Verdict
The Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM99,980, RM19,092 more than the Toyota Avanza at RM80,888, but it brings a materially larger 4,475 mm body, 2,775 mm wheelbase and 495-litre boot. Its 1.5-litre petrol four makes 104 hp and 141 Nm, only narrowly ahead of the Avanza’s 103 hp and 136 Nm, yet the Mitsubishi’s equipment advantage is far clearer: stability control, a reverse camera, 9-inch Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen and keyless start. The Avanza remains the budget-led choice, with rear-wheel drive and 85 kg less weight.
Pick the Mitsubishi Xpander if you want the larger seven-seat MPV with a 495-litre boot and substantially more standard safety and convenience equipment.
Pick the Toyota Avanza if keeping the purchase price down matters more than infotainment, driver aids and outright cabin footprint.
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.
- Driveline and weight: Xpander is front-wheel drive and 1,240 kg; Avanza is rear-wheel drive and 1,155 kg.
- Wheels and tyres: Xpander gets 17-inch alloys with 205/55R17 tyres; Avanza has 15-inch alloys with 185/65R15 tyres.
- Safety and parking: Xpander has stability control and a reverse camera; Avanza has neither.
Xpander
- 495-litre boot and 120 mm longer wheelbase
- Stability control, hill-start assist and reverse camera
- 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- RM19,092 dearer than the Avanza
- 85 kg heavier than the Avanza
Avanza
- RM80,888 entry price
- Rear-wheel drive layout
- 85 kg lighter than the Xpander
- No stability control or hill-start assist
- No reverse camera
- Radio CD/MP3 player rather than touchscreen smartphone integration
| 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 at 6,000 rpm✓ | 103 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm✓ | 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 75 mm × 84.8 mm | 72.5 mm × 90.6 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 | 2 (Driver and 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 | 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 the better-equipped and larger family MPV, with stability control, a reverse camera, a 495-litre boot and a 2,775 mm wheelbase. The Avanza is the better choice only if its lower purchase price is the priority.
What is the price difference?
The Mitsubishi Xpander costs RM19,092 more than the Toyota Avanza. That gap brings a larger body, 17-inch wheels, stability control, reverse camera, keyless start and a 9-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Which MPV has the better safety equipment?
The Mitsubishi Xpander does. Both have two airbags, ABS/EBD, ISOFIX and seven three-point seat belts, but only the Xpander adds stability control, hill-start assist, rear foglamps and a reverse camera.
