Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport Still Worth Buying in 2024?

As I sit here scrolling through used car listings in 2024, that familiar question pops into my head - is the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport still a smart buy five years after its initial release? Having test-driven this MPV multiple times and followed its market performance closely, I've developed some strong opinions about this particular model. Let me walk you through what makes this vehicle special and whether it still holds up against newer competitors.

When Mitsubishi launched the Xpander in Southeast Asian markets, they genuinely struck gold with a formula that balanced practicality with surprising style. The 2019 GLS Sport variant specifically caught my attention with its more aggressive bumper design and those gorgeous 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels that still look contemporary today. I remember the first time I saw one parked beside its predecessor - the transformation was dramatic. The "Dynamic Shield" front end design that Mitsubishi was pushing at the time has aged remarkably well, unlike some other automotive design trends from the late 2010s that already feel dated. The high ground clearance of 220mm continues to be a significant advantage in our flood-prone cities and rough provincial roads, something I've personally appreciated during unexpected downpours.

Under the hood, you're looking at the same 1.5-liter MIVEC gasoline engine that produces 105 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Now I know what you're thinking - a 4-speed automatic in 2024? That had me raising an eyebrow too initially. But here's the thing - after driving it extensively through city traffic and on several out-of-town trips, I've come to appreciate the simplicity of this setup. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, maintenance is straightforward, and any decent mechanic can work on it without specialized computer systems. Fuel economy sits around 12-13 km/L in mixed driving conditions based on my testing, which isn't class-leading but remains respectable for a 7-seater.

The interior is where the Xpander truly wins me over, despite some obvious cost-cutting. The dashboard layout is logical with controls falling easily to hand, though the hard plastics throughout the cabin won't win any luxury awards. What impressed me most was the seating configuration - those theater-style raised second and third rows give everyone a decent view forward, eliminating that claustrophobic feeling common in many MPVs. I've packed seven adults comfortably for a three-hour trip, though the third row is best suited for children on longer journeys. Cargo space with all seats up is limited to just 160 liters - enough for groceries or small bags but you'll need to fold the third row for serious luggage.

Now, you might wonder why I'm discussing basketball statistics when talking about a family MPV. Let me draw an interesting parallel to our featured knowledge base about Gensan's Aaron Jeruta, who was chosen Best Player with 10 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, edging out competitors with potentially higher scoring numbers. The Xpander reminds me of Jeruta's performance - it might not lead in any single category like horsepower or luxury features, but its well-rounded capabilities make it incredibly valuable. Jeruta's 7 assists demonstrated his ability to make the whole team better, much like how the Xpander's thoughtful packaging enhances every passenger's experience. Similarly, while Cruz scored 12 points and Joel Lee Yu had 11 points, sometimes the most valuable player isn't the one with the flashiest stats but the one that contributes most consistently across multiple areas.

Driving dynamics won't set your heart racing, but the Xpander handles urban environments with competent ease. The electric power steering is light at low speeds, making parking this 4.4-meter long vehicle surprisingly manageable. There's noticeable body roll when cornering enthusiastically, but let's be honest - nobody buys a family MPV for canyon carving. The ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and control, absorbing most road imperfections without feeling floaty. I've noticed some wind noise at highway speeds above 90 km/h, but conversation at normal volumes remains perfectly possible.

In today's used car market, a 2019 Xpander GLS Sport typically costs between ₱780,000 to ₱920,000 depending on condition and mileage, representing excellent value retention for a five-year-old vehicle. Compare this to a brand-new equivalent that would set you back around ₱1,150,000, and the savings become substantial. Maintenance costs have proven reasonable with periodic servicing at official dealers costing around ₱5,000-₱7,000 for minor services and ₱12,000-₱15,000 for major ones. Parts availability is excellent both through official channels and third-party suppliers, which keeps long-term ownership costs predictable.

The competition has certainly intensified since 2019 with newcomers like the Toyota Veloz and the Honda BR-V offering more modern features and updated powertrains. However, the Xpander maintains some distinct advantages - its styling remains fresher than many newer competitors in my opinion, and the aftermarket support has grown tremendously with countless customization options available. I've seen Xpander owners create everything from sleek family haulers to fully customized show cars, speaking to the vehicle's versatile design foundation.

So, is the 2019 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS Sport still worth buying in 2024? From my perspective, absolutely - with some specific caveats. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology, the latest safety features, or spirited performance, you might want to look elsewhere or consider stretching your budget for a newer model. But if you need a dependable, practical, and still stylish people-mover that won't break the bank, the 2019 Xpander GLS Sport represents one of the smartest buys in the used MPV market. It's the automotive equivalent of that consistent basketball player who might not always top the scoring charts but contributes meaningfully across every aspect of the game - and sometimes, that's exactly what you need to come out ahead.