CAR COMPARISON

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander offers great utility, seven seats, high ground clearance, and fuel-efficient 1.5-liter petrol engines. 

Sold from the second half of 2020, Suzuki XL7 emerged as a phenomenon in the segment, surpassing both Toyota Innova and Rush to take second place in terms of sales.

Meanwhile, rival Xpander is the most popular name of Mitsubishi Philippines. Launched in 2018, this model explores a new segment and gradually closes the door of traditional mid-sized MPVs like Innova.

Overview

The MPV model captures the majority of market share in the segment, selling 8,324 vehicles in the first half of 2021, often outperforming rival XL7 (2,048 units), while Innova is increasingly selling slowly, reaching only 1,770 units.

The advantage of Xpander is its pleasing appearance, wide interior, and affordable price. The dynamic Shield design makes other products like Attrage, Outlander, or Pajero Sport more accessible to customers.

Selling well does not mean being appreciated & vice versa. In this comparison, let's analyze who is the winner in the battle between the King of Sales Xpander and the new "star" XL7.

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander - Exterior/Dimensions

With Xpander, you will get an MPV, an outstanding and sophisticated car. In particular, the XL7 is designed with a bold, sturdy, sporty SUV design. The terrain quality of the XL7 is clearly shown with the side protectors and front and rear bumpers.

At the front of the car, Mitsubishi Xpander still carries the characteristic Dynamic Shield language. The face of the steering wheel is redesigned, stronger with thick chrome spokes instead of the thin horizontal spokes as before.

Suzuki XL7 is wider yet it has lower ground clearance than Mitsubishi Xpander 

The most noticeable change is bi-LED headlights divided into two floors. Previously, the car used halogen bulbs. This is considered one of the valuable upgrades on the Mitsubishi Xpander. The turn signals are still halogen bulbs.

Meanwhile, the front of the Suzuki XL7 stands out thanks to the shiny chrome bar that splits the grille. The front lighting system uses LED technology, but the fog lights and turn signals still use traditional halogen bulbs.

Xpander has a set of 16-inch wheels with a new design in the form of fan spokes, with two color tones. This set of wheels has softer, less angular software compared to the previous generation.

The XL7's 16-inch wheel design with two tones also brings an impression and freshness to the car's exterior. Not only that but the car's rear lights are also equipped with LED positioning lights and LED brake lights that provide excellent illumination.

In particular, this MPV version of Suzuki's family also has a highlight over the rival Mitsubishi Xpander that is available with a roof rack to bring convenience to users when needed.

The rear of the Xpander is equipped with LED taillights with a characteristic L-shaped design. The vehicle has a shark fin antenna that looks more modern than a conventional antenna.

With the XL7, the tail section looks quite similar to the Ertiga and differs only in the lower bumper. The car is equipped with a rear camera along with two sensors.

Xpander vs XL7

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander - Interior

Stepping inside, the layout in the dashboard area of ​​the XL7 is completely similar to the Ertiga. In the middle is a 10-inch touchscreen entertainment screen, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Meanwhile, with Xpander, the main color in the cabin is black instead of bright colors like before. The seats are upholstered in leather, while the older generation has felt seats. Central table board in black plastic imitation leather.

The decorative cladding details are also made from imitation carbon plastic, which is more eye-catching than the imitation wood grain on the Xpander.

The XL7 steering wheel is integrated with a button to control the audio system with a D-Cut design for a sporty feel.

With Xpander, the steering wheel is still a 3-spoke design, covered with leather, integrated with function buttons such as volume, hands-free conversation, and cruise control.

Mitsubishi Xpander still retains the pragmatic substance from the first generation. There are 45 storage compartments in the interior, and each row of seats has a 12V charging port. However, the second-row air-conditioning door is still arranged in the ceiling, which is somewhat outdated.

The second row of seats on XL7 is equipped with mechanical air-conditioning vents, USB charging port ... and can be adjusted in 4 directions. The original seats on the XL7 are mixed with leather and felt, but the dealer has fully covered the car in the article.

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander - Engine

Theoretically, the capacity of these two models is quite similar. However, because it is lighter than Xpander, XL7 will be more optimized in terms of power/weight ratio and more fuel-efficient.

Because both are equipped with electric power steering, they feel light when driving at medium speeds in the city. However, when traveling on the highway. The steering system of the XL7 proved superior to that of the rival Xpander.

Regarding the stability index, the representative from Suzuki is again more optimal. On the speed bands, the XL7 is quieter than the Xpander, but the difference is not large.

On paper, the two models have similar capacity and power indicators. However, when running on the road, the difference is very clear. Regarding overtaking, the XL7's engine is superior to that of the Xpander.

Suzuki XL7 Vs Mitsubishi Xpander

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander - Price

We can assess the pricing of the two models: XL7 vs Xpander, through the below table.

 

Which Is The Winner?

Based on the above analysis of Xpander vs Suzuki XL7, the answer would be the XL7. Regarding the suspension, while the representative from Mitsubishi gives you a soft and smooth feeling when going through the speed bumps, the XL7 proved to be a bit stiff, causing discomfort.

However, traveling on the highway, the XL7's suspension is more optimal. XL7 feels more solid at high speeds and does not shake when Xpander. More importantly, the fuel consumption of Suzuki XL7 and the Mitsubishi Xpander is 6.3L/100km and 6.9L/100km, respectively.

    

Suzuki XL7 seems to be a bit better in this comparison

 

Conclusion

Suzuki XL7 vs Mitsubishi Xpander, should I buy Xpander or XL7? We hope it would help if you chose a trade-off because the two models have very different accents.

Xpander will bring you a model with a refined, luxurious design and smooth operation. Meanwhile, the XL7 is a bold off-road model with spacious interior space and optimal operation on the road.

Technically, the above comparisons confirm that Suzuki XL7 is superior to the Mitsubishi Xpander. The choice belongs to you!

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