[Mitsubishi Xpander Cross 2023 Review] The Ultimate MPV: Unmatched Superiority – Ultimate Performance – Uncompromising Versatility

With meticulous improvements meticulously calculated by the Japanese manufacturer, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross offers consumers a complete upgrade: from the exterior and interior design to the most suitable features and amenities for a 7-seat MPV priced at 700 million VND.

The Mitsubishi Xpander has transitioned from being an unknown to becoming the top 1 in the market.

Since its debut in 2017, starting from Indonesia and then expanding to 70 countries and territories worldwide. By 2021, global sales reached 100,000 vehicles per year, accounting for 11.9% of the brand’s total sales and ranking as one of the top 3 best-selling models of the brand.

In Vietnam alone, this model has maintained its position as the top 1 in the MPV segment for 4 years since its launch. Cumulative sales to date have reached over 65,000 units, equivalent to 1,500 units per month. In 2022, there were 4 months with domestic sales exceeding 2,000 units per month, making it one of the top 3 best-selling cars of the year. The model has also won prestigious awards such as “Car of the Year 2022” in the MPV segment, awarded by VnExpress, and “Service Car 2022 for drivers,” voted by CCA.

All of the above statistics refer to the Mitsubishi Xpander, a well-known name among consumers in the country. So what factors contribute to its stable performance in the Vietnamese and international market? You can find the clearest answer by looking at the newly launched Xpander Cross 2023 version, unveiled today. It is truly a formidable competitor with comprehensive strength.

Updated rugged and angular design

The most noticeable change in this facelift version of the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is the overall length, which has increased by an additional 95mm to 4,595mm – equivalent to the current Xpander version – making it the longest 7-seater MPV in the affordable price range. Meanwhile, the wheelbase length and ground clearance remain at 2,775mm and 225mm, respectively.

Similar to the recent update of its sibling Xpander, the design of the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has also been upgraded with a new T-Shape full LED lighting system at the front and rear, enhancing the aesthetics and highlighting the car’s distinctive features.

The entire front and rear bumper, fog lamp area, wheel arch cover, and side step cover have also been redesigned to be sleeker, contributing to the strong and robust appearance of the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.

A noteworthy feature on the car body is the newly designed foot set: Although still 17 inches in size, the wheels have been updated with a double-spoke design with square lines, bringing a modern and rugged feel to the car.

In addition, the roof rack has been painted black to match the new dual-toned design of the all-new black-orange version.

Moreover, users will be completely surprised by a 7-seater MPV priced at 700 million VND equipped with a 360-degree panoramic camera system, including 2 camera lenses attached to both mirrors and 2 other camera lenses attached to the front grille and the rear trunk. This leading safety equipment in this segment is truly a valuable and practical upgrade.

The overall exterior design of the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross will give users a confident and rugged feeling. The level of detail completion has been significantly improved, sharper, and more distinct compared to the previous generation.

Luxurious and convenient interior serving passengers

Stepping into the interior, users may be overwhelmed by the premium atmosphere that the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross brings with its Horizontal Axis design language, making the cabin tidy, scientific, and luxurious. It not only impresses visually but also convinces users through the tactile experience.

Specifically, the interior of the Xpander Cross 2023 is wrapped in two-tone leather colors: black and navy blue with eye-catching stitching. The seats use materials that can absorb heat – very useful when parking in the sun for a long time. The trim on the dashboard and door trim also uses glossy black carbon fiber material and matte black, making the interior quality of the car superior to other MPV models in the same price range.

Besides, the steering wheel has been inherited from the two famous off-road models Pajero Sport and Triton, bringing a solid and firm steering feeling to the driver.

The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel has also been upgraded to an 8-inch screen, with various display interfaces that allow the owner to easily monitor operating information in the most intuitive and convenient way.

In the middle of the dashboard, the central screen system has been upgraded from 7 inches to 9 inches and still integrates standards such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Along with that, the Type-C charging port, USB, and 12V charger have also been fully equipped for all three rows of seats to ensure convenience for all passengers in the car.

Another useful equipment that cannot be overlooked is the electronic parking brake system that comes with the Auto Hold automatic brake holding mode, which has also been present in this update of the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.

The automatic air conditioning system has also been upgraded with a digital adjustment mechanism instead of a twist knob. In particular, the Max Cool quick cooling mode button has also been added – similar to the all-new Xpander – allowing passengers to quickly and conveniently adjust the air conditioning on hot summer days.

Together with that, Mitsubishi has listened and known how to satisfy consumers by adding a center armrest and up to 45 storage compartments arranged around the interior, increasing convenience for passengers.

Performance improved to a new level

Under the hood, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross still features the Mivec 1.5L engine combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission, delivering a power of 104 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. However, Mitsubishi has added many enhancements to improve the performance of the 2023 Xpander Cross compared to the previous generation.

Firstly, the suspension system, including the shock absorber size with a larger diameter, helps increase the ability to absorb vibrations when the car crosses rough terrain or reduces lateral oscillations, thereby increasing the stability of the body frame when entering corners. This is essential for a high-ground-clearance vehicle like the Xpander Cross.

Next is the “secret weapon” that was first launched in the Vietnamese market – the AYC feature – Active Yaw Control: This active cornering control system records the steering angle and the rotation speed of each wheel to detect when the car may be skidding or deviating from the desired movement trajectory.

From there, the system intervenes in the brakes to suppress the front wheels inside the corner and increase the road grip for the car, thereby minimizing the loss of traction and bringing the car back to the optimal cornering trajectory. According to the manufacturer, AYC can intervene up to 1,000 times per second, ensuring that the car is not easily skidding and, more importantly, flipping or causing accidents.

In addition, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross also features other upgraded conveniences, such as an automatic lighting system with adjustable angles, or the wiper system equipped with automatic sensors.

Therefore, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is still a model that targets family users who need spacious 7-seat capacity, increasingly upgraded convenience features, beautiful design, and high-quality finishing, while still maintaining strengths such as durability, fuel efficiency, and versatile driving ability.

With this upgraded version, it can be seen that the Mitsubishi Xpander, in general, and the Xpander Cross, in particular, is still the most comprehensive and worthy choice in the segment and is worthy of being the best-selling MPV car. Not only does it surpass its competitors, but it also surpasses itself, upgrading to become better than the previous version.

Anh Phan (Tuoitrethudo)