Mitsubishi Xpander Cross Revealed As Half Minivan, Half Crossover

Mitsu's crossvan wants to blend two body styles in a family-oriented package.

By: Adrian Padeanu

Nov 12, 2019 at 6:28am ET

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Mitsubishi is not the first to take a stab at the crossover-minivan fusion – the Renault Scenic XMOD and Dacia Lodgy Stepway spring to mind – but it figured now would be the right time to have a go at it again to harken back to the Delica Space Gear. Meet the Xpander Cross, which started out in life as the seven-seat compact MPV originally launched in 2017 before gaining the “Cross” suffix denoting its crossover traits.

Despite being relatively new on the market, the regular Xpander is already the automaker’s fourth best-selling model, managing to rack up 104,000 sales in the fiscal year 2018. It’s therefore understandable why Mitsubishi decided to capitalize on the popularity of SUVs by giving the successful people mover some rugged traits like the chunky fenders extending the body by 50 millimeters (nearly two inches) compared to the regular model.

Gallery: 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

It also sits higher than the standard Xpander as the suspension has been jacked up to increase ground clearance by 20 mm (0.8 inches), now at a generous 225 mm (8.8 inches). Those 17-inch alloy wheels are wrapped in large-profile tires to enhance the minivan’s SUVs traits, while the silver roof rails and black wheel arches are also exclusive to this variant. Rounding off the changes on the outside are two fresh coats of metallic paint – Sunrise Orange and Graphite Gray.

While the exterior is doing its best to mimic a crossover, the cabin is pure minivan. The spacious interior boasts a 60:40 split-folding second row and a 50:50 split-folding third row to arrange the seats in multiple configurations or fold them all down when you need to carry voluminous cargo. Nifty features include folding armrests for the second-row seats, a plethora of tiny storage areas, and still enough room in the back to carry a stroller even with all seven seats up.

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The Xpander Cross carries over the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine with its 103 horsepower and 141 Newton-meters (104 pound-feet) of torque sent to the front axle through either a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.

It’s going to be built in Indonesia alongside the regular Xpander to cater to the local market as well as other countries from the ASEAN region.

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MITSUBISHI MOTORS introduces XPANDER CROSS - a new rugged crossover MPV built for style, capability and comfort

Tokyo, November 12, 2019 – MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC) today revealed an all-new crossover MPV – XPANDER CROSS - to join the XPANDER lineup. Inherited with MITSUBISHI MOTORS' SUV DNA, the new model features more robust SUV exterior styling combined with the unique strengths from multi-purpose vehicles (MPV), and will be launched in Indonesia first, then to other ASEAN markets sequentially.

XPANDER CROSS is a family-friendly crossover MPV built with solid SUV styling, comfortable and pleasant drivability, as well as a practical and versatile interior design. The vehicle is the top variant of the XPANDER lineup, which enables users to drive through a wide variety of terrains with confidence, yet without compromising on roominess and comfort from MPVs.

The standard XPANDER, which was first introduced in Indonesia in 2017, has become MMC's fourth-largest sales model in fiscal 2018, accounting for around 104,000 units. Based on the solid foundation of the multi-award winning XPANDER, MMC has brought together its expertise in tough SUVs and spacious MPVs to create the new XPANDER CROSS, which will provide new values for customers in ASEAN where style, ruggedness and practicality are in high demand.

"With the launch of XPANDER CROSS, we will expand the production capacity to prepare for increase in export," said Takao Kato, chief executive officer of MITSUBISHI MOTORS. "We are committed to contribute to the expansion of export from Indonesia, and also to the development of Indonesia economy."

Dynamic Exterior Design

The new front face features the latest version of MMC's trademark Dynamic Shield with a geometric design, which portrays the balance between dynamism and power. The robust and protective lower bumper 'skid plate' design further emphasizes an SUV image.

Headlamps and positioning lights adopt LED type to provide better visibility, a wider lighting range and a high-class look. The large front fog lamps integrated into the bumper are LED too, creating a tougher and stronger feeling of mobility.

To give a wider stance and sense of stability, the XPANDER CROSS is 50mm wider than the standard model. The characteristic SUV-style black wide wheel arches, door garnishes, and larger-profile tires with 17-inch alloy wheels add a sense of protection and emphasize the strong SUV style. It also comes with silver colored roof rails for extra loading capacity.

At the rear, a piano black tailgate garnish underneath the rear window and a larger skid plate on the lower part of the bumper enhances a tough image.

Two new colors debut on XPANDER CROSS – a high-class Graphite Gray metallic and eye-catching Sunrise Orange metallic, of which the latter is exclusive for XPANDER CROSS. Both are available with a black/brown combination interior trim with a silver mesh decoration panel - all give a sophisticated and prestigious cabin look.

Outstanding Driving Performance

Drivers comfort is leading in its class thanks to the top class stability offered by XPANDER CROSS which boasts best-in-class ground clearance of 225mm, raised by 20mm over the standard XPANDER to provide better ability on rougher or flooded roads, and also higher eye-point and clear visibility for the driver.

Power for the XPANDER CROSS is provided by MMC's latest 4A91 1.5-liter petrol engine with 4AT or 5MT, which is an enhancement of the existing 4A9 series. Improvements have enhanced quietness and fuel efficiency.

It is not only the engine which has been optimized to ensure the XPANDER CROSS offers a sense of quality and refinement. In fact, the new model is the quietest in its class (near 80% articulation index) thanks to high-performance sound absorbing and vibration blocking material.

Designed with users in mind

Not dismissing the functional aspect of a family vehicle, the Japanese "Omotenashi" – a meticulous attention to detail for every passenger – is designed throughout the cabin. XPANDER CROSS is spacious with the capability to carry seven people comfortably on the road, also best-in-class interior space and a layout that lets passengers easily enter and exit. Three passengers can sit comfortably on the wide second row seat and the vehicle also adopts a tumbling system for folding the second row seats to make access to the back row easier.

The seatbacks in the second row (60:40 split) and third row (50:50 split) can be folded down with a simple operation to arrange the seats and luggage in various combinations. For really large loads, the second and third row seats can be folded down to create a large flat storage area without bumps or gaps.

For added practicality, the armrest in second row can be folded down to allow long loads and passengers to be carried at the same time – unique in the class. Even with seven occupants taking up all of the seats, the XPANDER CROSS still has enough luggage space to hold four gallon water bottles or a standard stroller. Numerous cubby holes and compartments ensure the family's belongings are kept safe and secure.

Other XPANDER CROSS innovations which bring a new level of luxury, comfort and technology to the class include:

· Steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment

· Cruise Control

· Programmable exterior lighting to offer features such as Welcome and Coming Home illumination, comfort flasher and headlamp auto-OFF

· High-contrast color instrument panel meters

· Best-in-class air conditioning with highly effective cooling

The new XPANDER CROSS will be built in Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia's facility in Cikarang, Indonesia alongside the existing XPANDER model. It will go on sale in Indonesia on November 13, 2019 before being exported to other markets throughout the ASEAN region.