Toyota Rush outscores Mitsubishi Xpander in ASEAN NCAP safety tests

The Toyota Rush has been enjoying good sales since its introduction in May of this year, and, chances are, you’ve seen a handful driving around the metro and surrounding areas. Clearly, customers have been enjoying their new generation seven-seater, and with the results of the latest ASEAN New Car Assessment Program, it seems there’s even more reason to choose the Rush. When compared with its competitor, the Mitsubishi Xpander did score a good 4 stars, while the Rush had attained a solid 5 stars for overall occupant safety and active and passive safety features. 

In the latest report by the program, the Toyota Rush outperformed the Mitsubishi Xpander by a significant margin. The Mitsubishi Xpander scored 71.66 points to merit four stars, with the help of two front airbags and a combination of seatbelt pre-tensioners and load limiters for the driver and front passenger. The emergency stop signal (ESS) and electronic stability control (ESC) in the Xpander were options on higher variants only.

What’s interesting is the fact that the Toyota Rush scored higher at 84.03, getting 5 stars under testing. The biggest factor is the addition of 4 more airbags (side and curtain) for passengers, plus electronic stability control (ESC), and seatbelt safety reminders for the driver and passengers on all variants of the Rush.

As these are the two newest MPVs in the Philippine market right now, it’s definitely a great result for consumers as both manufacturers have been taking steps to make their vehicles safer for all occupants. The market of the small seven-seaters has always been enjoying steady success over the years and Filipinos are now more aware and will be looking for the vehicle that not only appeals to them, but has the best ratings possible in the event of an accident. Could these results sway you to either brand? Or does it make you feel safer as an owner of either MPV? Any way you look at it, as long as manufacturers keep bringing technology and updated safety features to the table, we all win.