I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport parked outside a local basketball court in General Santos – it reminded me of how Aaron Jeruta stood out during that championship game. Just like Jeruta's impressive 10 points and 7 assists made him the clear MVP, the Xpander GLS Sport dominates its category with standout features that deserve equal recognition. Let me walk you through why this MPV captured my attention and why it might just be the perfect family vehicle for you.
Driving the Xpander GLS Sport feels like watching a well-executed basketball play where every player knows their role perfectly. The 1.5-liter MIVEC engine delivers about 105 horsepower, which might not sound like much on paper, but in real-world driving, it's surprisingly responsive – much like how Jeruta's 7 assists didn't just happen by accident but through precise calculation and timing. I've taken this vehicle through city traffic and provincial roads, and what struck me was how the engine's 141 Nm of torque kicks in exactly when you need it, similar to how a basketball player times their steal perfectly. The fuel efficiency genuinely impressed me – during my week with the vehicle, I averaged around 14-15 km per liter on highways, which for a seven-seater MPV, feels like getting premium performance without the premium price tag.
The interior space arrangement deserves special mention because it's where the Xpander truly shines. With three rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate seven adults, it handles passengers with the same efficiency that Larry Rodriguez demonstrated with his 10 points and 6 rebounds – making every opportunity count. I particularly appreciate how the second-row seats slide and recline, allowing passengers to find their perfect position during long drives. The 18.5 cm ground clearance might not seem remarkable until you encounter rough roads or flooded streets, which we have plenty of during rainy season. I've driven through moderate floods that would stop other vehicles in their tracks, and the Xpander handled them with confidence that reminded me of Joel Lee Yu's steady performance – always reliable when it matters most.
What really won me over were the thoughtful features that Mitsubishi included in the GLS Sport variant. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of luxury that you don't typically find in this price range, while the 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity makes every journey more enjoyable. The LED headlights with follow-me-home function might seem like a small detail, but when you're returning to your car after dark, these features feel as crucial as having a reliable teammate in basketball. I found the rear parking sensors and backup camera particularly helpful in tight spaces – they take the stress out of parallel parking, which for me is as valuable as having a player who consistently delivers 5 assists per game.
The driving experience itself balances comfort and capability in a way that few vehicles in this segment manage. The suspension handles bumps and imperfections with remarkable composure, though I did notice some body roll during sharp cornering – but let's be honest, you're not buying an MPV for track days. The electric power steering provides decent feedback without being too heavy, making city driving less fatiguing. During my time with the vehicle, I transported everything from groceries to furniture, and the versatile seating configurations never left me wanting for more space. The third-row seats fold completely flat, creating a cargo area that can swallow surprisingly large items – it handled a washing machine with ease that would make any basketball player proud of their rebound statistics.
Some aspects could use improvement, if I'm being completely honest. The engine does get vocal when pushed hard, and the cabin noise at highway speeds is noticeable, though not deal-breaking. The infotainment system, while functional, isn't the most intuitive I've used, and the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feels like a missed opportunity in today's connected world. But these are minor quibbles when you consider the overall package and its price point. The Xpander GLS Sport starts at around ₱1,150,000, which positions it as excellent value for money – much like how Jeruta's all-around performance of 10 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal provided tremendous value to his team compared to players who might have scored more points but contributed less overall.
After spending considerable time with the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport, I've come to appreciate it as more than just transportation – it's a thoughtful companion for family adventures. Whether you're driving kids to school, heading out for weekend getaways, or simply navigating daily errands, this vehicle handles everything with the dependable consistency of a veteran athlete. It may not be the most powerful or luxurious vehicle available, but it delivers where it counts most – reliability, practicality, and value. Just like in basketball where the best player isn't always the highest scorer but the one who contributes most to team success, the Xpander GLS Sport understands that true excellence lies in serving multiple roles effectively. For families seeking a dependable partner for their daily journeys, this MPV deserves serious consideration – it's earned my respect through consistent performance and thoughtful design that puts people first.
