Updated 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander Revealed, Now With Enhanced Safety

There's an updated 2026MY iteration of the Xpander released by Mitsubishi in Indonesia earlier this week, and it packs several key upgrades.

Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has revealed yet another revised iteration of its Xpander three-row crossover MPV – arguably one of it most critical best-sellers here in ASEAN.

Revealed in Indonesia this week is the updated 2026 model year (2026MY) version and, critically, it’s more than just a visual nip-tuck. That’s because on board, the 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander for the republic just across the Malacca Strait has gained SIX airbags.

As a refresher, the Malaysia-spec Xpander only has two airbags primed. The latest version seen in Indonesia ups that count significantly, though this is also limited to just the top-spec variants – other guises below it still only get two airbags equipped.

Arguably one of the most significant changes here is addition of six airbags in the cabin - as opposed to just two.

Though airbags count has gone up, we’ll also point out that this updated 2026MY model still goes on without any Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features present – not even autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Instead, Mitsubishi elected to beef up the electronic stability control (ESC) suite for the 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander, which now gains new brake-activated Active Yaw Control (AYC) torque-vectoring mechanism ‘borrowed’ from the XForce crossover.

Nevertheless, the significantly increased airbag count and beefed up ESC with AYC may be just what the ADAS-less Xpander needs, especially in markets where consumer demands have ‘matured’ with greater emphasis on basic safety – i.e. ours.

Clockwise: Visual revision sees an updated grille and headlight combo, revised rear bumper, new all-black interior motif, and new 17-inch rolling stock.

Moving on to changes you can actually see – literally – and the 2026MY Xpander has gained a pair of updated digital displays. It starts with larger new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment (vs 9-inch prior) primed front and centre in the dash.

Next comes a new 8-inch digital instrument panel that’s also derived and from shared with the sharp new XForce crossover. It’s worth highlighting both displays brings crisp new graphics and user interface – arguably welcoming visual treats.

Other visual changes include a switch to an all-black cabin colour motif, new three-spoke steering wheel design ‘borrowed’ from the latest-gen Triton pick-up truck, as well as new middle-seat headrest and armrest with dual cupholders in the second row.

As for the exterior, the 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander gets a new grille with a silver upper insert and vertical slats, new headlights with smoked inserts, a new front spoiler, revised rear bumper with horizontal reflectors, as wellas new 17-inch ten-spoke rolling stock.

Also updared on board are the displays, and it now sees a larger new 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen plus a new 8-inch digital instrument panel.

Predictably, there are no mechanical changes to note in this typical face-lift effort. Under the hood, the Xpander soldiers on still with its familiar 1.5-litre 4-cyl MIVEC petrol mill rated at 105 PS and 141 NM.

Unlike Malaysia though, which gets a 4AT box, this revised 2026MY Xpander for Indonesia sees said mill paired with either a CVT automatic or 5-speed manual transmission choices – the latter reflecting said transmission type’s continued demand in that market.

Lastly, price. In the Indonesian republic, the 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander sees its variant line-up command between IDR270.1 million (approx. RM70,700) and IDR337.8 million (approx. RM88,500).

It goes without saying that this revised 2026MY Xpander seen in Indonesia packs several additions that Malaysian prospects expect to see in the model's next revision here.

For reference, the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift currently on sale in Malaysia, which was just launched last year, is tagged at RM99,980 in in base variant guise, and at RM109,890 in new Plus variant form.

Would you welcome the beefed up safety, and enhanced styling seen in this Indonesian model, and perhaps a switch from 4AT to CVT should Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) revise the Xpander locally next? Share your take in the comments below…