Aug 12, 2022 at 4:23am ET
Because everything has to be an SUV these days in one way or another, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is a high-riding minivan with a somewhat tough look. It was launched less than three years ago and is already getting a facelift. Lest we forget that Mitsu has a long history when it comes to rugged people-movers as the Delica has been around for decades, complete with all-wheel drive whereas this sends power only to the front axle.
The facelift introduced today brings several changes, but the van on stilts looks as polarizing as before. Unveiled at the 2022 Indonesia International Auto Show and already on sale, the Xpander Cross has a redesigned front fascia with new headlights that continue to have a split arrangement but with a T-shaped layout. The turn signals have been moved in the upper cluster to make them more visible while the hood is now thicker than before.
2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross facelift
Wearing a fresh Green Bronze Metallic paint, the facelifted half minivan, half crossover has had its front and rear overhangs stretched by a total of 95 millimeters [3.7 inches]. New [and still quite small] 17-inch alloy wheels have a two-tone look with gray accents to match the front and rear skid plates as well as the door garnishes. The "T" motif we saw at the front is noticeable at the rear in the updated taillights lending the Xpander Cross a more modern appearance.
With a minimum ground clearance of 220 millimeters [8.6 inches], the family hauler should be able to easily handle bumpy roads, but bear in mind this is no off-roader. With the mid-cycle refresh, it does get Mitsubishi's proprietary Active Yaw Control [YAC], but it's obviously not an active rear differential like you get on an Evo. Instead, it applies the braking force on the front wheels to improve cornering, based on the steering angle, brake pressure, longitudinal G-forces, yaw rate, and wheel speed.
What Is Mitsubishi Up To These Days?
Changes have been made inside as well where the 2023 Xpander Cross gets an electric parking brake, a digital instrument cluster, and a larger touchscreen now measuring eight inches. The old-school knobs of the climate control have made way for a screen while a wireless charging pad has been added as well. Shown here is the version with the CVT, but the model is also offered with a five-speed manual gearbox. Fitted with a clutch pedal, the model has a slightly higher ground clearance of 225 mm [8.8 in].
Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 103 hp [77 kW] and 141 Nm [104 lb-ft] of torque, so it's definitely not the fastest van out there. However, it's a solid choice for a family looking to buy a versatile and affordable vehicle with three-row seating, just as long as they don't mind the front design...
Source: Mitsubishi
A few months ago Mitsubishi Motors Philippines [MMPC] launched the all-new Xpander. Of course, because of the Xpander’s popularity, it immediately garnered much-deserved attention.
The only question left on everyone’s mind was, when will Mitsubishi do the same for the Xpander’s SUV counterpart? the Xpander Cross.
2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
Well, it seems Mitsubishi isn’t wasting any more time because they’ve just revealed the updated Xpander Cross in Indonesia.
According to the Mitsubishi Indonesia website, these are the updates to the Xpander Cross:
Carrying the tagline “Rise to Your Life’s Adventure”, this model comes with various improvements with a more aggressive appearance and is equipped with advanced features that will add excitement to driving.
- Attractive Design
The New Xpander Cross comes with a new design on the exterior with the “Dynamic Shield” design typical of Mitsubishi Motors and has now received a refresh so that it appears more aggressive, modern, and luxurious, which enhances the characteristics of a more active SUV. Exterior updates include: T-Shape Headlamp, Front & Rear Powerful Bumper Design, 17-inch Alloy Wheel Design, LED Foglamp, Distinctive Trapezoid Grille, and refined Wheel Arc Molding.
- High-Class Interior
The New Xpander Cross offers luxury and comfort on the interior side with a spacious and high-quality cabin, equipped with a variety of versatile storage areas, as well as a choice of flexible seat configurations that provide maximum convenience and utility. - Driving Comfort & Safety
One of the product improvements in this model is the addition of features that can increase the comfort of users in carrying out their daily activities. Additional features on this model include a wireless charger, 8inch LCD Meter Cluster, and New Steering Wheel Design. And it has also been equipped with Micron Air Filtration which maintains the circulation of air quality in the cabin and increases the comfort of all family members.In terms of safety features, the New Xpander Cross is more complete with the embedded AYC braking system, which improves cornering performance by adjusting the braking force on the front wheels to optimize vehicle stability when maneuvering quickly or on slippery roads. When cornering on slippery road surfaces, the AYC will brake the front wheels on the inside of corners, minimizing understeer and allowing the vehicle to follow a line closer to what the driver wants. In collaboration with the Anti-lock Braking System [ABS] and Active Stability Control [ASC], this system supports safety, security, and driving comfort in various weather and road conditions.And also comes equipped with featuresMulti Around Monitor that can provide a view around the vehicle that helps drivers park more safely. - Type & Color Options
The
New Xpander Cross comes in 2 [two] variants: CVT Premium Package and Manual Transmission. With 5 [five] color choices, namely Quartz White Pearl, Jet Black Mica, Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and the new color Green Bronze Metallic.
What’s interesting to note here are the transmission options, because locally our Xpander is still equipped with a 4-speed automatic. Does it mean that only the Xpander Cross will feature it? or will Mitsubishi Motors Philippines also choose to launch the CVT transmission for both the Cross and [normal] Xpander in the near future?
Obviously, we can’t wait for the updated Xpander Cross to make its way to our shores, but given that Indonesia does supply them to us, we should be getting it soon as well fingers crossed