Mitsubishi Xpander Cross 2021

The Xpander Cross had a quiet release due to the time of the Coronavirus in the Philippines. Mitsubishi Philippines released the vehicle online with help from its media partners to spread the information about the vehicle. The Xpander Cross replaces the GLS Sport as the new range-topping model for the Xpander. It comes with the same 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine connected with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Along with the new body cladding the new vehicle also gets raised ground clearance compared to its MPV brother. It now comes with 225mm of clearance compared to the regular expander which only gets 205mm. 

The Xpander Cross comes with the same 4A91 gasoline engine that it shares with its MPV brother. The NC1W is a 1.5-liter DOHC gasoline engine that comes with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology. The four-cylinder powerplant can produce 103hp and 141 Nm of torque. The engine can either be had with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Xpander Cross's suspension comes with MacPherson Struts and Coil Springs at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. Stopping power comes in the form of disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. With its suspension setup and its monocoque chassis, the MPV produces adequate performance from its powerplant that is ideal for the country's often uneven roads.

Based on the ever-popular Mitsubishi Xpander, the Cross drives largely the same with a little more ground clearance. The light steering along with the relatively nimble chassis makes it a good vehicle to pilot in the city. It's not a big handful like its stablemate the Montero Sport. Its relatively light weight also a plus for those looking for a car that's not much of a challenge to handle, and its rather compact dimensions and good visibility all around allow it to be driven with ease. The 4-speed transmission that the model comes with is also a good performer, returning adequate response and very acceptable levels of fuel economy. The engine responds well to the driver's demands provided that break-neck acceleration isn't one of them. 

On the inside, the Xpander cross gets the same features as the GLS Sport that it replaces. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is also navigation ready. Sound is sent through a 6-speaker system that compromises of 4 regular speakers and 2 tweeters. The Xpander Cross also comes with electric power steering, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted controls, steering wheel tilt adjustability, and steering wheel telescopic adjustability.

The Mitsubishi Xpander Cross features the brand's Dynamic Shield design language. This gives the raised MPV a similar face to its bigger brother the Montero Sport. The front bumper houses fog lamps, the headlights as well as the turn signals. The vehicle's daytime running lights are located at the top of front fascia just above the headlight housings. Being the raised variant of the Xpander, the Cross comes with a black body kit and other accessories that add to a more muscular and almost SUV-like look to the vehicle. 

As a raised version of the Xpander, the Xpander Cross has to fulfill the role of a mini-people hauler. The vehicle's interior is laden with durable plastics ready to face the challenge of daily use. The vehicle comes with high-grade fabric and leather seat material options. Those who want the range-topping model will be getting a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear shift knob, and parking brake lever along with a hands-free switch.

Interior space is plentiful for its class. Space in the Xpander Cross is adequate even in the second row. Where it can get tight for adults is in the third row, where it's best reserved for children and smaller individuals. Cubby holes are plentiful in the MPV as it hosts a plethora of storage space options. Loading and unloading objects in and out of the vehicle are made easy thanks to a flat loading bay and a minimal loading lip. The Xpander Cross, like its lower riding MPV brother, can easily be transformed into a capable cargo hauler if need be.