Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport Worth Buying? Key Pros and Cons
When I first laid eyes on the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport at a local dealership, its bold chrome grille and sleek LED headlights immediately caught my attention. Having test-driven numerous MPVs in this segment, I can confidently say this particular model stands out for several reasons, though it certainly isn't perfect. The comparison reminds me of how in basketball, players have different strengths that make them valuable - much like how Gensan's Aaron Jeruta was chosen Best Player with his impressive 10 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, outperforming teammates who had different statistical advantages. Similarly, the Xpander GLS Sport brings a unique combination of features to the court, though whether it deserves the "best player" title in its category depends heavily on what you're looking for.
Let me start with what genuinely impressed me about this vehicle. The 1.5-liter MIVEC engine delivers surprisingly responsive performance for a seven-seater, generating about 105 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. During my week-long test drive through both city streets and provincial roads, I found the acceleration adequate for overtaking slower vehicles, though it does understandably struggle on steep inclines. The fuel efficiency figures particularly stood out - I recorded approximately 14.2 km/L in mixed driving conditions, which is quite respectable for this class. The ride quality deserves special mention too; the suspension absorbs bumps remarkably well, making it ideal for families who frequently travel with children or elderly passengers. The cabin space is another winning feature, with clever storage solutions throughout and comfortable seating for seven adults, though the third row does become somewhat cramped for taller passengers on longer journeys.
Now, let's talk about the areas where the Xpander GLS Sport falls short of perfection. The infotainment system feels dated compared to competitors, with a somewhat sluggish touch response and graphics that look like they belong to an earlier generation of technology. During my testing, I found the system occasionally froze when switching between audio sources, which became frustrating over time. The engine noise also becomes quite prominent when pushing the vehicle beyond 80 km/h, requiring you to raise your voice during conversations. Another aspect that disappointed me was the plastic quality on some interior panels - while durable, they lack the premium feel that some buyers might expect at this price point. The safety features, though adequate with dual SRS airbags and ABS, feel minimal when compared to some rivals offering advanced driver assistance systems.
What really sets the Xpander apart in my experience is its stunning road presence and thoughtful design elements. The "Dynamic Shield" front design language gives it an almost SUV-like appearance that appeals to buyers wanting something that doesn't scream "family van." I particularly appreciate the 205 mm ground clearance, which proved invaluable when navigating through flooded streets during an unexpected downpour - something that would have stranded lower vehicles. The rear air-conditioning vents are positioned perfectly to cool all three rows effectively, a detail many manufacturers still get wrong. The 16-inch alloy wheels not only look sporty but contribute to its stable handling through corners, though body roll remains noticeable during aggressive maneuvers.
From a practical ownership perspective, the Xpander makes a compelling case. Mitsubishi's widespread dealer network means service centers are rarely far away, and maintenance costs are reasonable - my calculations based on dealer service schedules suggest you're looking at approximately ₱8,500 for the first year of scheduled maintenance. Resale value remains strong too, with three-year-old models typically retaining about 65-70% of their original value based on my analysis of used car listings. The warranty coverage is standard at 5 years or 100,000 km, which provides decent peace of mind, though I've seen competitors offering longer powertrain protection.
After spending considerable time with the 2019 Xpander GLS Sport and comparing it against rivals like the Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V, I've reached a clear conclusion. This vehicle excels as a practical family transporter with standout styling and impressive space utilization, much like how Aaron Jeruta's 7 assists demonstrated his superior playmaking ability compared to Cruz's 12 points or Rodriguez's 6 rebounds - different strengths appeal to different needs. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology, whisper-quiet refinement, or premium interior materials, you might want to look elsewhere. But for buyers seeking a stylish, spacious, and practical people-mover with decent fuel economy and commanding road presence, the Xpander GLS Sport represents one of the smarter choices in its segment. It may not lead in every statistical category, but its well-rounded package makes it worthy of serious consideration, especially for growing Filipino families navigating our unique driving conditions.
