Verdict
At RM72,900, the Perodua Aruz costs RM33,910 more than the RM38,990 Proton Saga, but it brings seven seats, a 2,685 mm wheelbase and six airbags. That matters for families who regularly need the third row, rear air-con blower and ISOFIX across the middle row. The Saga is the sharper value case for five occupants: its 118 hp and 150 Nm beat the Aruz’s 101 hp and 133 Nm, while its 420-litre boot is nearly twice the Aruz’s 213 litres. But its two-airbag count is a major compromise against the Aruz.
Pick the Perodua Aruz if you need seven seats, six airbags and rear air-con for regular family duty.
Pick the Proton Saga if you carry five people or fewer and want 118 hp, a 420-litre boot and a far lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Perodua Aruz RM72,900; Proton Saga RM38,990.
- Seating: Perodua Aruz 7 seats; Proton Saga 5 seats.
- Power and torque: Perodua Aruz 101 hp/133 Nm; Proton Saga 118 hp/150 Nm.
- Boot space: Perodua Aruz 213 litres; Proton Saga 420 litres.
- Airbags: Perodua Aruz 6; Proton Saga 2.
- Wheelbase: Perodua Aruz 2,685 mm; Proton Saga 2,465 mm.
Aruz
- Seven-seat cabin with split-folding second and third rows
- Six airbags, including front side and curtain airbags
- Rear air-con blower, front parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels
- Costs RM33,910 more
- 213-litre boot is 207 litres smaller
- 101 hp and 133 Nm trail the Saga’s 118 hp and 150 Nm
Saga
- 118 hp and 150 Nm from its 1.5-litre engine
- 420-litre boot for five-seat use
- Auto headlamps and a full-LCD instrument cluster
- Only five seats versus the Aruz’s seven
- Two airbags versus the Aruz’s six
- No rear air-con blower or front parking sensors
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM72,900 | RM38,990✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM90✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Atkinson Cycle |
| Capacity | 1,496 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 101 hp | 118 hp✓ |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 150 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 72 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4 Speed Automatic | 4-speed Automatic |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 6.4 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,435 mm | 4,390 mm |
| Width | 1,695 mm | 1,690 mm |
| Height | 1,705 mm | 1,525 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,685 mm | 2,465 mm |
| Weight | 1,300 kg | 1,055 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 213 litres | 420 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/60R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/60R17 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Full-size 17" Alloy | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001A | Atlas AS380 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Coil Springs | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Black Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Black Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 7 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer middle row passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with one-touch tumble, manual recline, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row | Foldable Backrest |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con (digital controls with memory function) | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Blower | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Last Row | 1 Front, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 3 Front, 2 Last Row | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 7.0" Touchscreen Radio DVD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 6 speakers | Radio with Bluetooth, USB and Two Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 2 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | Automatic Door-Lock Past 20 km/h | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Aruz & Saga for sale
Aruz vs Saga FAQ
Is the Perodua Aruz or Proton Saga better?
The Aruz is better for seven-seat family transport and safety equipment, with six airbags and rear air-con. The Saga is better for a five-seat buyer prioritising lower cost, stronger 118 hp output and its 420-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Perodua Aruz costs RM33,910 more than the Proton Saga.
Which has the bigger boot, the Perodua Aruz or Proton Saga?
The Proton Saga has the bigger boot at 420 litres, compared with 213 litres in the Perodua Aruz. The Aruz trades cargo volume for its third-row seating.