Proton X90 vs. Rivals: Finding the best 3-row SUV

It was only recently that the national automaker launched the all-new Proton X90 in the country. Thus swirling the local SUV market and giving customers another great three-row option to check out before making a decision.

The third model in the automaker’s X-series (after X70 and X50), the Proton X90 gives tough competition to the existing three-row SUVs like Mazda CX-8 and Kia Sorento. So, in this article, we’ll be pitching these cars against one another and try finding out the best-fit car for you.

So, without further ado, let’s begin with Proton X90 vs. Rivals (Mazda CX-8 & Kia Sorento).

Variants & Price

X90

Standard (7-seater)	Executive (7-seater)	Premium (7-seater)	Flagship (6-seater)
RM123,800	RM130,800	RM144,800	RM152,800

Rivals

Mazda CX-8		Kia Sorento
2.5 Mid 2WD	RM177,674	2.5 2WD 7-Seater	RM211,498
2.5 High 2WD,	RM183,452	2.5 AWD 6-Seater	RM235,498
2.5 T High Plus AWD	RM212,225	2.2 2D AWD 6-Seater	RM255,228
2.2 D High Plus	RM204,759

Compared to the CX-8 and the Sorento, the all-new X90 is a much more budget-friendly option to opt for; with its range-topping variant being cheaper than the other two’s base models.

Also Read: Proton X90: Variants explained

Dimensions

X90

Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase
4,830 mm	1,900 mm	1,764 mm	2,805 mm

Rivals

Mazda CX-8		Kia Sorento
Length	4,900 mm	Length	4,810 mm
Width	1,840 mm	Width	1,900 mm
Height	1,730 mm	Height	1,695-1700 mm
Wheelbase	2,930 mm	Wheelbase	2,815 mm

The three 3-row SUVs measure almost the same with only a few millimeters here and there. Talking specifically, the CX-8 is the longest car, the X90 & Sorento the widest, and the X90 the tallest. In terms of wheelbase, the Mazda SUV at 2,930 mm showcases the best stretch.

Engine

X90

Engine	Mild-hybrid System	Total Power Output	Total Torque Output	Transmission
1.5 liter three-cylinder turbocharged GDI unit	48 V	190 PS	300 Nm	Seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission

Rivals

Mazda CX-8		Kia Sorento
Engine	2.5-litre or 2.2-litre DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder	Engine	2.5-litre 4 Inline Cylinder DOHC or 2.2-litre Turbo 4 Inline Cylinder DOHC
Power	192/228 PS or 188 PS	Power	177 PS or 199 PS
Torque	258/420 Nm or 450 Nm	Torque	232 Nm or 440 Nm
Transmission	6-speed automatic with manual shift mode	Transmission	6-speed automatic or 8-speed DCT

While the X90 is offered in a single hybrid engine option, the CX-8 and Sorento are available in two powertrain options, both offering different outputs.

Features

X90

Standard features - LED lighting units all around, front sequential indicators, leather steering & fabric wrapped seats, cruise control with speed limiter, three steering modes, three drive modes, intelligent entry with push start, walk away auto lock, remote engine start, welcome lamp, auto dual zone air-con with N95 cabin filter and rear air-con vents (2nd & 3rd row).

For connectivity and entertainment, it gets a 12.3-incH infotainment head unit with voice command, online navigation, music streaming, weather forecast, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, and 4G & Wi-Fi. Also, there are 7 USB ports, a PROTON LInk App setup, and 6 speakers.

Rivals

Kia Sorento

Standard features - LED lighting all around, auto headlight on/off function, manual headlight leveling, rain-sensing wipers with intermittent function, rear wipers, smart keyless entry, power adjustable & folding ORVM with head function, power tailgate, and front & rear parking sensors. Also, part of the kit is an engine start/stop button, electronic parking brake, steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth hand-free switches, fabric seats, cruise control, heads-up display, paddle shifters, drive mode selection, front & rear air-con, wireless charger, front seats with 8-way power adjustment.

For connectivity is a 10.25-inch touch screen with voice recognition, Apple CarPLay & Android Auto, Bluetooth Hands-Free & Audio Capability, six speakers, six USB ports, and a reverse camera.

Mazda CX-8

Standard features - LED lighting all around, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, advanced keyless entry, engine start/stop button, leather steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth hands-free, cruise control, 3-zone climate control with rear vents, power-holding ORVM with auto function & turn indicator, auto-dimming rearview mirror, driver seat with 10-way power adjustment, and front passenger seat with 6-way power adjustment.

For connectivity needs is present an 8-inch Mazda CONNECT infotainment system with multi-function commander control and voice command with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, AM/FM tuner, and six USB ports.

The base variant of the X90 is way cheaper than the CX-8 and Sorento, however, still its standard kit does not disappoint and features most of the gears found in the competitor models.

Safety

X90

Standard safety: Six SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, auto brake hold, electronic stability control, traction control system, hill hold assist, hill descent control, rear collision warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, door opening warning, reserve camera, two front & four rear parking sensors, and immobilizer & anti-theft alarm.

Rivals

Mazda CX-8

CX-8s standard safety gears include six airbags, ABS, EVD, BA, dynamic stability control, traction control system, emergency stop signal, hill launch assist, engine-immobilizer with an anti-theft system, seat-belt with pre-tensioners, load limiter, & height adjustable anchorages, and ISOFIX.

Kia Sorento

The Kia’s SUV features a pretty loaded safety kit which includes 6 SRS airbags, ABS, EBD, EBD, BA, electronic stability control, traction control system, multi-collision brake control, hill-start assist control, auto hold function, auto door lock, rear occupant alert, ISOFIX, and engine immobilizer. The car also comes with several advanced safety technologies like high beam assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, and smart cruise control.

Out of the three SUVs, the one from Kia displays the most well-equipped safety kit. Followed by the X90 and the CX-8.

Conclusion

The Proton X90 is a great budget option for buyers looking for a well-equipped 3-row SUV in Malaysia. The Mazda CX-8 and Kia Sorento, on the other hand, are great options too but are available with a much higher price tag. However, we'll suggest you take a test drive of each vehicle before finalizing a car.

Also Read: Proton X90: Detailed in 25 images