equipped with push to start buttons, and a digital trip computer.

Moving on to on-board entertainment systems, both the BR-V and the Xpander Cross are equipped with seven-inch touchscreens.

The one aboard the Mitsubishi made MPV can only connect with an iPod, while the one aboard the Honda has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Both systems do come with USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Xpander Cross however has more speakers numbering at six. The BR-V on the other hand, only has four.

The BR-V in comparison is a bit darker, but it does have several silver trim pieces

>>> Related: 2020 Suzuki XL7 vs Honda BR-V Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

4. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Engine and Performance

Under the hood of the Xpander Cross is a 1.5-liter MIVEC inline-4. This mill is capable of making up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. It also uses a front-wheel-drive, but its transmission is a four-speed automatic torque converter.

Powering the Honda CR-V is a 1.5-liter inline-4 i-VTEC gasoline engine. The said engine can make 118 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. The BR-V’s CVT also comes with paddle shifters for its manual mode.

Obviously, BR-V is more powerful. Apart from the power figures though, both of these seven-seater models use a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam type rear suspension. Both also have a solid disc brake for the front and a drum brake for the rear.

>>> Related:

• Hottest Honda BR-V promos
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5. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Safety

For safety, both the Xpander Cross and the BR-V are equipped with what one would expect from a modern vehicle. Both have dual-front airbags, stability control, ISOFIX, hill-start assist, and an engine immobilizer.

The BR-V comes with speed-sensing door locks, which the Xpander Cross lacks. In turn, the Mitsubishi made MPV has cruise control, while the Honda BR-V does not.

6. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Variants

7. 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Honda BR-V: Conclusion

If we go about this by comparing longevity, the Honda BR-V has been around in the market for four years. And that’s enough time to make for a popular, well-established model.

While the Xpander Cross is newer, the Xpander model that it’s based on is likewise, a popular model with a very firm position in the Philippine market.

What are we going on about? Well from our perspective, you can’t go wrong with these two. That is if what you’re looking for is a reliable and affordable seven-seater daily driver.

Compare the side profiles of the Xpander Cross (left), and the BR-V (right) using this slider.

Note though that the Xpander Cross is a bit more expensive for a reason. It features a much more striking exterior design. Plus, it might have more interior space due to its larger size. Its taller ground clearance is also going to be more useful in most Philippine settings.

Regardless, we encourage you to test drive both of these cars. We’re only here to compare their specs, and not the actual driving experience. For that, refer to our review of the Honda BR-V. On the other hand, a review of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, will soon follow.

For more comparison articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.