Perodua Traz vs Proton X50 vs Chery Tiggo Cross: Who wins the compact SUV faceoff?

Perodua has been leading the sales charts in the local automotive industry for a long time, with 5 out of 10 best-selling cars in Malaysia belonging to P2 (Bezza, Axia, Myvi, Alza and Ativa). Now, it seems to get one more spot with its newly launched compact SUV, the Traz. 

Perodua launched the Traz last month as its most user-friendly vehicle to date, and is ready to capture a bigger chunk of the compact SUV segment. Described as a practical, city-friendly SUV with “proper car” space (not a gadget flex), the SUV is clearly benchmarked against two familiar names in the category -  Model X and Model T, representing the Proton X50 and Chery Tiggo Cross. 

In today’s story, we will be comparing the Perodua Traz with the Proton X50 and Chery Tiggo Cross, giving prospective buyers a gist of how it really stacks up against the competition.

Variants and price

Perodua offers the Traz in two variants - X and H, priced at RM 76,100 and RM 82,000 (on the road without insurance), respectively. Here’s how its price compares against the rivals -

Models	Perodua Traz	Proton X50	Chery Tiggo Cross
Variants	Two - X and H	Three - Executive, Premium, and Flagship	Two - Turbo and Hybrid CSH
Price	RM 76,100 to RM 82,000	RM 89,800 to RM 113,300	RM 88,800 to RM 99,800

As we can see, the Traz is most competitively priced in the bunch, with a starting price of RM 76,100, targeting first-time and budget-conscious buyers. 

The Proton X50 has established itself as the best-selling B-segment SUV for five consecutive years, thanks to its appealing design and feature-rich cabin that offers a strong value-for-money proposition. While being slightly more premium than the Traz, the X50’s base model is priced close to it, prompting buyers to compare the two while choosing the right SUV.

The Chery Tiggo Cross is also a compelling choice in the segment that brings stylish design, smart features and hybrid tech to the table at a tempting price point, appealing to younger drivers and urban families.

Dimensions 

Specs	Perodua Traz	Proton X50	Chery Tiggo Cross
Length	4,310 mm	4,380 mm	4318 mm
Width	1,770 mm	1,795 mm	1830 mm
Height	1,655 mm	1,609 mm	1670 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	2,600 mm	2610 mm
Boot space	471 litres	330 litres	380 litres (Turbo) 350 litres (Hybrid)

In terms of dimensions, all three SUVs are almost similar in length, with the X50 having a slight edge. In case of width and height, the Chery Tiggo Cross takes the lead, promising more headroom, shoulder room and a sense of openness inside the cabin. The Traz closely follows the Chery SUV in terms of vertical space and has the longest wheelbase in the bunch. 

As far as the luggage space is concerned, the Traz is the clear winner with a generous capacity of 471 litres (120-140 litres bigger than rivals), enabling owners to carry all essentials for family trips or shopping hauls.

Engine and Performance

All three SUVs are powered by a 1.5-litre engine, though the tuning differs significantly. The Perodua SUV uses a naturally-aspirated mill that delivers modest output numbers, smooth driving and strong fuel efficiency, targeting budget-conscious buyers and daily commuters. 

The X50, powered by a turbo engine, has a more performance-oriented approach. It delivers the highest power and torque figures and a more engaging driving experience; however, the fuel economy is less compared to rivals. 

The Chery Tiggo Cross comes in two engine options - turbo petrol and hybrid. The former balances performance and efficiency, while the latter promises a smooth hybrid drive with an impressive fuel consumption, well-suited for buyers looking for electrified tech without fully committing to a pure EV.  

Overall, the Perodua Traz emphasises efficiency and ease of ownership, the Proton X50 prioritises driving dynamics and performance, and the Chery Tiggo Cross stands out with its hybrid powertrain engineered for maximum efficiency and seamless driving.

Here’s a detailed comparison of engine specifications - 

Specs	Perodua Traz	Proton X50	Chery Tiggo Cross
Engine	1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine	1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine	1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine/1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine + two electric motors
Max power	106 PS	181 PS	147 PS/96 PS engine + 204 PS e-motor
Max torque	138 Nm	290 Nm	210 Nm/120 Nm engine + 210 Nm e-motor
Transmission	D-CVT	7-speed wet DCT	6-speed dual-clutch transmission/Direct Hybrid Transmission
Drive system	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive	Front wheel drive
Drives modes	Eco, Normal and Sport	Normal, Sport, Eco, and Adaptive Mode	Eco / Normal / Sport
Fuel efficiency	21.3 kmpl	15.4–15.6 kmpl (estimated)	15.87 kmpl (Turbo) 18.52 kmpl (Hybrid)

Design 

The design remains a subjective thing when comparing the cars, as what appeals to you may not look impressive to others. 

With that said, the Perodua Traz has a clean, youthful and functional design with smooth surfaces, a wide grille, and minimal overhangs. Without being overly aggressive, it leaned toward practicality and emphasis on utility and ergonomics. 

The Proton X50, on the other hand, looks sportier and premium than the other two, featuring a bold grille, sleek silhouette, and aggressive stance. The cabin has a more upscale approach with a tech-forward feel. 

The Chery Tiggo Cross boasts a bold and contemporary design with a futuristic grille, matrix-styled LED lighting, sharp lines, sculpted surfaces and robust proportions. The interior reflects modern trends with a driver-focused cockpit and sleek surfaces.

Features

Here’s a quick feature-wise comparison of the three SUVs (taking their top variants into account) -

Model	Perodua Traz H	Proton X50 Flagship	Chery Tiggo Cross Hybrid CSH
Headlights	Full LED with follow-me-home and leaving home function	Automatic LED with follow me home function	Automatic LED with follow me home function
DRLs	LED	LED	LED
Tail Lights	LED	LED	LED
Fog lamps	LED front	No	Rear
Wheels	17-inch	18-inch	17-inch
Side mirrors	Auto-retractable with integrated LED and welcome lamp	Electric with auto fold	Standard
Tailgate	Hands-free power with kick sensor	Hands-free power	Remote control opening
Panoramic sunroof	No	Yes	No
Infotainment	9.0-inch	14.6-inch	10.25-inch
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto	Yes	Yes	Yes
Speaker	6	6	6
Instrument cluster	4.2-inch TFT analogue	8.88-inch	10.25-inch
Air conditioning	Single-zone auto	Single-zone auto with N95 cabin filter	Dual-zone auto
Auto-dimming rearview mirror	No	No	Yes
Wireless charger	No	Yes	Yes
Electronic parking brake	Yes	Yes	Yes
Upholstery	Fabric	Leatherette	Faux Leather
Power-adjustable seats	No	Yes	Yes
Ambient lighting	No	Yes	Yes
Keyless entry and push-start button	Yes	Yes with remote engine start	Yes with remote engine start
Airbags	6	6	7
Cruise control	No	Yes	Yes
ADAS pack	Yes	Yes	Yes
Auto park assist	No	Yes	No
Digital video recorder	Yes	No	No
Tyre pressure monitoring system	No	Yes	Yes
Camera	360° surround view	360° HD with 180° transparent view	360° HD Panoramic

The table reveals that all three SUVs are well-loaded with features, promising a comfortable driving experience. However, a closer comparison reveals their distinctive approaches. While the Traz is equipped with smart, practical bits, the X50 gives a more aspirational and luxurious vibe, and the Tiggo Cross provides a well-rounded package for everyday comfort. 

Who wins the compact SUV faceoff - Traz, X50 or Tiggo Cross?

Well, all three SUVs are strong contenders in Malaysia’s compact SUV market, each bringing its own strengths to the table. When it comes to choosing one out of them, the answer boils down to what you prefer. 

• The Perodua Traz provides the best overall value; it offers good practicality and smart features without paying a premium. 
• The Proton X50 is a balanced and premium option that offers strong performance and an aspirational equipment pack at a higher price tag. 
• The Chery Tiggo Cross is a well-rounded choice that prioritises comfort, safety and hybrid efficiency.

Also read: What makes the Perodua QV-E a game-changing EV