Mitsubishi Xpander 2025 launched in Vietnam: upgraded equipment, maintained price, still lacking hybrid version
Xpander/Xpander Cross 2025 has refined design, added comfort and safety (6 airbags, standard AYC), kept the price slightly increased by 1 million VND; however, still uses 1.5L MIVEC engine - 4-speed gearbox and no hybrid option.
On September 22, Mitsubishi Vietnam introduced the Xpander and Xpander Cross 2025 with a series of improvements in design, interior and safety. The selling price only increased by 1 million VND compared to before: Xpander AT Premium 659 million VND, Xpander Cross 699 million VND.
Exterior changes focus on the grille, front/rear bumpers, sporty body cladding, new wheel design, reshaped LED positioning lights, and upgraded LED fog lights. This tuning package aims to increase recognition and a solid feel for both the Xpander and Xpander Cross.
The Xpander 2025 cockpit switches to an 8-inch digital dashboard (inherited from Xforce), the central screen is upgraded from 9 inches to 10 inches, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The 3-spoke steering wheel is synchronized on both versions, adding shock-absorbing rubber to improve the driving feel. The 3-row space is still an advantage in terms of width. The finishing materials are quite good for the price range; the black seat color scheme on the Xpander and red/black on the Xpander Cross creates a distinctive identity.
In terms of safety, the number of airbags has increased from 2 to 6. The Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, which was only available on the Xpander Cross, has now become standard equipment on the entire 2025 product range. However, the car still lacks advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning or blind spot warning - features that some competitors have applied.
The powertrain remains the same: 1.5L MIVEC gasoline engine with 104 horsepower, 141 Nm torque, combined with a 4-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Compared to the trend of using CVT in the segment, the 4-speed transmission is considered outdated; soundproofing and high-speed operation are not outstanding. In return, Xpander scores points for stability, easy control in urban areas, reasonable fuel consumption and proven reliability.
Regional markets have welcomed hybrid (HEV) variants in Indonesia and Thailand, while in Vietnam, the Xpander 2025 does not have this option yet. In the popular 7-seat MPV group, only the Suzuki XL7 (VND 599 million) currently has a mild-hybrid configuration; competitors such as the Toyota Veloz (VND 638–660 million), Honda BR-V (VND 661–705 million), KIA Carens (VND 589–779 million) and Hyundai Stargazer (VND 489–599 million) still do not have a hybrid version.
In terms of product strategy, the approach of “additional equipment, almost unchanged price” helps Xpander maintain its appeal in the context of declining purchasing power and fierce competition in the 7-seat MPV segment. The model continues to target family customers who value space, economy and reliability. Since August 2018, more than 120,000 Xpander cars have reached Vietnamese users; in the first 8 months of 2025, it reached 10,646 cars, leading the segment and ranking second in the entire market (August sales reached 906 cars).
Quick Review
- Pros: Upgraded amenities (8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10-inch wireless screen), increased safety with 6 airbags and standard AYC, spacious space, slightly adjusted price.
- Limitations: No ADAS yet, no hybrid option in Vietnam, 4-speed automatic transmission is less competitive than CVT, soundproofing and high-speed operation are not outstanding.