Mitsubishi Expander vs Toyota Rush: Your vote?

At this moment, it is presumed that the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander 2018 (Xpander) and the Toyota Rush 2018 are two most much-anticipated models in the Philippines. Both these two were debuted in our neighboring country – Indonesia last year. Although Mitsubishi calls its Xpander an MPV and the countryman dubs the new Rush an SUV, it’s hard to seal the border between an SUV and a MPV in these guys.

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Rush

Supposing these two vehicles have different body configurations as claimed by the car manufacturers, incidentally, they have a lot of things in common for example, the 1.5-liter gasoline engine with quite similar power and torque and space for 7 passengers. And we know that some of you are for the Rush while others are into the Xpander. For those we’re at the middle, our Xpander vs Rush comparison review on Philkotse.com promises to be helpful.

Before getting started, please note that full-scale reviews of each model can be found at:

• Mitsubishi Xpander 2018 Review
• Toyota Rush 2018 Review

So far, the reservations for the Mitsubishi Xpander have started and its prices for the Philippine market have already been announced. Meanwhile, information about the Rush has remained a mystery. Still, based on specifications in the Indonesian market, it is certain that we can still give you a broad overview of these two vehicles.

In general, the Xpander and the Rush are slightly bigger than most crossovers in the B-segment even though none of them reach 4,500 in length (the Xpander is 4,475 mm long and the Rush is 4,435 mm). When enclosing the duo for comparison, the Xpander is longer and wider whereas in terms of height, the Rush is predominant with a height of 1,705 mm which is 5 mm higher than the Xpander.

The Xpander is longer and wider than the Rush

One of the reasons making SUVs sought-after is the ride height. Concerning the Rush, its ground clearance is 220 mm which is comparable to other traditional SUVs. In spite of being a MPV, the Xpander owns an admirable ground clearance of 205 mm. Overtly, these figures are respective but at any rate, a decent clearance is not enough to make them off-roaders. That said, it makes you more confident to challenging tough roads.

In terms of height, the Rush is predominant with a height of 1,705 mm

Being a 7-seater is a priority but when in use, the third row seats will sacrifice for cargo. So how can we loading stuff in that row of seat?

Being a 7-seater is a priority but when in use, the third row seats will sacrifice for cargo

In the Toyota Rush, you just need to simply fold down the backrests and pull a lever to flip the rest of the seats forwards then hook it to one of the second-row headrest to fix it. As to the representative from Mitsubishi, unlike the Rush, its third and second rows could be folded flat by just pulling one tab to either set or stow. This one-step process allows you to load more cargo as well as creating more flexible loading arrangements.

In the Xpander, the third and second rows could be folded flat by just pulling one tab to either set or stow

Yes, we’ve said that the 1.5-liter engine is a common point of the two cars. Both running the 1.5-liter mill but total output is marginally different. Accordingly, the Xpander is somehow more powerful with 105 PS and 141 Nm while the Rush generates smaller power and torque of 104 PS and 136 Nm, respectively.

All-new Toyota Rush runs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 2NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i

What makes each of these models unique is drivetrain system. Point by point, the Rush comes with a rear-wheel drive system. The Xpander, by contrast, features a front-wheel drive one.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is driven by a 4A91 1.5-liter 16-valve MIVEC gasoline engine

With reference to transmission, the Xpander’s engine is paired with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual. The same story comes with the Indonesian-mode Toyota Rush but for the Philippine-spec, we are not sure about anything till it is locally premiered.

As mentioned earlier, the Mitsubishi Xpander 2018 price has been announced, starting from P900,000. Sadly, the Rush’s has not been disclosed yet in Indonesia, the SUV can be had from 239.9 million rupiah (P916,443). Have a look at the tables below for detailed prices of these two workhorses.

At launch, these fresh-faced models are expected to stir up the local car market.

The Mitsubishi Xpander, which is regarded as the production version of the Mitsubishi XM Concept, is a perfect combination of an SUV and a versatile MPV; even some call it a “crossover-MPV.” As a result, no matter what segments it conquers, other 7-seaters should be cautious.

In the meantime, Toyota has its strong Rush that sticks with body-on-frame construction and is expected to be a bitter rival of 7-seat SUVS, especially, of the Honda BR-V.

Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Rush: Which is your choice?

At the last moment, we do not know which model you will vote for since both of them are talented. For now, all we need to do is waiting for the two new contenders to make their way to learn more about them. The Xpander is speculated to make its way sometime in March or April, 2018 but the Toyota Rush release date has yet to be revealed.

Hopefully our Xpander vs Rush comparison on Philkotse.com can be some help to your car reseach.

2018 seems to be another year for high-riding 7-seaters. Just wait and see!

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UPDATE: Both the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush have hit our shores. Find below our updated reviews for these two 7-seaters:

• [Auto Brawl 101] Xpander vs Rush: Who takes the crown?
• 2018 Mitsubishi Xpander Philippines: 3 Things We Wish To Be Improved
• 7 reasons why the Toyota Rush is a good buy in 2019