Verdict
The Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM99,980 against the Toyota Avanza’s RM80,888, a RM19,092 gap that buys a longer 2,775-mm wheelbase, 17-inch wheels and a far fuller cabin-tech list. Its 104 hp and 141 Nm only narrowly beat the Avanza’s 103 hp and 136 Nm, as both use four-speed automatics and seat seven. The Toyota is 85 kg lighter at 1,155 kg and rear-wheel drive, but it misses stability control, a reverse camera and keyless start. For a Malaysian family that will use every row, the Xpander is the more complete car; the Avanza is the cheaper route to seven seats.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you want 495 litres of quoted boot space, stability control, a reverse camera and smartphone-connected infotainment.
Pick the Toyota Avanza if keeping RM19,092 in your pocket matters more than the Xpander’s extra safety and convenience equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Mitsubishi Xpander RM99,980; Toyota Avanza RM80,888.
- Dimensions: Xpander is 4,475 mm long with a 2,775-mm wheelbase; Avanza is 4,190 mm long with a 2,655-mm wheelbase.
- Output: Xpander makes 104 hp and 141 Nm; Avanza makes 103 hp and 136 Nm.
- Weight and driveline: Xpander is 1,240 kg and front-wheel drive; Avanza is 1,155 kg and rear-wheel drive.
- Wheels: Xpander has 17-inch alloys with 205/55R17 tyres; Avanza has 15-inch alloys with 185/65R15 tyres.
- Safety: Xpander has stability control; Avanza does not.
Xpander
- 495-litre quoted boot space
- Stability control and hill-start assist
- 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- RM19,092 more expensive
- 85 kg heavier at 1,240 kg
Avanza
- RM19,092 lower purchase price
- 85 kg lighter at 1,155 kg
- Rear-wheel drive with a live rear axle and coil springs
- No stability control
- No reverse camera, cruise control or keyless push-button start
- Radio/CD player rather than a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM99,980 | RM80,888✓ |
| Body type | MPV | MPV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 104 hp✓ | 103 hp |
| Torque | 141 Nm✓ | 136 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 75 mm | 72.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4AT | 4AT |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,475 mm | 4,190 mm |
| Width | 1,750 mm | 1,660 mm |
| Height | 1,720 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,775 mm | 2,655 mm |
| Weight | 1,240 kg | 1,155 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 495 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 205/55R17 | 185/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/55R17 | 185/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Full-size 15" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia 150 | Dunlop Enasave EC300+ |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Indonesia (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Live Axle with Coil Springs |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 15" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 15" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and 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 | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats | Available on two outer middle row passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Second row 60:40 Split Fold, Third row 50:50 Split Fold | 50:50 Sliding and Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Manual Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Blower Control | Rear Vents with Blower |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row | 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 9" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | LCD Instrument Cluster Display |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | 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 Xpander & Avanza for sale
Xpander vs Avanza FAQ
Is the Mitsubishi Xpander or Toyota Avanza better?
The Xpander is better equipped, with stability control, a reverse camera, keyless start and a 9-inch CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen. The Avanza remains the choice if its RM19,092 lower price is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Mitsubishi Xpander is RM19,092 more expensive than the Toyota Avanza: RM99,980 versus RM80,888.
Which has better safety equipment?
The Xpander has the stronger safety list because it adds stability control and hill-start assist. Both have two airbags, ABS/EBD, ISOFIX on the two outer second-row seats and rear parking sensors.