Verdict
The Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM3,820 less and is the practical choice for larger households: it carries seven rather than five, has a 2,775 mm wheelbase against 2,650 mm, and a 495-litre boot versus 341 litres. The GAC GS3 answers with a far stronger 177 hp/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, compared with 104 hp/141 Nm from the Xpander’s naturally aspirated 1.5 litre, plus a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. Its autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance also make the extra spend easier to justify for a five-seat buyer.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you need five seats but want 177 hp, 270 Nm, a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and active safety assistance.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if seven seats, a 495-litre boot, rear air-con vents and a full-size spare matter more than performance.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980.
- Power and torque: GAC GS3 177 hp and 270 Nm; Mitsubishi Xpander 104 hp and 141 Nm.
- Seating and boot: GAC GS3 five seats and 341 litres; Mitsubishi Xpander seven seats and 495 litres.
- Wheelbase: GAC GS3 2,650 mm; Mitsubishi Xpander 2,775 mm.
- Transmission: GAC GS3 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic; Mitsubishi Xpander 4-speed conventional automatic.
- Wheels and tyres: GAC GS3 18-inch wheels with 225/55R18 tyres; Mitsubishi Xpander 17-inch wheels with 205/55R17 tyres.
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo engine.
- Autonomous braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Five seats versus the Xpander's seven.
- 341-litre boot versus the Xpander's 495 litres.
- No rear air-con vents, where the Xpander has rear vents with blower control.
Xpander
- Seven seats with seven three-point seat belts.
- 495-litre boot and a longer 2,775 mm wheelbase.
- Rear air-con vents with blower control and a full-size spare tyre.
- 104 hp and 141 Nm trail the GS3's 177 hp and 270 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, blind-spot information system or lane-keeping assist.
- 4-speed automatic versus the GS3's 7-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800 | RM99,980✓ |
| Body type | SUV | MPV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp✓ | 104 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 141 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 4AT |
| Gears | 7 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Jatco |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,475 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,750 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,775 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,240 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres | 495 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 205/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full Size |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Bridgestone Ecopia 150 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Second row 60:40 Split Fold, Third row 50:50 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Single-zone Manual Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 9" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GS3 & Xpander for sale
GS3 vs Xpander FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Mitsubishi Xpander better?
The GS3 is better for a five-seat buyer who prioritises performance and driver assistance systems. The Xpander is better for family carrying, with seven seats, a 495-litre boot and rear air-con vents.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 is RM3,820 more expensive than the Mitsubishi Xpander: RM103,800 versus RM99,980.
Which one has more space for passengers and luggage?
The Mitsubishi Xpander does. It has seven seats, a 2,775 mm wheelbase and a 495-litre boot, against the GS3's five seats, 2,650 mm wheelbase and 341-litre boot.