As seven-seater MPVs become increasingly popular, it becomes harder and harder to tell which is a worthwhile purchase. What’s a fad and forever can take a long time, but comparing two of the most popular models is a good idea – say the Mitsubishi Xpander against a worthy adversary. Something that appeals to the market at the same level as the Xpander does and costs about as much as the Xpander does, too, like the Suzuki Ertiga.

With both nameplates releasing updates to their lineups - the Suzuki Ertiga goes hybrid across the line, and a new 2023 Xpander Cross is to be introduced this January 26th, subcompact MPV buyers are now faced with even more compelling choices. But let's talk about the basics here first.

Sizer matters

Let’s first talk about dimensions. The Mitsubishi Xpander is 4,595 mm long with a 2,755 mm wheelbase, while the Suzuki Ertiga is 4,395 mm long with a 2,740 mm wheelbase. That extra 200 mm may not sound like much, but coupling that with the additional 15 mm in the wheelbase translates directly to more interior space for passengers and cargo space.

The Xpander is also a touch wider and taller at 1,750 mm wide and 1,600mm tall, while the Ertiga is 1,735mm wide and 1,690 mm tall. 

In flood-prone areas of Metro Manila, ground clearance is an important factor as well, and the Xpander leads the class in ground clearance at 225 mm, especially compared to the Ertiga, which only has 180 mm. 

Power and efficiency

Under the hood, both cars are powered by 1.5-liter inline-4 engines and are mated to either 4-speed automatics or 5-speed manuals. Power-wise, both make around 105 PS, while the Xpander has more torque at 145 Newton-meters, compared to the Ertiga’s 138.

In a way, that’s quite a noticeable difference because torque is king when it comes to driving in the city. That becomes most apparent when we compare their fuel consumption, as the Xpander can get up to 23 kilometers per liter combined, while the Ertiga can only manage around 15. That’s a significant discrepancy when your primary market’s priority is affordability.

However, one key difference for 2023 is the Suzuki Ertiga's adoption of mild-hybrid tech across the range. Suzuki claims 12.54 km/l in the city, promising improved fuel economy, a 7.6% improvement over the non-hybrid Ertiga.

Safety

A key decider between the Xpander and the Ertiga is the safety features found in each vehicle because, of course, a safer car is a better car.

The Mitsubishi Xpander comes equipped with dual front airbags, Brake Assist, Active Stability Control, and Traction Control, as well as ISOFIX tethers and Hill Start Assist.

On the side of the Suzuki Ertiga, though, it lacks the Active Stability Control and Traction Control that the Xpander has, which makes it a tad less safe in foul weather. Unfortunately, even the updated 2023 Ertiga Hybrid won't have the systems to aid it in low traction scenarios. 

Creature comforts

Inside, the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Suzuki Ertiga come fitted with black fabric seats and black plastic trim. Still, they have subtle differences because while the Ertiga uses faux wood trim to accent the dashboard and door cards, the Xpander uses faux aluminum and piano black plastic. Both are good accents, and there is a market for both, but the aluminum and piano black aesthetic is more modern, while the faux wood is more reminiscent of old-world luxury.

Tech-wise, both cars are evenly matched, with the Xpander and the Ertiga featuring Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Cruise control, hill hold assist, and reversing cameras. There’s not much else these basic commuters need, so there aren’t many options on offer either, which helps out in our next category: price.

Value for money

On paper, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is a clear winner regarding price, coming in at ₱954,000 for the base model GA manual, going all the way up to ₱1,153,000 for the top-of-the-line GLX. The Xpander, by comparison, starts at ₱1,068,000 for the base GLX Manual and goes up to ₱1,198,000 for the top trim GLS Automatic. Both are reasonably priced, however, and the difference at the top end is small enough that it’s more a battle of preference than practicality. 

So there you have it - between the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Suzuki Ertiga, the Xpander is clearly better equipped on paper. Still, the Ertiga is cheaper, which some argue is the more attractive quality. The answer will depend on what you find more important: money or value for money.

Are you Team Xpander or Team Ertiga? Please feel free to comment down below.