Although affordable MPVs are not popular in the UAE, a few have managed to find buyers because of their unique traits. In this week’s DubiCompare, we are pitting two such affordable MPVs on sale in the UAE: Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens.
Japanese brands such as Mitsubishi have been a popular choice for MPV buyers across the world including the UAE. The Xpander has been around for quite some time and offers exceptional reliability.
However, South Koreans invaded this segment with the Carens, a versatile and feature-packed MPV with several engine and gearbox options. Let’s compare these two entirely different MPVs and pick the top choice in our car comparison.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Dimensions
| Dimensions | Xpander | Carens |
| Length | 4,475mm | 4,540mm |
| Width | 1,750mm | 1,800mm |
| Height | 1,695mm | 1,708mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,775mm | 2,780mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45L | 45L |
| Ground Clearance | 225mm | 195mm |
| Boot Space | 223L | 216L |
The Kia Carens might have a bigger footprint from the outside. However, the space between the wheels is just 5mm more than the Mitsubishi Xpander. Both offer a spacious cabin to occupy a maximum of seven people including the driver.
- Xpander has more ground clearance
- Xpander has slightly better boot space
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Exterior Design
| Features | Xpander | Carens |
| Lights | LED | LED |
| Side Step | No | No |
| Wheels | 16-inch | 16-inch |
| Puddle Lamps | No | Yes |
| Roof Rails | Optional | Yes |
| Electric Boot-lid | No | No |
The looks and design of the MPV are subjective. But, both brands have ensured that they don’t look like a typical MPV. Mitsubishi has chosen a bold design to give it an SUV-inspired design. On the other hand, Kia has given the Carens a modern design that sort of looks like a combination of an SUV and an MPV.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Interiors & Features
| Features | Xpander | Carens |
| Instrument Cluster | MID | 10.25-inch |
| Infotainment | 7-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Android Auto | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Carplay | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charger | No | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes | Dual-zone |
| Underseat Tray | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient Lighting | No | Yes |
| Audio | 4-speaker | 8-speaker Bose |
| Sunroof | No | Yes |
Mitsubishi has not updated the Xpander to another generation since 2019, and this is clearly seen when you step on the inside. It lacks features, design, and a modern touch. The Carens is a much newer model and it is packed with features and looks good creating a pleasant experience.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Seats & Comfort
| Features | Xpander | Carens |
| Seat Configurations | 7 seats | 6 & 7 Seats |
| Middle Seat Folding | 60:40 | 60:40 |
| Captain Chairs | No | Yes |
| One-touch Tumble | Manual | Electric |
| Cooled Seats | No | Front |
| 3rd Row Seat Folding | 50:50 | 50:50 |
| Rear Sunshade | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Artificial Leather |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Boot Space (2nd Row Folded) | 718L | 645L |
| Boot Space (3rd Row Folded) | 1,608L | 1,164L |
The Xpander offers a bit more storage space as compared to the Carens making it more practical. However, if you are looking for an overall family car, the Carens is a clear winner offering better comfort, features, versatility, and performance.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Engine & Performance
Speaking of performance, the Kia Carens is offered with three engine and four gearbox options, while the Xpander gets a single engine and gearbox option. We have compared the best engine option available on the Carens against the Xpander.
| Engines | Xpander | Carens |
| Capacity | 1.5L NA | 1.4L Turbo |
| Max Power | 104hp | 138hp |
| Peak Torque | 141Nm | 242Nm |
| Top-Speed | 170km/h | 174km/h |
| [0 to 100km/h] | 13.1 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Gearbox | 4AT/CVT | 7DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Kia 1.5L NA Petrol Engine Specs
- Max Power: 113hp
- Peak Torque: 144Nm
- Gearbox: CVT/6MT
Kia 1.5L Turbo-Diesel Engine Specs
- Max Power: 113hp
- Peak Torque: 250Nm
- Gearbox: 6AT/6MT
Even with the most basic engine option available, the Carens performs better than the Xpander. However, Mitsubishi’s engines are exceptionally reliable and proven, which the Kia has yet to make a mark on.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Safety
| Safety Features | Xpander | Carens |
| Airbags | 2 | 6 |
| ISOFIX Anchors | Yes | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Rear | Front & Rear |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | No | No |
Both MPVs lack a 360-degree camera and ADAS features. However, since they are placed on the lower end of the pricing scale, we can let it slide and look at what is currently offered. Even in safety equipment, the Caren outperforms the Xpander by a good margin.
Mitsubishi Xpander vs Kia Carens: Price
The Mitsubishi Xpander is available in multiple trims. According to the DubiCars listing of new cars, the Xpander is priced between AED 52,000 and AED 65,000.
Find used Xpander for sale in the UAE and new Xpander for sale in the UAE.
Kia UAE offers the Carens in multiple variants and powertrain options. According to DubiCars data, the Kia Carens is priced between AED 56,000 and AED 80,000.
Find used Carens for sale in the UAE and new Carens for sale in the UAE.
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