Is new always better? Fresh features to love in the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

With every new generation of vehicles, or even during the middle of its mid-cycle, manufacturers need to offer new toys and features to keep people interested. With the new 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, the story is no different.

Also Read: Here's a peek at the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross ahead of its Jan. 26 launch

New looks

On the outside, the new 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross looks like a total departure from the Mitsubishi Xpander MPV it’s based on, looking more SUV than even the pre-facelift Xpander Cross.

The new appearance package includes a more aggressive and sophisticated theme, with sleek, T-shaped all-LED headlights similar to the Xpander facelift from 2022, DRLs, and squared-off fender flares, which give it a very rugged and adventurous look.

Tried and tested

Things start slumping under the hood because the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is fitted with the same 1.5-liter inline-4 engine as it did before, making the same 103PS and 141 Newton-meters of torque.

Any hopes people may have had of more gears are dashed due to the 4-speed automatic once again making an appearance. And just like the pre-facelift Xpander Cross, the 2023 version is strictly front-wheel drive only.

Upgrades

Tech-wise, the new 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross will get a modern, all-digital gauge cluster, as well as a new, larger center infotainment screen – moves that Mitsubishi is hoping will make this mini SUV a closer brother to the bigger Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

A convenient carry-over from the previous model will be cruise control, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, as well as the reversing camera, but now it gets paired with full 360° cameras.

An Electronic Parking Brake is said to make an appearance as well. 

In the suspension front, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is said to incorporate new shock absorbers also derived from the Montero Sport. 

The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross will also come with more ground clearance at 225mm, a welcome improvement, especially now that it’s not the only MPV-based SUV in the neighborhood.

Things we wish to see, however, would be faux leather seats, which are found on the international model, as well as Active Yaw Control, which aids the car in cornering.

Is new really better?

On the face of it, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross follows the same lines as the original, sticking true to the mantra of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Upgrades here and there, like Active Yaw Control, are most welcome. Still, the charm of the Xpander and Xpander Cross has been the simplicity they offer to buyers, especially those looking to not be distracted by fancy gadgetry and gimmicks and those looking for a reasonable purchase that suits their needs and lifestyles.

In that respect, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is in a class of its own.