When it comes to moving people around, Mitsubishi has always been there for the Filipino consumer. There’s always a Mitsubishi model that will suit most motorists’ needs, whether for business or family use.
Few vehicles on the Philippine market—of any brand—transport people as reliably and consistently as the Mitsubishi Xpander and Xpander Cross. For years, this dynamic duo has consistently been among the top-selling MPVs in the country. And since 2018, the Xpander has been evolving to keep up with the ever-changing demands of customers.
For the 2026 model year, the Xpander and the Xpander Cross get a host of changes that make them an even better choice for families and communities. Read on to find out what’s new with this popular MPV.
A bold new look
On the outside, the GLS variant of the Xpander gets a new grille with vertical slats for a bolder, more upmarket appearance, complemented by a new set of LED daytime running lights to strengthen the vehicle’s road presence. Also new are the bumpers and side skirts that add sophistication to the exterior design.
For the Xpander Cross, meanwhile, the fresh new look shows that it’s ready for your next big adventure. The new mesh grille has a more robust design, taking inspiration from the Triton. Meanwhile, the redesigned bumper gets a tougher-looking apron to give it a more SUV-like appearance, while the rear bumper has been beefed up to match the bolder aesthetic.
New shoes
Further complementing the refreshed exterior are the new 17-inch wheel designs for both the Xpander GLS and the Xpander Cross. The former rides on nine-spoke, two-tone alloy wheels that boast a sleeker and more dynamic look.
The Xpander Cross’s rims also have a nine-spoke design, but arranged in a way that further enhances all the changes made to the body. The two-tone wheel is inspired by Mitsubishi’s SUV and pickup offerings, reflecting a lineage of toughness and ruggedness.
Interior refresh
Step inside and you’re greeted by a more plush cabin that elevates the riding experience. Both the Xpander and the Xpander Cross get a revised steering wheel design, a new eight-inch LCD instrument cluster, and an updated 10-inch touchscreen. The touchscreen is also home to new displays that show vehicle tilt and angle, to better inform the driver of road conditions. Lastly, the second-row seats now get a center headrest for improved comfort.
But while the designs are similar, each of these models has a distinct personality. The Xpander goes for a sleek and sophisticated look with black trim, contrast stitching, and soft-touch inserts. It also gets a new 3D trim piece that enhances the interior ambience.
As for the Xpander Cross, it features a sportier burgundy and black combination that highlights its active lifestyle image. It also gets a 3D trim piece, but with a dynamic geographic pattern. The best part is, the Xpander Cross is also fitted with Heat Guard seats that slow down the heating of the seat surface. It’s an especially handy feature in hot climates like ours.
Like before, there’s no shortage of ingenious cubby spaces in the cabin. The glovebox area boasts a shelf for easily accessible storage, while the sizable center console can easily accommodate larger items. Of course, the sliding box under the front passenger seat is still present, as well as extra underfloor storage in the cargo area.
Surround view
Another addition to this year’s facelifted model is the Multi-Around Monitor. This new feature is standard in the Xpander Cross as well as in the Xpander GLS. Different camera angles can be selected for greater ease of maneuverability. The front and rear camera views can also be changed to give the driver more options that suit their preference.
On top of that, the Multi-Around Monitor also projects a 3D image of the vehicle on the screen. That way, the driver has more awareness and a better idea of their vehicle’s proximity to obstacles. With this subcompact seven-seater’s tight turning circle, maneuvering will be a piece of cake.
Better handling, better safety
Active Yaw Control (AYC) has long been part of Mitsubishi’s technology arsenal. Once fitted to high-performance and more premium models, it has now trickled down to the Xpander GLS after previously being available only on the Xpander Cross.
AYC was honed from the Japanese brand’s motorsport experience, particularly in rallying. It automatically applies the brake to individual wheels to prevent the vehicle from going out of line on a corner. The result is improved stability and vehicle control, especially on wet or slippery roads. A feature like this can increase driver confidence, and better handling means a higher level of safety.
Aside AYC, the Xpander GLS and the Xpander Cross are equipped with active stability control to minimize the risk of losing control. There’s also a traction control system that stops the wheels from spinning too much on slippery surfaces. With this, Mitsubishi’s MPVs provide all-around protection and safety for their drivers, passengers, and other road users.
The new Mitsubishi Xpander is available in three trim levels, namely, GLX MT, GLX AT, and GLS AT, while the Xpander Cross comes in a single variant. Prices start at P1,099,000 for the GLX MT, moving up to P1,159,000 for the GLX AT. The GLS AT retails for P1,259,000, and the top-spec Xpander Cross stickers for P1,378,000.
Interested? Drop by your nearest Mitsubishi showroom for a test drive, and find out what makes the Xpander and the Xpander Cross still one of the best buys in the MPV segment.
Created in partnership with Mitsubishi Motors Philippines
