Battle of the MPVs : Avanza (Plus Veloz) vs Xpander

By: Melvin Magadia for Automart.PH

When it comes to multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), two models come to mind - the Toyota Avanza and the Mitsubishi Xpander. Are you torn between which you should buy? Let us compare the two MPVs and see which is better suited for your needs.

It is worth noting that the Veloz and the Avanza, while sold as separate marques, are virtually identical. For the purpose of this comparison, the Veloz will be treated as a top trim model of the Avanza.

Exterior

Being a full model change, the latest Avanza received an exterior overhaul. Toyota has given it a brand new fascia making it sportier and bolder. It now comes with split-type LED headlamps located alongside its dark front grille. The Avanza receives a new set of alloy wheels, a tweaked rear end, and a fin-type antenna giving it a modern look.

Meanwhile, the latest iteration of the Xpander brings the newest update to the black chrome Dynamic Shield grille. T-shaped LED headlights and DRLs, plus LED tail lamps makes it easy on the eyes, and its 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels (GLS only) completes its sleek and tasteful exterior.

For the exterior, both cars have received massive updates, and look modern, making them at par with each other.

Interior

The new Toyota Avanza is ideal for a long drive and is designed to ensure comfort for the passengers. Seating for seven can easily be configured for more cargo space with its 60/40, and 50/50 folding seats on the second and third row respectively. Toyota also features the Avanza’s “long sofa” mode which enables passengers to “camp” in the vehicle. With all seats down, cargo capacity has not been revealed by Toyota, but as it is about the same size as the previous generation Avanza, we can expect it to be in the ballpark figure of below 1500L.

As for ergonomics, the Toyota Avanza features a tilt & telescopic steering column on the 1.5G and Veloz variants to give drivers with different arm lengths a comfortable experience.

Features wise, a 6.8” touchscreen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto is standard on all but the base variant, and push-button start on the G and Veloz variants. Rear passengers benefit from cupholders on the doors, air-conditioning, and charging ports.

The newly facelifted Xpander features a revised dashboard, steering wheel, and availability of a 6.9” - 7” touchscreen infotainment system, which now also sports a much clearer reverse camera, as well as Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Gone is the old massive handbrake, and has been replaced by an electronic parking brake which cleans up the center stack.

Push-button-start is available for some models, as well as six-speakers. Just like the Avanza, storage space in the Xpander is not a problem thanks to its foldable second and third rows. A 60/40 and 50/50 folding function is available just like its rival. A clever front passenger seat undertray lets owners keep important items out of sight, and bottle holders plus pockets are found all around. Second row passengers have access to air conditioning via an overhead blower, dual map pockets with additional cell phone and wallet pockets, as well as two cup holders found on the center armrest. The third passengers have to make do with limited legroom and the inclusion of a single 12V outlet.

Cargo space in the Xpander, however, is much larger than the Toyota Avanza, measuring about 750L with the 2nd row folded down, and 1630L with both rear rows folded down.

The Mitsubishi Xpander once again ties the Avanza on the interior aspect. While the Mitsubishi Xpander gives slightly more space, especially for cargo, the Avanza feels more feature packed and premium. Choosing one over the other will depend on whether you value a nice to look at and feel interior, or space.

Powertrain

If you are looking for big engines with lots of power, you won’t find them under the hood of either vehicle. The two MPVs only come with small displacement four-cylinder engines.

The Avanza is available with a 1.5L making 106PS, and 138 Nm of torque for the Veloz and G Variants, and a 1.3L making 98PS, and 122 Nm of torque for the rest of the lineup. E variants and higher receive a CVT while lesser variants have to make do with a 5-speed manual.

The Mitsubishi Xpander, on the other hand, offers a single choice of a 1.5L MIVEC engine that delivers 105PS, and 141Nm of torque. All but the base GLX variants receive a less-than-ideal 4-speed automatic, while the GLX receive a 5-speed manual.

While the Avanza only gives marginal increase in power which is negligible on the road, its CVT transmission greatly increases fuel economy and responsiveness compared to the Xpanders aging 4-speed automatic. For this reason, powertrain wise, the Avanza takes the point.

Safety

Aside from the standard safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, and Active Stability Control which are available on both vehicles, the Avanza leads ahead in terms of safety with the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) for the Veloz variant.

TSS provides capabilities such as cruise control, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, automatic high beam, and Pre-Collision System (PCS), among others which is not available for any variant of the Xpander. The ASEAN NCAP also awarded the new Avanza five-stars for safety, while the Xpander only received four stars.

The Toyota Avanza emerges as the winner in the safety aspect. Although the extra safety features are only available in the higher trims, the Xpander still has no answer to these.

Price And Options

The Toyota Avanza comes in six variants:

• Avanza Veloz V CVT - P1,250,000 (Add 15,000 for Platinum Pearl White)
• Avanza Veloz G CVT - P1,210,000 (Add 15,000 for Platinum Pearl White)
• Avanza 1.5 G CVT - P1,059,000
• Avanza 1.3 E CVT - P1,004,000
• Avanza 1.3 E M/T - P948,000
• Avanza 1.3 J M/T - P833,000
  

The Xpander, on the other hand, comes in three variants:

• Xpander GLX M/T - P1,050,000
• Xpander GLX Plus A/T - P1,110,000
• Xpander GLS A/T - P1,180,000

The Verdict

Toyota’s MPV wins over the Xpander in terms of powertrain, and safety. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Xpander wins in terms of cargo space, and pricing. Choice between the two MPVs will depend on which you value more: new tech and safety features, or flexibility for more cargo, and a slightly cheaper price tag.

Content Editor Kyle Liong contributed to this story.

Automart.PH offers a wide selection of used cars at great prices, ranging from compact cars to pick-up trucks, that suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for the finest used cars, check out Automart.PH Certified Used Vehicles. These are restored until they feel like new again. They also come with a three-day money-back guarantee and, for Gold Certified units, a one-year warranty.