Facelifted 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander Debuts With New CVT, Better Tech

Just a few days after leaked photos of the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander surfaces on the internet, the Japanese automaker has decided to fully reveal its popular MPV. The changes, however, actually go skin deep this time around.

For 2022, the new Xpanders gets a revised Dynamic Shield grille, which now combines gloss black bars in the upper section and a mesh grille down below. Flanking it are T-shaped LED headlights, and then below it is a faux skid plate.

The front and rear overhangs have also been extended by 75 mm and 45 mm, respectively, to give the Xpander better proportions. Ride height has also been increased by 15 to 20 mm, now at 220 or 225 mm, depending on the variant. Lastly, the rear end of the Xpander also benefits from a new LED taillight design.

Moving toards the interior, and the dashboard has been redesigned to feature a horizontal design theme. The steering wheel is also new, and so are the door panels that now feature synthetic leather and real stitching for a more premium feel. Elsewhere, the interior also benefits from an electronic parking brake with auto hold on higher variants, new USB-A and USB-C ports at the rear, a new gauge cluster design, and digital aircon controls.

While the 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 105 hp and 141 Nm of torque remains unchanged, the archaic and old-school 4-speed automatic has been ditched in favor of a CVT. Mitsubishi also programmed the CVT to feature stepped gear ratios just like in a traditiona automatic in order to provide a more linear feel.

Mitsubishi also tweaked the 2022 Xpander’s chassis. For the suspension, the rigidity of the front strut mounting part is improved, and the cylinder size of the rear shock absorber is expanded, while high-performance valves are newly adopted at both the front and rear to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander will make its debut first in Indonesia and it is also where the MPV will be produced. A Philippine launch should follow in just a few month’s time.