Mitsubishi Xpander VS Perodua Aruz VS Honda BR-V – Specs Comparison

After the Proton X50, the next most anticipated vehicle launch in Malaysia this year is arguably the new Mitsubishi XPANDER which is currently open for booking, but does it have what it takes to go up against the Honda BR-V and Perodua Aruz?

Here to take on models like the Perodua Aruz and the Honda BR-V, the Mitsubishi XPANDER had also just made its debut in neighbouring countries like Indonesia and Thailand this year.

Assembled locally in Pekan, Pahang, the Mitsubishi XPANDER is yet to be launched officially, meaning that its price has not been announced yet. However, it is available for booking at all Mitsubishi outlets nationwide.

So, let us jump straight into things like its dimensions, the list of standard equipment as well as some technical details to see if it has what it takes to take on the Aruz and the BR-V – two models that are doing quite well in Malaysia.

Dimensions Comparison

In terms of size, the Mitsubishi XPANDER is the biggest of the lot, meaning that it is also the most spacious, which is a big plus for a vehicle in this segment.

For vehicles that claim to be SUVs, ground clearance is also important as it would dictate just how much uneven surfaces, bumps, and lumps they can negotiate. In that sense, the Perodua Aruz is the winner here as it has the most ground clearance, followed by the XPANDER, and then the BR-V.

Features Comparison

Next up, let us look at the list of standard equipment the three models have to offer. Firstly, we have the Mitsubishi XPANDER which comes with LED headlamps, Crystal blocks LED position lamps, LED taillights, as well as 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, the XPANDER offers best-in-class cabin space with headroom of 1,730 mm, fold-flat second and third-row seats, an under-seat multi-purpose storage compartment, cargo floor box with lid, third-row side pocket and cup holder, a centre console box with sliding lid, multiple storage compartments and glove box with a double compartment, making it arguably the most practical choice out of the three.

The XPANDER also comes with four roof-mounted air vents, and infotainment wise, the XPANDER comes with a 9-inch Audio System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto ready.

There's also a 4.2-inch high contrast meter cluster which shows important information such as engine coolant temperature, cruise control operation indicators as well as car key battery life.

Next up, we have the Honda BR-V which was just updated for the year 2020 with features like a new front grille, a new front bumper with lower bumper garnish, new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheel design, a new shark fin antenna as well as a new rear bumper with lower bumper garnish on the exterior.

Inside, there are new tweeter speakers, a new cargo light, new cabin filter, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry, and a push start button. Third-row seats are still adjustable with a 50:50 tilt and tumble split to maximize boot space

The range-topping V variant gets a new seven-inch Display Audio system, leather seats, paddle shifters, and 60:40 one-touch tilt and tumble function for the second row seats.

And then we have the Perodua Aruz, which comes with features (depending on variant) like LED lights all around, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, 6-speaker touchscreen infotainment, automatic air-conditioning, a reverse camera, fabric seats, rear air vents, smart entry with start/stop function, a reverse camera, a built-in Smart Tag, as well as security window tint, and Smart Link with Android connectivity.

If space and practicality are your utmost priorities, the XPANDER wins here. However, if you’re looking at value for money, the Aruz wins as it offers quite an extensive set of features for the price you’re going to pay. The BR-V on the other hand, sits right in the middle, offering whatever the Aruz can and a bit more, but for a slightly higher price.

To sum things up, the XPANDER is the most spacious in terms of head and leg space. When it comes to luggage space, the XPANDER wins only when both the second and third row seats are down. With only the third row down, the BR-V is the most spacious with 539 litres, followed by the Aruz with 514 litres, and the XPANDER with 495 litres.

Safety wise, the Aruz has the most to offer thanks to the ADAS system and 6 airbags. The BR-V and XPANDER only come with dual airbags.

Powertrain

All three models are powered by 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engines, and while the XPANDER and the Aruz get a 4-speed automatic transmission, the BR-V comes with a CVT gearbox.

Where output and torque are concerned, the Honda BR-V is the most powerful model among the three, kicking out 120 PS and 145 Nm of torque, followed by the Mitsubishi XPANDER with 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque, and the Aruz with 102 PS and 133 Nm of maximum torque.

All three models are somewhat level in terms of power, and to answer the good old’ “Can it drive up Genting Highlands?” question, the answer is Yes, absolutely!

So, there you have it – a quick look at how the B-segment 7-seater MPV segment is going to look with the arrival of the new Mitsubishi XPANDER.

As promising as the newcomer sounds, it all depends on the pricing as it will be battling it out with two models that are among the best selling vehicles in the country.

So, watch this space for more updates on the Mitsubishi XPANDER, and maybe even a head-to-head comparison video in the future to see who the undisputed king of the segment is.

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