Review: 2025 Proton X70 Facelift – New grille, elevated thrill, still Malaysia’s darling?

Let’s take a ride down memory lane. Back in 2018, when Proton first introduced the X70, it was a game-changer. Malaysians flocked to showrooms, excited to see what their national carmaker had to offer in the increasingly competitive SUV market.

It wasn’t just another SUV—it was Proton’s foray into premium, and boy, did it deliver. Fast forward to 2025, and the facelifted Proton X70 has arrived. While it doesn’t aim to rewrite the rules, it certainly knows how to refine the playbook.

This is a story about what the X70 facelift gets right, what it sticks to, and why it still holds its place in our hearts. Is it a total overhaul? Nope. But do you need it to be? Let’s find out.

A Familiar Shape, But with a Modern Twist

Picture this: a sleek SUV pulling into your driveway. It’s unmistakably the X70 you’ve seen countless times on Malaysian roads, but it’s been to the stylist and come out looking sharper than ever.

The front grille is now pentagonal with Proton’s signature Infinite Weave pattern, but look closely—there’s a Songket diamond pin motif embedded in the design.The redesigned front end introduces a subtle yet refined aesthetic, adding a fresh touch of sophistication and elegance to the Proton X70.

And then there are the wheels. Oh, those wheels! The Premium X variant rolls on 19-inch two-tone alloys wrapped in 225/55 Continental UC6 tyres. They’re sizeable, polished, and undeniably premium, filling out the arches with a sophisticated presence.

Lower variants get smaller 17- and 18-inch rims, but let’s be honest—if you’re going for the facelifted X70, the 19s are part of the package you’re paying for.

But here’s the thing—while these new wheels fit the facelift’s more refined and mature aesthetic, they feel a bit too safe. There’s nothing wrong with them per se; they’re sleek and modern.

But compared to the older design, which had a sharper, more aggressive edge, these feel like they lack the punch and personality of their predecessors. The older wheels seemed to shout “SUV with attitude,” while these whisper “let’s play it classy.”

Sure, it’s a subjective call, but if you ask me, the older wheels better captured the spirit of the X70—bold, confident, and ready to stand out. These new ones? They’re nice, but perhaps a little too polite for their own good.

From the rear, not much has changed. The tail lamps remain untouched, which might disappoint some. However, a new rear bumper design adds some flair, and Proton hopes that’s enough to keep critics at bay. If nothing else, it maintains the X70’s instantly recognizable silhouette—a practical move when you’re building on a bestseller.

Stepping Into Comfort and Tech Paradise

Now, let’s swing that door open and step inside. If the exterior whispers refinement, the interior grabs a megaphone and shouts it. This isn’t just a refresh—it’s an upgrade with a capital “U.”

Slide into the driver’s seat, and your eyes can’t help but lock onto the 12.3-inch floating touchscreen display. It’s big, it’s bright, and it’s bold—finally giving the cabin the centerpiece it deserves.

And here’s the kicker: Apple CarPlay is now onboard, which means Proton has officially answered your prayers for proper smartphone integration. Well, if you’re an Apple user, that is. As for Android Auto? Errr… it’s still “on the way.”

So, while Apple users can smugly tap and swipe their way to seamless connectivity, Android users might feel like they’ve been left standing at the bus stop. But hey, at least there’s hope on the horizon, right?

This screen is powered by ATLAS 2.0, Proton’s upgraded infotainment system, and it’s a noticeable step up. It’s fast, intuitive, and packed with features.

Whether you’re streaming Spotify, navigating with the built-in system, or tweaking your car’s settings, the interface feels modern and well thought out.

Now, for Android Auto users—yes, you’ll have to make do with ATLAS for a little while longer. But don’t despair; the system handles music streaming and navigation well enough to keep you on track.

And if it doesn’t quite cut it for you, a RM100 phone holder can save the day, letting your trusty smartphone take the reins while the ATLAS screen provides the backup. Sometimes, there is solution no matter how disgruntled you are about the situation.

The ambient lighting system is one of the new features introduced in the facelifted X70. With 72 colors to choose from and a rhythmic function that syncs the lights to your music, it sounds like a fun, mood-setting addition.

But here’s the catch: the ambient lighting is limited to a single panel on the front passenger side. That’s it—no glowing strips along the doors or the dashboard, just that one lonely light. It’s there, but it’s almost non-existent.

And honestly? It feels a bit dated. The design doesn’t quite match the otherwise polished cabin, and its inclusion feels more like an afterthought than a wow factor.

Maybe leaving it out entirely and shaving a little off the car’s price would have been the smarter move. But hey, it’s here, so take it or leave it—it’s not a dealbreaker, just a bit of a missed opportunity.

And oh, the seats. Draped in Stone Grey Nappa leather, they’re as premium as they sound, bringing an air of sophistication to the cabin. Up front, the seats are ventilated and fully powered, making even the longest drives feel less like endurance tests and more like a relaxing journey.

Rear passengers, too, are in for a treat, with plenty of legroom and a level of comfort that could easily rival some luxury cars.

But let’s get real for a moment. In my opinion, the front seats are a tad too firm—not uncomfortable, but not quite the plush experience you might expect. Then again, with the car only having clocked about 4,000km, there’s hope they’ll soften up over time.

Now, the rear seats? That’s where the magic happens. They’re comfortable, reclinable, and an absolute joy to sink into. If you’re not driving, the back seat is hands down the best place to be—pure bliss on wheels.

The steering wheel, now more ergonomically designed, is dotted with buttons for almost every function.Behind it sits a new 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, which is crisp, easy to read, and a welcome upgrade from the old virtual analog dials design.

But the star of the show might just be the hands-free tailgate with Nearby Auto Open. Imagine this: your hands are full of groceries, but as you approach the car, the tailgate opens like magic. It’s one of those features you didn’t know you needed until you used it.

On the Road: A Cruiser, Not a Bruiser

Under the hood, the facelifted X70 packs a familiar powertrain. The 1.5L TGDi 3-cylinder turbo engine, churns out 177 PS and 255 Nm of torque. It’s mated to a smooth 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that ensures gear shifts are seamless.

Proton claims the new setup is 4% more fuel-efficient, and while we didn’t clock exact numbers during our drive, the 7.3L/100 km figure doesn’t feel achievable for most urban commuters.On the highway however, yes, that is an achievable number.

On the road, the X70 plays to its strengths: comfort and refinement. The suspension soaks up bumps with ease, making city potholes and uneven highways mere annoyances.

The steering, especially in Normal mode, feels light and perfect for maneuvering through traffic. Flip to Sport mode, and it gains some weight, adding a bit of confidence on faster stretches.

 

But don’t mistake this SUV for a corner-carving machine. The X70 was never about outright performance, and the facelift doesn’t change that. Instead, it excels at cruising, with a quiet cabin and a ride quality that feels far more expensive than its RM126,800 price tag suggests.

One of the standout achievements of the Proton X70 facelift is its remarkable improvement in NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels, and let me tell you, Proton absolutely nailed it. In fact, this might just be the facelift’s most significant upgrade—something you can’t see but definitely feel.

The SUV now feels impressively solid, like it’s been fortified to cocoon you in comfort no matter where the road takes you.

Whether it’s shielding you from the hum of traffic, the buzz of tires on uneven tarmac, or the subtle vibrations of the engine, the X70 delivers a serene, composed ride that elevates the driving experience.

It’s not just an upgrade—it’s a transformation, turning every journey into a peaceful retreat.

Safety First, Always

Proton has made safety a priority, and the facelifted X70 continues to impress. The ADAS suite includes big-ticket items like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. There’s also Traffic Sign Recognition and a 360-degree 3D camera, which makes navigating tight parking spots a breeze.

Six airbags, stability control, and other essentials come as standard, ensuring peace of mind whether you’re driving in town or taking a family trip to Kundasang.

Proton made a point of emphasizing the countless hours spent refining their intelligent cruise control system, so naturally, we had to put it to the test. In slow-moving, traffic-jam conditions, the system proved itself capable, smoothly accelerating from a stop and braking gently as traffic slowed ahead.

It’s a reassuring touch for those tedious bumper-to-bumper drives.

However, when the pace picked up—say, on the highway—the experience was less seamless. The braking felt a touch too aggressive for my liking, making the ride feel less fluid than I’d hoped.

After giving it a fair shot, I found myself switching back to manual control, preferring my own inputs for a more predictable and balanced drive. While the system shows promise, it could use a bit more fine-tuning to truly shine across all driving scenarios.

What’s the Verdict?

Here’s the thing about the 2025 Proton X70 Facelift: it doesn’t try to wow you with a massive overhaul. Instead, it polishes what was already a solid, well-loved SUV.

From the cleaner exterior design to the much-needed tech upgrades and the ever-reliable drivetrain, Proton has delivered a package that feels mature, confident, and distinctly Malaysian.

Is it perfect? No. The tail lamps could’ve used an update, and the six-speaker sound system is decent but not groundbreaking.

But for RM126,800, you’re getting an SUV that looks premium, drives comfortably, and is packed with tech and safety features.

Despite its minor flaws, the facelifted Proton X70 remains a standout choice for anyone seeking a family-friendly SUV that proudly carries the Jalur Gemilang spirit.

It’s more than just a car—it’s a testament to how far Proton has evolved, blending local pride with modern sophistication. And that, without a doubt, is something worth celebrating.