Proton X90: Old vs New: What’s changed in the 2026 update?

Proton introduced the X90 as its first electrified vehicle in 2023, bringing 48V mild hybrid tech, premium features and strong value to the three-row SUV segment. Now, after almost three years, the model has received its first upgrade, but unlike typical facelifts, this one is focused less on aesthetics and tech improvements and more on cost optimisation. 

Taking a radically different approach, Proton offers the upgraded X90 with a significantly lower price, new drivetrain, less equipment and simplified range, which highlights the automaker’s intentions to position the three-row SUV as a more attainable option for families seeking a large  and practical vehicle, without any frills. 

Here we bring a closer look at the key differences between the old and new Proton X90 to know what exactly has changed.

Variant and price

Proton has simplified the variant lineup of the SUV, trimming the range from four variants to three. The naming convention has been revised from Standard, Executive, Premium and Flagship to Lite, Prime and Prime X. 

Old Variants	Price	New Variants	Price
Standard (7 seater - 2-3-2 layout)	RM 123,800	Lite (7 seater - 2-3-2 layout)	RM 106,800
Executive (7 seater - 2-3-2 layout)	RM 130,800	Prime (7 seater - 2-3-2 layout)	RM 116,800
Premium (7 seater - 2-3-2 layout)	RM 144,800	Prime X (6 seater - 2-2-2 layout)	RM 122,800
Flagship (6 seater - 2-2-2 layout)	RM 152,800

As we can see, the upgraded X90 ranges between RM 106,800 and RM 122,800, significantly lower than the previous RM 123,800 to RM 152,800 range. The special launch promo (available for the first 2,000 customers) further adds a rebate of RM 7,000, bringing the effective price below the RM 100k mark for the base variant. However, customers have to sacrifice several features to enjoy this lower price.

Exterior

In terms of design, things remain the same as earlier, with minor functional tweaks. The SUV retains the same body design and silhouette with the signature infinite weave front grille, LED lighting and proportions. 

In terms of features, Proton axed the panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate, and bigger 19-inch wheels for cost optimisation. To enhance usability, a new pair of functional roof rails has been added, which are capable of handling 75 kg of load. 

Dimensionally, there are no changes, with the vehicle measuring at 4,835 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height, along with a 2,815 mm-long wheelbase.

Here’s a brief comparison -

Aspect	Old Proton X90	New Proton X90
Overall design	Premium, bold SUV styling	Identical design
Wheels	18-inch (base) 19-inch (higher trims)	18-inch only
Tyres	Continental EcoContact 6/ Goodyear Efficient Grip	Giti Control P10
Functional roof rails	Not available	Yes, fully-functional, capable of handling 75 kg of load
Panoramic sunroof	Available	Removed
Powered tailgate	Available	Removed

 Engine and performance 

The biggest change can be seen under the hood of the new Proton X90. The SUV, which marked Proton’s foray into the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) domain in 2023, now comes with a pure ICE engine. Yes, the SUV is no longer available with the mild hybrid system; it gets a conventional turbocharged setup, producing 181 PS and 290 Nm, representing a reduction of 9 PS and 10 Nm compared to the previous setup.

While the output figures are slightly lower than earlier, the simpler mechanical setup brings advantages like lower cost and easier maintenance, making the X90 more accessible and cost-effective.

Specs	Old Proton X90	New Proton X90
Engine	1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged GDI engine	1.5-litre i-GT turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Hybrid	48V mild hybrid	No
Max power	190 PS	181 PS
Max torque	300 Nm	290 Nm
Transmission	7-speed DCT	7-speed DCT
Fuel efficiency	6.8 litres per 100 km	6.9 litres per 100 km

Interior and safety 

Inside the new X90, we find the same dashboard layout, spacious three-row seating with easy access to the third row, and a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features across the range. However, the automaker has removed several key features, with the approach shifting from tech-loaded to practical and cost-focused. 

The detailed feature comparison is as follows -

Features	Old Proton X90	New Proton X90
Infotainment unit	12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment with built-in apps, navigation, and streaming	12.3-inch touchscreen
Connectivity	4G or WiFi connectivity, Proton Link app	Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, No 4G or WiFi connectivity
Instrument cluster	Fully digital cluster (higher trims)	3.5-inch metre combination (base) 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster (higher trims)
Upholstery	Fabric (base), leatherette (mid), Nappa leather (top variants)	Leatherette standard across range; Nappa leather only on top (Prime X)
Voice assistant	“Hi Proton” voice functionality	Removed
Sound system	6-speaker system	6-speaker system
Ambient lighting	Available (higher trims)	Removed
Power-adjustable seats	6-way driver + 4-way passenger (higher variants, with Boss mode)	6-way driver + 4-way passenger (higher variants, with Boss mode)
Air-conditioning	Dual-zone auto AC with rear vents with air purifier	Dual-zone auto AC with rear vents with air purifier
Wireless smartphone charger	Available (with higher trims)	Removed
Airbags	6	6
Advanced Driver Assistance System	Full Level 2 ADAS pack ((Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Prevention, and more)	Removed
Camera	360-degree camera with 3D display	360-degree camera with a 180-degree transparent view
Tyre pressure monitoring system	Available	Available

The above table reveals that the new Proton X90 does not feature a number of premium comfort bits that were available with the previous range, such as a wireless charger, ambient interior lighting, voice command functionality, and most importantly, advanced driver assistance systems. Due to the removal of the ADAS suite, ASEAN NCAP has downgraded the 2026 Proton X90 safety rating to 1-star.

Verdict

In a nutshell, the new Proton X90 represents a clear shift in strategy with the removal of the hybrid tech and certain premium and advanced driver-assistance systems, making the SUV more accessible to a wider range of customers. The upgraded model retains the SUV’s core strengths of space, comfort and practicality, while delivering a refined and accessible driving experience for both daily commutes and long-distance travel.  

Also read: Proton X50: 161,000 units sold, Malaysia’s No. 1 B-segment SUV for 5 years