DETHRONED
For almost two decades, the Toyota Vios has been the relentless bestselling vehicle in the country. From 2008 to 2016, the dominant compact sedan averaged annual sales of about 25,000 to 30,000 vehicles, only to be surpassed by its fellow sibling the Toyota Fortuner in 2017. It again regained its consistent number spot in 2018 all the way to 2024.
In 2025, howeve, a new champion emerged, unseating the formidable Vios from its throne.
The Mitsubishi Xpander, with 28,081 units sold, edged the Vios by a slim 270 units with 27,811 units. It’s not much, yes. But it has clearly established the local market’s shift of preference from the traditional sedan to the bigger, versatile, more able, and more family-friendly multipurpose vehicle.
Toyota Motor Philippines, nonetheless, still holds a commanding spot in the overall local vehicle market with a staggering 227,585 units sold–or a stunning 45.45-percent market share of all new vehicles sold in 2025. Moreover, almost all of the top 10 bestselling vehicles last year also belonged to this Japanese autogiant.
The Xpander-fighter Toyota Avanza, on the other hand, churned out 24,704 units, more or less 3,000-4,000 units less than the new-hailed king of Philippine vehicles.
Makings of a king
Thus, what makes the country’s most-coveted vehicle so special?
With this kind of feat it already gives us a picture that MPVs nowadays are a more preferred choice. This is practically so since, compared to a sedan, MPVs can handle more load, it’s perfect for family getaways on weekends and plus, it can take all of that grind on a daily basis. Now, the question would rather likely be: “Why the Xpander?”
What does it have that other MPVs don’t have?
First of all, the Mitsubishi Xpander is the successor to the renowned Mitsubishi Adventure.
For starters, the Mitsubishi Adventure is the marque’s popular, durable Asian utility vehicle (AUV) produced from 1997 to 2017. It was practically known in the country for family transport and commercial use. Furthermore, what made it popular is its spacious, utilitarian cabin which can configure up to 10 passengers. Now, when it was phased out in 2017, the Xpander was the one which succeeded the following year.
In fact, to further prove this point, even before the Adventure, Mitsubishi already had the Versa Van back in the early 90s. It was known for its versatile character, the vehicle was used for a number of purposes, including family transport, school buses, delivery trucks, ambulances, and government utility vehicles. It even became a cultural icon as it was largely featured in Filipino action films back then.
This cemented the brand for its reliable, durable and versatile workhorses.
Given this picture, the Xpander already has a proven track record from its predecessors. All it has to do is continue their legacy.
Perhaps, another reason for the Xpander’s popularity is that for the fiscal year 2024, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation achieved record retail sales of 91,639 vehicles, improving by as much as 12 percent from the previous year. According to reports, this is Mitsubishi’s highest sales volume for the company’s global markets. This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the strategic importance of the Philippine market for Mitsubishi Motors.
The Philippines has been Mitsubishi Motors’ top global market in recent years, with record sales reported for fiscal year 2023 and 2024.
Of course, leading the way is the Mitsubishi Xpander, along with the Xforce, Mirage G4, and L300.
To put this into perspective, in 2023, Mitsubishi Motors sold over one million vehicles worldwide. Its number one sales driver that time was Japan with 120,538 units, followed by the US with 109,843 units. The Philippines then sold 89,124 units. Fourth place went to Australia with 74,547 units, while rounding the top five was Indonesia with 72,218 units.
Comparing how small our country is in terms of size and economy already says a lot.
However, what’s more compelling was the rest of the content when this announcement was made late last year during the launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Destinator in Ayala Malls in Manila Bay, Paranaque City.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation’s corporate officer and assistant executive, Zenta Ishikawa then said, “Since its establishment in 1963, the Philippines has always been the most important market for us.”
Ishikawa further said that MMC has maintained local production since 1971 and that Mitsubishi is the only brand that has maintained local production since.
In short, Mitsubishi has a long proven heritage. And this is what the Xpander, along with other Mitsubishi vehicles, is banking on.
“It’s like the ‘Aristocrat’ of the local automotive industry,” then shared Autohub Autohub Group of Companies president, Willy Tee Ten, who likewise owns a Mitsubishi dealership.
“It has been there ever since. It has longevity. It has history,” he then added.
“The brand stayed when all other brands, at that time of turmoil and everything else, left.”
“It has all the qualities that’s why the brand is, no doubt, one of the top in the country,” he continued.
On the other hand, Gateway Motors executive vice president, Michael Goho, said: “Mitsubishi’s strength in the Philippine market comes from a few fundamentals that have been built consistently over time.”
According to him, Mitsubishi, first, has product reliability. Its vehicles have earned a reputation for durability and practicality that fits Philippine road conditions and daily use. This has translated into strong trust among Filipino buyers.
He also stated that Mitsubishi has a long-standing presence in the country. With over six decades in the Philippine market, Mitsubishi has become a familiar and proven brand. Here, history matters, customers know what they’re getting, and many are repeat buyers. Not to mention, the brand has competitive and sensible pricing, supported by products that are well thought out for the local market.
“Mitsubishi positions its vehicles clearly, balancing value, features, and ownership costs.”
Testing the actual the ‘King’
Late last year, this writer was given a chance to get behind the wheel of the updated 2026 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS 1.5G 2WD AT. It still has the same overall solid feel and well-balanced engineering that make it stand out of the competition.
Other than the refreshed front and rear lower bumper designs for a more aggressive look, the new eight-inch LCD instrument cluster, updated steering wheel, and a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, what made it more special was the 360-degree camera view and an enhanced advanced driver-assistance system.
The vehicle even continues with the 1.5L 4A91 naturally-aspirated gasoline engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, that produces 104hp and 141 N-m.
With all that has been said, this Xpander truly is, no doubt, the worthy successor to the crown. All hail to the new king!
