2023 Mitsubishi Xpander vs Toyota Avanza Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

For 2022, both Toyota and Mitsubishi go all-in with each of their big guns. As in, each brand updated their own respective market-moving seven-seater MPV models.

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For Mitsubishi Philippines, it recently launched the refreshed Xpander. It now gets a sportier-looking exterior, plus more in the way of ground clearance.

In turn, Toyota Philippines released the next-generation Avanza for the local market. It uses a totally different platform, and it comes with a host of improvements inside and out.

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So which of these two is better in terms of specs? Let’s find out by comparing the Xpander GLS 1.5 AT and the Avanza G 1.5 CVT. Both are priced above Php 1 million, and both are the top-spec variants of their respective models.

In terms of size, the Mitsubishi Xpander is 4,595mm long, 1,750mm wide, and 1,750mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,775mm, and a ground clearance of 225mm.

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander

Meanwhile, the Toyota Avanza is 4,395mm long, 1,730mm wide, and 1,700mm in height. Its wheelbase then spans 2,750mm, as well as a ground clearance of 190mm.

Overall, the Mitsubishi model is larger compared to the Toyota. It also has a longer wheelbase, and significantly higher ground clearance.

The 2022 Toyota Avanza

For exterior equipment, both come with LED exterior lighting such as headlamps, front fog lamps, and taillights. Only the Xpander gets LED daytime running lamps.

The Xpander rides on a set of 17-inch wheels as standard, while the Avanza gets a set of 16-inch alloys.

Inside, the Xpander and the Avanza can seat up to seven occupants. Both are then equipped with manual air-conditioning, a push-to-start button, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and fabric-wrapped seats.

Their second-row seats also have 60:40 folding capability, as well as a 50:50 split-folding third row. The one on the Toyota MPV, however, comes with additional modes enabling them to be folded flat. Toyota calls this the ‘long sofa’ mode, which isn’t present on the Xpander.

A peek inside the Mitsubishi Xpander

For entertainment, the Xpander gets a seven-inch touchscreen, while the Avanza is kitted out with a slightly larger eight-inch touchscreen. Both do come with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Inside the Toyota Avanza

When it comes to speakers though, the Xpander gets a total of six, while the Avanza only gets four.

Before comparing engine outputs, let’s compare their platforms. As the 2022, the Avanza now uses a unibody frame and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. In that regard, it is now identical with the Xpander.

A view of the Xpander's rear end

Both also use a MacPherson strut suspension for the front, and a torsion beam for the rear. For braking, these two models use front disc and rear drum brakes. As for parking brakes, the new Xpander now comes with an electronic switch activated version, whereas the Avanza still uses a hand-operated manual parking brake.

When it comes to engines, the Xpander comes standard with a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill capable of making up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Compare that to the Avanza G, which uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque.

The Avanza from the rear

With that said, the Avanza makes a bit more at least on paper. A difference of 2 horsepower and 3 Nm of torque however, can be negligible on the road. On the other hand, it can be guaranteed that these two will have distinct driving characteristics due to having different transmissions.

Where safety is concerned, both the top-spec variants of the Xpander and the Avanza come with what you’d expect from a modern MPV model. They offer anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, and traction control.

Both models also have hill-start assist, a car alarm, and an engine immobilizer as well. Something extra that the Avanza brings to the table is blind-spot detection, which is not present on the Xpander.

Moreover, the Avanza gets a total of six airbags, whereas the Xpander only has two airbags.

As one can see, the Xpander and Avanza are a match against each other when it comes to engine output, and on-board features.

The Xpander's second row

Then again, the Avanza has the slight advantage in terms of safety, with more airbags and having blind-spot detection. Plus, it managed to do so while starting at a lower price point.

However, do note that the Xpander has a potentially roomier interior due to its slightly larger overall dimensions. Then again, the Avanza has the long sofa mode which makes it ideal for camping and whatnot.

The Avanza's second row

Where the Mitsubishi model could have an edge is its increased ground clearance, so it might be better at dealing with bad or unpaved roads which are common on local drives.

For more comparisons like this, keep it here on Philkotse.