Since its introduction in 2018, the Mitsubishi Xpander has been synonymous with entry-level utility vehicles. With the Xpander Cross providing an SUV-like version of the same platform, Mitsubishi hit two birds with one stone.

Its sub-one million prices at initial launch, seven-seater configuration, Apple CarPlay-Android Auto-ready in-car infotainment, a slew of safety features typically found in higher priced four-wheelers, and a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter straight-four (with a manual transmission option) made the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) a good choice for many.

One can opine that the Xpander and the Xpander Cross filled a niche when cars were slapped with extra tariffs and when the then standard-for-even-seater utility was formally retired. Since then, the small MPV has been a fixture in the Philippine utility vehicle scene, with a big chunk of its sales contributing to Mitsubishi’s success.

Then there’s the Toyota Veloz. Essentially an Avanza crossover dressed as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that pundits frequently claim as the Xpander Cross' direct competitor. The Veloz also has a seven-seat configuration, a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter straight four, and Apple CarPlay-Android Auto-ready in-car infotainment and the rugged looks of an SUV. 

With the launch of the higher-priced 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross recently, a distinct price advantage goes towards the Toyota. 

2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

1.5 2WD A/T Blade Silver Metallic & Graphic Gray Metallic (Monotone)  - ₱1,328,000 

1.5 2WD A/T  Sunrise Orange Metallic (2-Tone) - ₱1,338,000

1.5 2WD A/T Quartz White Pearl (2-Tone) -  ₱1,353,000

Toyota Veloz 

1.5 G CVT - ₱1,210,000

1.5 G CVT Platinum White Pearl - ₱1,225,000

1.5 V CVT - ₱1,250,000 

1.5 G CVT Platinum White Pearl -  ₱1,265,000 

But is the more expensive 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross worth the extra premium? Let's see what it has going for it.

The torque

More than the horsepower numbers (105 PS for the Mitsubishi Xpander, 106 PS for the Toyota Veloz), it’s the torque (141 NM for the Xpander, 138 NM for the Veloz) that is more crucial to a utility vehicle. 

This is because torque allows for the ability of the MPV to move itself, its occupants, and their luggage, from a standstill start until there is enough pace to maintain momentum.

Think of a Dray horse, you know, the one that hauls heavy loads. Torque is the amount of load that Dray horse can pull uphill, while horsepower is how fast the poor equine can pull it. 

Given the abovementioned torque stats of both utility runners, it’s safe to say that the Xpander has a slight advantage in accelerating itself better from a stationary position than its Toyota rival.

The fuel tank 

Of course, pulling a certain amount of load makes a 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross or Toyota Veloz burn fuel, much like exercising makes you burn what you eat.

This is where having more fuel in the tank than New Zealand prime minister Jacinta Ardern after half a decade as Head of State immensely helps. More gasoline in the reserves gets you farther, whether on city paths or provincial highways.

Frankly, the fact that the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has a 45-liter fuel tank compared to the Toyota Veloz’s 43 liters should be a significant consideration for entry-level utility vehicle buyers.  

The ground clearance 

Nowadays, even sudden downpours create floods impassable to passenger cars and some utility vehicles. 

With its 225 mm ground clearance, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross can wade through thigh-deep floods. In contrast, the Veloz has 190 mm of ground clearance, which is nice, but it won’t get you past your typical EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)-Santolan flash flood moat.

Disclaimer – just because the two vehicles have raised platforms higher than passenger cars, one should always exercise caution when wading through waterlogged areas. If you think your vehicle won’t make it through an inundated place, it would be far better to stop and wait for the water to subside rather than wait for a long time to get your auto back from a repair shop because the engine got water-swamped. 

The road damping

Although both use Macpherson struts and coil springs up front and a torsion beam at the rear, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has updated rear under bits designed to make the ride even smoother.

With shock absorbers taken from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the 2023 Xpander Cross is supposed to gain better road manners. Add the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution-derived Active Yaw Control, and the Xpander Cross is better in corners for a more stable ride. 

The fresher design

New for 2023 is the upgraded looks of the Xpander Cross. T-shaped LED headlights and DRLs, along with new 17-inch alloys and a striking two-tone finish on the outside, and the signature wheel-arch claddings make the Xpander Cross a more sophisticated SUV than the Toyota Veloz.

Inside, blue interiors and leather seats, a new Montero Sport-inspired tiller, an 8-inch meter cluster, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and smart cubby holders all contribute to making the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross a very practical and utilitarian ride. And it doesn't sacrifice style to achieve it. 

The underdog 

The Xpander Cross nameplate sold less than the Toyota Veloz, at 7,720 for the Toyota and  3,799 for the Mitsubishi, in 2022. The lingering perception that Toyota is the dominant car brand in the Philippines is still very much around. Filipinos can and will generally lean towards a Toyota in any segment. 

That said, the Filipino almost always roots for the underdog too. If you have had enough of seeing Toyotas on the road or want to be different from the mainstream, then the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is worth getting.

The Toyota Veloz may have a lot going for it, especially in terms of active safety with its Toyota Safety Sense in the V variant. And, of course, this is an important consideration. Still, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross' ride height, suspension setup (and thus cushioning for occupants), fuel tank capacity, pulling ability from a standstill start, revised suspension and ride, and fresher, more rugged, outdorsy design all make it a worthy adversary to Toyota's dominance.

Plus, given the Filipino’s preference for the underdog, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is worth seriously considering. But is it worth the significant price difference? We reckon it is.