Top 5 SUVs launching in Malaysia in 2023

In 2022, the Malaysian automotive industry welcomed a number of new SUVs, which remained one of the most favoured vehicle types among buyers throughout the year. Now, for 2023, we expect the SUVs portfolio of the automakers will only be increasing further in the country, strengthening their presence in the segment. So, here, we bring a list of the top 5 SUVs set to hit the local shores in 2023 - 

Proton X90

After the huge success of the  X50 and X70, the local car brand Proton is ready to add one more X-badge SUV to its lineup, which is called the X90. The Proton’s upcoming SUV is a rebadged version of the 7-seater Geely Haoyue (aka Okavango in some markets) and has been spotted a number of times while testing on the local roads. 

If we go by the looks and specifications of the Geely model, the upcoming Proton X90 will feature an ‘Infinite Weave’ grille, LED headlights and tail lights, L-shaped daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails. The interior will come kitted with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a panoramic glass roof, electronic parking brake, and an ambient lighting system. On the power front, it could get a 1.5-litre gasoline engine delivering 177 PS and 255 Nm.

Once launched, the Proton X90 will rival the likes of the other D-segment SUVs available in Malaysia, including the Hyundai Santa Fe. Mazda CX-8, and 7-seater Kia Carnival.

Chery Omoda 5

The Chinese automaker Chery has confirmed its re-entry into the local market for 2023. It will be launching the Omoda 5 in the second quarter of the year alongside the other Tiggo Pro SUVs. The Chery Omoda 5 is the first model under the brand’s 4.0 era and has proved its mettle in international markets.

The SUV boasts an ‘Art in Motion' design philosophy with a coupe-like silhouette and a striking diamond matrix front grille bracketed by split LED headlights. Part of the car’s hi-tech cabin is two 12.3-inch advanced screens, plush-looking sports seats, and a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel. Under the hood, the Malaysia-spec Omoda 5 can get either a 1.5-litre turbo petrol or a 1.6-litre TGDi petrol mill.

When it comes to competitors, the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross are some of the prominent names.

New Honda BR-V

This year, Honda is also likely to bring some new SUVs to our shores, one of which is the new BR-V. The second generation of the BR-V is already available in Thailand, Indonesia as well as the Philippines, thus hinting at Malaysia as the next market to get the latest version.

Design-wise, the new Honda BR-V appears more refined and rugged with a large slatted grille and the “Solid Wing Face” chrome bar. Also part of the latest kit is new headlights, L-shaped DRLs, a silver skid plate, trapezoidal LED tail lights, and new 17-inch wheels. Inside, the upgraded model comes equipped with a 7.0-inch infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch multi-info instrument cluster, an automatic air-conditioning system, remote engine start, and other advanced features.

In terms of mechanical bits, the 2023 BR-V might come with an updated 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with rated outputs as 121 PS and 145 Nm 

Kia Sorento

Another global automaker ready to strengthen its footprint in the local market is Kia, which has the all-new Sorento on the upcoming list. The Kia Sorento is a sister model to the Hyundai Santa Fe and can accommodate a total of seven passengers. 

Featuring a matured exterior design and an exquisite cabin, the upcoming Kia Sorento spec sheet is likely to comprise LED headlights and tail lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose sound system, automatic air conditioning system, wireless smartphone charging pad, rotary gear selector, 64-colour ambient lighting system and more.

As for the mechanicals, Kia Malaysia may equip the SUV with either 2.5-litre turbo petrol, 2.2-litre turbo diesel, or 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid engine.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors has recently released a new teaser video previewing its upcoming models, including the Ioniq 6 EV, upgraded Palisade and Sante Fe, as well as the highly-awaited Creta. The Proton X50 and Honda HR-V rival, the Hyundai Creta, made its Indonesian debut in 2021 and since then it is expected to enter the Malaysian market

The Creta exudes an imposing road presence with a large front grille edged by LED reflector headlights and LED DRLs, bold arches, LED combination tail lights, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The significant interior appointments include an eight-inch touchscreen display, single-zone automatic climate control, shift paddles, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging pad, ambient mood lighting, and ventilated seats. 

Powering the Indonesian-spec Hyundai Creta is a 1.5-litre Smartstream naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which makes 115 PS of maximum power and 144 Nm of peak torque. The local model is likely to mimic the same mechanical setup.

So, those were the top 5 SUVs expected to launch in Malaysia this year. Would you like to wait for any one of these? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: EVs coming to Malaysia in 2023: A brief look into the future