The Proton X90, which made its debut in May, is the largest model in the national automaker’s X series SUV line-up, sitting on top of the X70 and X50. With a choice of six- and seven-seat interior layouts, it’s the prime people mover of the range.
The first three are seven-seat versions, featuring a 2-3-2 seven-seat configuration with a bench middle-row, while the Flagship is the sole six-seat variant, the seating layout having a pair of second-row captain seats similar to the Exora Prime.
All four variants are powered by a 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine that is similar to that on the X50 Flagship as well as newer X70 models, but the inclusion of a 48V mild-hybrid BSG system bumps output to 190 PS and 300 Nm, which is 13 PS and 45 Nm more than the 177 PS and 255 Nm on the 1.5 TGDI without the BSG.
Standard equipment across the model range includes a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone air-conditioning as well as roof-mounted second/third row rear AC, remote engine start and proximity door unlock with walk-away auto lock.
Also fitted as standard are six airbags, ESC, traction control, a reverse camera and front/rear parking sensors as well as rear collision warning (RCW), lane change assist (LCA) and rear cross-traffic alert (RTCA) in terms of safety and driver assistance kit.
Move up to the Executive and you’ll find items such as a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery and a 10-inch full LCD digital instrument panel, among other things, while going the Premium route introduces Nappa leather for the steering wheel and upholstery, wireless charging and additional driving assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), fowward collision warning and aaptive cruise control with stop & go. Aside from its seating configuration, the Flagship adds on a panoramic sunroof.
We’ve previously explored the X90 through a walk-around video, but here then are the findings of what it’s like out on-the-road, presented through Hafriz Shah’s full in-depth review of the SUV, covering everything that’s good and the not-so good about the brand’s flagship SUV. It’s a long watch, the video, but it covers all the bases and everything you want to know about the car, and then some.
There will be many small families who will be cross-shopping between the Proton X90 and the Toyota Innova Zenix as the family transport of their choice, as this SUV bodystyle is in trend these days, more so than box on wheels style MPVs that maximise space like the Nissan Serena.
We think these two products will go head to head in Malaysia so we decided to come up with a brief guide comparing what the Proton X90 and 2023 Toyota Innova have to offer.
What type of vehicle is the Proton X90 and Toyota Innova Zenix?
Both the Proton X90 and the Toyota Innova Zenix are front wheel drive vehicles with SUV-style bodies, with three rows that can sit between 6 to 8 passengers.
How does the Proton X90 and Innova Zenix compare in size?
As you can see from the table above, the X90 is slightly larger than the Innova Zenix. It is longer and wider, but just slightly shorter in terms of height, despite having slightly higher ground clearance. The Innova does have a longer wheelbase.
How do the seats compare between the two cars?
Proton X90 – either 6 or 7 seats
The Proton X90 features either six or seven seats over three rows in a 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configuration.
Accessing the third row is through tilting and then sliding the second row seat back forward, which can be done in a single motion.
The flagship version is the 2-2-2 six-seater, with a space between the two captain seat. Being the top spec version, it will include a panoramic sunroof which the 7-seater will not have.
The Proton X90 has a third row that can fit two, with head rests. It is large enough to fit an adult, as you can see from the photo.
Toyota Innova Zenix – either 7 or 8 seats
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0HEV Hybrid captain seat middle row
Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0V bench middle row
As for the Toyota Innova Zenix, just like the X90, there are two different types of interiors that you can have. If you buy the 2.0 V model, you get a 8-seater in a 2-3-3 configuration.
If you buy the 2.0 HEV hybrid model, you get a 7-seater with a 2-2-3 configuration where the second row bench is replaced with captain seats. Although the Indonesian version gets ottoman legrests for the captain seats, the Malaysian spec Innova Zenix’s captain seats lack the ottoman legrests.
The three seater bench version of the Innova Zenix’s second row is configured with a 60:40 split, backrest and slide adjustable in two sections with the middle seatback also having a fold-down center armrest if you don’t need to use the middle seat.
The Innova Zenix’s third row has plenty of legroom but perhaps not enough width for 3
The Toyota Innova Zenix’s third row bench has a 50:50 split, but can be used as a three seater. The person sitting in the middle will be sitting in between the two halves of the bench, but the person will have a headrest. The seatbelt for this third seat comes from the roof. It looks a little tight to fit three in the third row, so perhaps its best to treat the third row bench as a two seater, and only use three seats in emergencies.
How about luggage space?
Toyota Innova Zenix boot space – third row up and down
The Toyota Innova Zenix has a boot space of 239 litres with all three rows of seats up. If you fold down the third row, this increases to a massive 690 litres, up to the window line. As compared to the previous Innova, the Innova Zenix’s third row now folds flat into the floor; previously, they were flipped up to the sides in the previous Innova.
Proton X90 boot space – third row up and down
As for the Proton X90, official spec sheets quote 257L of boot space available with the third row up, expandable to 1200L with the third row down.
What are the engine options?
The Proton X90 uses 1.5 litre turbo engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, with total output of 190 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,000 rpm.
As for the Toyota Innova Zenix, two engine options are available. The 2.0V uses a 2.0 litre Dynamic Force direct injection normally aspirated engine. It produces 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm, which is impressively on the high side for a normally aspirated 2.0 engine.
Those who are into more tech and fuel efficiency will like the idea of a Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV Hybrid, which mates a 152 PS, 187 Nm 2.0 litre Dynamic Force to a 113 PS, 205 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 186 PS. The battery for the hybrid system is of the NiMH type is installed under the two front seats.
Toyota’s Hybrid system is a ‘full hybrid’ and can run the car on pure EV mode, while the Proton X90’s mild hybrid system cannot power the car on its own and is more to assist the engine in certain situations.
How safe are these two people movers?
In terms of airbags, the Innova comes standard with 6 airbags in Malaysia. There’s also ABS, stability control, blind spot assist, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assistance systems. TSS 3.0 gets a new camera sensor with an expanded detection angle and around two times further forward detection. The latest radar sensor is able to detect obstacles closer to the sensor.
If you’re unfamiliar with RSA, basically, the camera detects road signs and informs the driver via the instrument panel. For now, RSA recognises speed limit signs (other types of signs in the future) and it can be set to sync with ACC to override the set cruising speed. Speaking of ACC, the system can now evaluate the situation two vehicles ahead for an earlier response, and it can also adjust the speed when making lane changes when ACC is active. Also, AEB now works at intersections to prevent collisions with cross traffic or vehicles making a turn.
In addition to TSS, the Zenix comes with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The very comprehensive safety package is completed with a 3D panoramic view monitor (360-degree parking camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, dashcam and UMWT’s vehicle telematics system. There are two Isofix child seat mounts for the middle row.
As for the Proton X90, it has 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, brake assist, hill-hold assist, hill descent control, Lane change assist (LCA), Rear cross-traffic alert (RTCA) as standard. The two most expensive Premium and Flagship spec gets Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Forward collision warning, Adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Lane departure warning, Lane departure warning, Lane departure prevention, Lane centering control, and Emergency lane keep assist.
How much are cars be priced?
These are the prices of the 2023 Proton X90 variants (all on-the-road, without insurance):
Proton X90 1.5L Standard (seven-seater) – RM123,800
Are you in the market for a three-row people mover this year? Do you prefer the Proton X90 or the Toyota Innova Zenix? Or would you rather go for other models like the Mazda CX-8 instead? Let us know in the comments section.
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Flagship
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Premium
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Executive
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Standard
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 colour variants
GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 official images
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix official photos
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix Malaysian brochure
Launched in May this year, the Proton X90 is the national carmaker’s new three-row SUV that is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder GDI engine, with the latter being similar to the X50 Flagship as well as newer X70 models. However, the X90 differs from those SUVs as it also comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which is a first for the national brand.
Components that are part of the mild hybrid system include a belt-starter generator (BSG), DC-DC converter, lithium-ion battery, battery management system, brake recuperation system and hybrid module control system. Altogether, the setup pushes out 190 PS and 300 Nm of torque, while also providing better claimed acceleration and lower CO2 emissions.
With the mild hybrid system, how does the X90 compare to the X70 in terms of maintenance cost over five years or 100,000 km? Well, that’s what we’re going to find out in this post as we list out the maintenance schedules for both SUVs. This comparison also includes the X70’s direct competitor, the Honda CR-V, and all details are lifted directly from the official websites of the car brands.
Based on the figures, the X90 is more costly to maintain over five years when compared to the X70, with the difference being about RM351.97. Looking at the itemised lists, both Proton SUVs are very similar in terms of how frequent service items are carried out.
For instance, the X90 and X70 require air, fuel and cabin filter changes every 20,000 km, while the spark plugs and brake fluid are replaced every 40,000 km. Additionally, engine coolant service is performed at 60,000 km and the dual-clutch transmission oil is changed at 90,000 km. Going beyond 100,000 km, a timing belt change (RM195.16 for the part) is performed at 120,000 km on both SUVs as well.
However, you’ll notice that the cost of the filters (except the engine oil filter) for the X90 is higher than the X70, and the larger SUV has windscreen cleaner listed as a service item. The X90’s BSG drive belt also needs to be replaced at 100,000 km at a cost of RM141.10, which isn’t required for the non-mild hybrid X70.
Proton X90 maintenance schedule (top), X70 (bottom); click to enlarge
What about the CR-V then? Honda’s maintenance schedule for its C-segment SUV is different as it mentions that engine oil changes (RM139.56 each time) are carried out depending on an interval of not over six months or referring to the engine oil monitoring indicator. This is also true of the engine oil filter (RM34.68 each time), although the interval for this is longer at 12 months.
If we apply those intervals, the CR-V is cheaper to maintain than the X90 and X70 by at least RM1,300. That seems like a huge margin, but labour charges for the oil changes aren’t factored into the official maintenance schedule, and it’s mentioned in the small print that prices listed are inclusive of a 15% discount. So while the difference may appear rather large on paper, realistically it will be far smaller.
Furthermore, while the CR-V requires less air and cabin filter changes over 100,000 km, there are certain big-ticket service items not mentioned like the fuel filter (RM411.30 at 180,000 km) and engine coolant (RM219.96 at 200,000 km) that done at a much later. The cost to replace spark plugs and CVT fluid for the CR-V is also higher in total compared to the Proton SUVs.
Honda CR-V maintenance schedule; click to enlarge
Of course, there’s more to running costs besides scheduled service visits, as consumables such as brakes and tyres are dependent on how the car is used. Wheel sizes for the X90 range from 18 to 19 inches, while it is between is between 17 and 19 inches for the X70 and 17 to 18 inches for the CR-V – typically larger wheels need larger tyres that cost more. Specific to the X90 is a 48-volt lithium-ion battery that is part of the mild hybrid system, which isn’t listed as a serviceable item in its official schedule. The second battery is covered by a five-year warranty and is said to be “maintenance-free and lasts the lifetime of the vehicle.”
The three SUVs mentioned here have the same engine capacity of 1.5 litres, so road tax is identical, but motor insurance differs based on the insured amount, insurance provider and chosen add-ons (flood coverage, windscreen coverage, etc.).
When split across five years, the X90 costs about RM70 more per year to service compared to the X70. At the price the X90 starts from – RM123,800 on-the-road without insurance – that extra amount paid yearly for maintenance wouldn’t be that much of a concern for car buyers with the means and are considering Proton’s first three-row SUV with a mild hybrid system.
The Proton X90 was officially launched by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last Sunday, and its arrival marks the national automaker’s first foray into the D-segment SUV market.
The X90 – which is based on the Geely Haoyue (also known as the Okavango in select markets) – goes on sale here in four variant forms, with two seating configurations available.
Three of these, the Standard (RM123,800), Executive (RM130,800) and Premium (RM144,800) are seven-seaters, featuring a 2-3-2 seat configuration with a bench middle-row, while the fourth, called the Flagship (RM152,800), is a six-seat version with a 2-2-2 layout, the novelty being the second-row captain seats.
All the X90 variants are powered by a 1.5 litre three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine as found on the X50 Flagship and newer X70 models, but the addition of a belt-starter generator (BSG) 48V mild-hybrid system bumps up output to 190 PS and 300 Nm, 13 PS and 45 Nm more than the 177 PS and 255 Nm on the 1.5 TGDI without the BSG. The engine is paired with the automaker’s familiar seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
In terms of specifications and equipment, you can find out which variant gets what in our usual spec-by-spec comparison listed below, but here’s a quick recap. Standard fit items on the base variant includes full LED headlamps with sequential turn signals, fabric seats, a reverse camera and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The X90 also comes with a 12.3-inch LCD infotainment system touchscreen with 1920 x 720 pixel display resolution, 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage as well as dual-zone air-conditioning and independent rear AC, with all rows on the SUV getting air vents. No shortage of charging points for mobile devices, with seven USB connections in all and, on higher-end variants, wireless charging.
Click to enlarge.
The Executive variant adds on front ventilated seats, with the driver’s side being a six-way powered adjustable unit. Also going on is leatherette upholstery, 10-inch full digital instrument display, an intelligent powered tailgate, a 360-degree camera with 3D display and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The next step up is the Premium, which bumps up the wheel size to 19-inch and adds on Nappa leather upholstery, ambient lighting, powered adjustable front passenger seat and increases the number of items in the ADAS count, with AEB, LDW and adaptive cruise control with stop & go in the mix.
Aside from being the only model to offer the 2-2-2 six-seat layout, the Flagship adds on a large panoramic sunroof and a front passenger ‘Boss’ switch, which allows the seat to be moved forward to provide more in the way of legroom for the second row occupant seated behind it. The second-row captain seats are also ventilated.
