Verdict
At RM103,800, the GAC GS3 costs RM3,820 more than the RM99,980 Mitsubishi Xpander, but brings 177 hp and 270 Nm against 104 hp and 141 Nm, plus a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h claim. Its adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assistance also make the stronger safety case. The Xpander answers with seven seats, a 495-litre boot and a 2,775-mm wheelbase, where the GS3 has five seats, 341 litres and 2,650 mm. Pick by mission: quick five-seat SUV or practical family MPV.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you want 177 hp, 270 Nm and active safety aids in a five-seat B-segment SUV.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you need seven seats, a 495-litre boot and rear air-con vents with blower control.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980.
- Power and torque: GAC GS3 177 hp/270 Nm; Mitsubishi Xpander 104 hp/141 Nm.
- Seating and boot space: GAC GS3 5 seats/341 litres; Mitsubishi Xpander 7 seats/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.
- Driver assistance: GAC GS3 has autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control; Mitsubishi Xpander has none of these and passive cruise…
GS3
- 177 hp and 270 Nm turbo engine.
- Autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and blind spot information system.
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Five seats and a 341-litre boot trail the Xpander's seven seats and 495 litres.
- No rear air-con vents, where the Xpander has rear vents with blower control.
- Costs RM3,820 more.
Xpander
- Seven seats with split-folding second and third rows.
- 495-litre boot and longer 2,775-mm wheelbase.
- Rear air-con vents with blower control and a full-size spare tyre.
- 104 hp and 141 Nm are well down on the GS3's 177 hp and 270 Nm.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind spot information system.
- Four-speed automatic versus the GS3's seven-speed wet dual-clutch.
What the GS3 has over the Xpander
What the Xpander has over the GS3
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The Xpander's wheelbase is 125 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The GS3 is 100 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the Xpander: 495 litres against 341.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| 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 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,060/mo | RM1,020/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM2,978 | RM2,879✓ |
| 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 at 5,500 rpm✓ | 104 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm✓ | 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 75 mm × 84.8 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 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 26 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 16 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Rear) | — | 12 inch |
| 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 | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 2 (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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used GS3 & Xpander for sale
Our reviews & guides
GAC GS3
GS3 vs Xpander FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Mitsubishi Xpander better?
The GS3 is better for performance and driver assistance, with 177 hp, 270 Nm, autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist. The Xpander is better for carrying people and luggage, thanks to seven seats and a 495-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 and the Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM99,980, so the GS3 is RM3,820 more expensive.
Which has more space for a family?
The Mitsubishi Xpander has more family-carrying capacity: seven seats, a 495-litre boot and a 2,775-mm wheelbase. The GAC GS3 has five seats, 341 litres of boot space and a 2,650-mm wheelbase.