Mitsubishi Malaysia recently confirmed the news of Xpander’s arrival in the country; however, the automaker hasn’t revealed the exact launch date. But that’s not the issue, as the MPV will land on Malaysian soil by the end of this year. However, the big question is how well it will perform in the market, especially against its biggest rival, the BR-V.

So, we thought of comparing the two cars and seeing whether or not the Xpander is worth the wait. Especially with BR-V, is it wise for a prospective buyer to wait a little longer to buy the upcoming Xpander? To get answers to these questions, we’ll have to compare the two cars on several factors like design, performance, features, and safety, and see on which side the weighing scale tilts more.

Before beginning with the buy or hold story, we’ll like to inform you that Malaysia-spec Xpander details are still under covers, therefore, for now, we are taking clues from the Indonesian model.

Dimensions 

Specs	Mitsubishi Xpander	Honda BR-V
Length	4,475 mm	4,451/4,457 mm
Width	1,750 mm	1,735 mm
Height	1,730	1,677 mm
Wheelbase	2,775 mm	2,662 mm
Boot Space	539L(rear seat up)/ 781L (rear seat down)	223L(rear seat up)/ 539L (rear seat down)
Ground Clearance	205 mm	200 mm
Turning Radius	5.2 meter	5.6 meter

 

By looking at the table above, it is clear that the Mitsubishi MPV-cum-SUV is the bigger option of the two cars. The Xpander is larger, wider, taller, and even has a longer wheelbase, which translates to a spacious cabin. The Xpander MPV also displays slightly higher ground clearance, making it even more capable of patchy roads and rough terrain.

 

Also evident from the table is Xpander’s bigger boot. In connection to which, we’ll like to inform you that Mitsubishi’s MPV is the only car in the class to come with a floor-flat second and third row that makes loading larger and longer items convenient. As for Honda BR-V, its seats are positioned above the floor, and they need to be tumbled out of the way for full luggage space access.

Engine

Specifications	Mitsubishi Xpander	Honda BR-V
Engine Type	1.5L MIVEC DOHC 16 Valve	1.5L 4CYL 16 Valve, SOHC i-VTEC
Displacement	1,499 cc	1,497 CC
Power	105 PS at 6,000 rpm	120 PS @ 6,600 rpm
Torque	141 Nm at 4,000 rpm	145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission	4-speed AT/ 5-speed M/T	CVT

Seeing its massive body, the Xpander houses a less powerful engine. Also, the Mitsubishi MPV engine features double cams vs. BR-V’s single-cam i-VTEC engine, despite which it makes less power and torque. However, the Xpander mill produces horsepower and torque at a lower rev range, which calls for a less stressed powerplant.

Design

Though the design is a subjective matter, one can’t deny that 2020 Xpander features a dynamic outer profile. Honda BR-V, on the other hand, looks quite subtle (well, when compared to the Xpander). Adding to Xpander’s edger style are elements like LED headlights, while the BR-V comes with projector halogen units.

Features

Both the MPVs feature a 7-inch infotainment system; however, the one in Xpander is expected to come along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which we think is a big advantage in today’s time. As for safety, BR-V and Xpander feature more or less same specs, they both feature - ABS + EBD, brake assist, dual SRS airbag, ISO-FIX, Active Stability Control & Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Reverse Sensor and Camera, and Immobilizer.

Conclusion

We feel the deciding factors should be cabin space, performance, and styling. If one is more inclined towards the first and last option, then Xpander is the one for you, so wait. However, in terms of performance, the BR-V houses a more powerful unit.

Also Read: Mitsubishi Xpander - What to expect?