2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Battle of new three-row SUVs

The three-row SUV market in Malaysia is getting hotter with the entry of new upmarket and affordable people haulers. The two recent entrants are the Proton X90 and Toyota Innova Zenix. 

The X90 is the third X-series Proton model that marks the automaker’s entry into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) space with a mild-hybrid setup under the bonnet. The Toyota Innova Zenix, on the other hand, is the new-gen Innova that underpins a new FWD Toyota New Global Architecture and a hybrid system. 

Here, we compare the two MPVs in detail to know which offers the better deal to families seeking the ideal choice suitable for their needs and preferences.

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Variants & price

The new Innova Zenix comes in two variants in Malaysia viz. 2.0 V and 2.0 HEV, whereas the X90 is being offered in four trim levels - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship. The price list is as follows - 

Toyota Innova Zenix	Price (on the road, without insurance)	Proton X90	Price (on the road, without insurance)
2.0 V petrol	RM 165,000	Standard	RM 123,800
2.0 HEV hybrid	RM 202,000	Executive	RM 130,800
		Premium	RM 144,800
		Flagship	RM 152,800

As we see above, the Innova Zenix is quite expensive compared to the Malaysian-born X90. 

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Dimensions

Dimensions	Innova Zenix	X90
Length	4,760 mm	4,835 mm
Width	1,850 mm	1,900 mm
Height	1,795 mm	1,785 mm
Wheelbase	2,850 mm	2,815 mm
Weight	1,595 kg	1,740 kg
Boot space	239 litres (expandable up to 690 litres with third row folded)	257 litres (expandable up to 1200 litres with third row folded)

As we can see above, the X90 is 75 mm longer and 50 mm wider than the Innova Zenix, however, it is slightly shorter in terms of height. Of the two MPVs, the Innova Zenix does have a longer wheelbase and lesser weight.

When it comes to boot space, the X90 offers a better storage capacity compared to the Innova Zenix.

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Engine specifications

Specs	Innova Zenix V	Innova Zenix HEV	X90
Engine	2.0-litre Dynamic Force NA inline-four engine	2.0-litre Dynamic Force NA inline-four engine paired with electric motor	1.5-litre three-cylinder TGDI 48V mild hybrid system
Max power	174 PS	186 PS	190 PS
Max torque	205 Nm	188 Nm (engine) 206 Nm (electric motor)	300 Nm
Transmission	10-Speed Direct Shift CVT	E-CVT	7-speed dual clutch system
Drive system	Front-wheel-drive	Front-wheel-drive	Front-wheel-drive

Toyota offers the Zenix in two engine options - 2.0-litre pure ICE and 2.0-litre hybrid; however, the X90 comes only in a single 1.5-litre TGDI mild hybrid system. While the latter generates higher output numbers, the plus for the Toyota SUV is its hybrid setup that offers pure electric driving mode.

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Seating capacity

Specs	Innova Zenix	X90
No. of seats	Either 6 or 7	Either 7 or 8
Configuration	2-2-2 or 2-3-2	2-2-3 or 2-3-3

The Innova Zenix comes in either six or seven seats; the former has captain chairs in the middle row. The X90, on the contrary, can be configured either in seven or eight seats. Here also, we get the captain chairs in the second row in the seven-seater version. Make note the middle captain chairs are exclusively available on the top-spec trims of both MPVs.

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix vs Proton X90: Features

As for the features comparison, here put the top-spec Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV and X90 Flagship against each other.

Features	Innova Zenix	X90
Headlights	LED (with Auto High Beam)	LED
Wheels	18-inch alloy	19-inch alloy
Power back door	Yes	Yes (with Nearby Auto Open)
Panoramic sunroof	Yes	Yes
Infotainment unit	10.1-inch touchscreen	12.3-inch touchscreen
Instrument cluster	7-inch Colour TFT	Full LCD
Smartphone connectivity	Wired / Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	Mirror-linked
Driving modes	Normal & Eco, Power and EV	Eco, Comfort, and Sport
Upholstery	Leather	Nappa Leather
Driver seat adjustability	8-way Power	6-way power with 2-way lumbar support
Ventilated seats	No	Yes (Front)
Air conditioning	Automatic with rear cooler	Dual-zone automatic
Wireless charger	No	Yes
Remote Engine Start	No	Yes
Rear camera	3D Panoramic View Monitor	360-degree with 3D display
DVR	Front	No
Airbags	Six	Six
ADAS	Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including Autonomous emergency braking with intersection support, Emergency steering assist, Low-speed acceleration suppression, Dynamic radar cruise control, Lane tracing assist, Lane Departure Alert, Road sign assist, and Rear cross-traffic alert) Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Intersection Collision Avoidance Support	Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Centering Control, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Information, Intelligent High Beam Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and Auto Park Assist

The above table reveals that both MPVs are loaded with tons of advanced features offering ultimate comfort and convenience to the driver as well as passengers.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, both vehicles offer impressive features and specifications that cater to different needs and preferences. You can pick the one that suits you the best.

Also read: Toyota Innova Zenix vs. Toyota Innova: New vs. Old