Rush Vs Xpander: a Small-Size SUV vs a Maverick MPV

Non-Sequitur? Seems So, But Under the Hood...

At first glance, it may seem impractical to compare the Mitsubishi Xpander MPV against the small body SUV Toyota Rush.

But is it as clear-cut as that?

Underneath their stylish exteriors, the Xpander and the Rush have more in common. More importantly: As practicars (practical cars), which one crosses the finish line first?

Choosing the Better Practicar Based on Four Essentials

Automart.Ph did a side-by-side comparison based on four practicar factors: Price, Fuel Economy, Safety, and Performance (+ reliability). The winner at each factor will get 5 full points while the other will get 4 or less. Other features like design and styling, comfort, interior space, among others, won’t be included in this practicar comparison. Used and repossessed cars, not the latest models, were used for the purposes of this comparison.

Practicar Price Points

Used and repossessed cars are by no means cheap. But they are more affordable than their brand-new counterparts (and come in with low mileage and good-as-new condition, compared to other secondhand cars).

Comparing the used Toyota Rush and repossessed Mitsubishi Xpander units in the Automart-managed warehouses and it’s clear that the Rush is the more affordable choice between the two.

The repossessed Toyota Rush units that are available are the 2019-2021 units, with the range-topping 2019 G variant, starts at Php 640,000. Its equivalent Xpander variant, the used 2019 GLS Sport, retails at Php 656,800.

Price-wise, 5 points go to the Rush, while the Xpander gains 4 points.

Placing a Premium on Fuel Economy

People ask a lot of questions when talking about fuel economy. Vehicle size, condition (especially for used and repossessed cars), passenger and cargo-hauling capabilities, among others, do affect fuel economy. The most crucial questions related to this comparison are:

Does engine size matter when comparing fuel efficiency?
Actually, no. When you’re comparing the fuel efficiency of the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Toyota Rush, it’s a non-issue because their engines are, well, similar in size. Both have a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder in-line engine. Where they differ is in the power delivery and this, in turn, makes the difference in fuel efficiency (read on, below, in performance).

What is the fuel consumption of the Toyota Rush?
The Toyota Rush puts in decent numbers. Using the with the 2020 G AT model as our basis for comparison, the Rush put out 7 km per liter for city driving, and 14 km per liter for highway driving, or an average of 10.5 km per liter (driving on a mix of city streets and highways around urban sprawls). 

Is the Mitsubishi Xpander fuel-efficient?
Yes, it is. The Mitsubishi Xpander has a very good fuel economy, with its 2020 GLS (mid variant for comparison) churning out 9 km per liter for straight city driving or 16 km per liter for highway driving, or an average of 12.5 km per liter.

Over time, the Mitsubishi Xpander's fuel economy becomes more apparent and relevant, especially to your overall cost over km/time. Using the 2020 Rush and Xpander models (using 91 octane gasoline) as our basis, we can see that the Toyota Rush's cost increases much faster over time, versus the Mitsubishi Xpander's overall cost.

For highway driving, fuel economy and overall costs are not that big of a difference. However, it is curious to note that the Xpander starts out costing more but over time, it evens out with the Rush. From that point (about 120km), the Toyota Rush becomes a little bit costlier over time (fuel-wise and overall cost).

For city driving, the Mitsubishi Xpander starts out as the more expensive option but quickly balances out the cost (around 20km). From this point, the gap of fuel economy and overall cost becomes more apparent, making the Xpander more fuel-efficient and cost-effective.

The Mitsubishi Xpander takes this round with 5 points while the Toyota Rush gets 3 points.

Emphasizing Driver and Passenger Safety

Safety is a very big factor for car buyers and both the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush not only offer basic vehicle safety features; they’re built with safety systems to ensure their passengers (and cargo) arrive at their destinations safely and securely.

While both vehicles offer traction and stability control, ABS + EBD, and hill start assist features, they have also been recognized by the ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries), the premier organization that raises consumer awareness for vehicle safety, and recognizes brands for their efforts in providing the highest safety standards.

The Mitsubishi Xpander was awarded a 4-star safety rating from the ASEAN NCAP when it first launched in 2018. It scored high in three categories: Adult Occupant Safety, Child Occupant Safety, and Safety Assist categories. Apart from its passenger safety features like 3-point ELR seat belts, ISOFIX, and tether anchors for child seating, the Xpander also has two SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger.

The Toyota Rush was also awarded by the ASEAN NCAP in 2018. In fact, it scored the highest with a 5-star safety rating in 2018. On top of that, the Toyota Rush has more airbags than the Xpander with a total of six SRS airbags (driver and front passenger, as well as side and curtain shield).

For its ASEAN NCAP rating, better airbag system, and overall safety standards, the Rush wins this round with 5 points, while the Xpander takes the back seat (seatbelts on), with 4 points. Shopping for a used Toyota Rush for your family? This is one factor that should be at the very top of your requirements checklist.

Peerless Performance & Reliability

Performance and reliability are essential when talking about vehicles of this size. Are the Toyota Rush and Mitsubishi up to it—or more realistically, are used or repossessed Rush and Xpander units up to the challenge? Let’s find out.

Is the Mitsubishi Xpander a reliable vehicle?
While the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Toyota Rush may have the same engine size, the secret to Xpander’s performance and reliability (and fuel efficiency) is its Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and its front-wheel-drive configuration, delivering 105 of hp and a torque of 141 Nm of torque. This translates to a perfect balance of power and performance that allows the Xpander to navigate through busy city streets with ease, yet take to the highways with a smooth and steady stride, brand-new or repossessed.

Is the Toyota Rush Underpowered?
This is one of the most-asked questions about the Toyota Rush and here’s the hard truth: yes, it is slightly less powerful than the Xpander, producing only 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque.

These two family and cargo haulers are very similar in terms of performance and reliability but differ simply in delivery. True, the Rush’s front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout gives it a somewhat muscular feel that’s roguish, urging you to rev things up.

But this posturing quickly falls short of the Xpander’s more superior performance. The Xpander runs more smoothly and delivers power when and where it is needed. What’s more, its front-wheel-drive config means it can accommodate both family and luggage and comfort more easily, be it on intra-city or long drives.

While it doesn’t deliver a knockout punch, the Mitsubishi Xpander hits hard and can finish the fight without getting winded. Therefore, It tops performance and reliability with 5 points, while the Rush comes second with 4 points.

The Verdict: The Xpander Takes the Win

Toyota Rush: 17 points out of a possible 20 points

• Price: 5 points
• Fuel Economy: 3 points
• Safety: 5 points
• Performance and Reliability: 4 points

Mitsubishi Xpander: 18 points out of 20

• Price: 4 points
• Fuel Economy: 5 points
• Safety: 4 points
• Performance and Reliability: 5 points

While the Toyota Rush topped two out of our four practicar factors, the Mitsubishi Xpander turns in a better overall score, making it our practicar of choice.

In fact, Automart.Ph does have an array of repossessed Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Rush cars that you can browse through. That’s the beauty of these vehicles: they are two great examples of modern machines that, be it brand-new or repossessed, seek to raise the bar on safety, performance, fuel economy, and price.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is our choice—but we’d like to know: which car is your ideal practicar?

Automart is your gateway to the most affordable high-quality repossessed, used, and second-hand Toyota Rush and Mitsubishi Xpander cars in multiple managed warehouses around the country. When you’re looking for a reliable top performer like the Mitsubishi Xpander, i-Automart na yan!