2021 Perodua Ativa vs. Proton X50 - Which SUV to buy?

Yes, we know for a fact that the Perodua Ativa and Proton X50 hail from an altogether different segment of the market. However, this was one comparison that we couldn’t avoid as both of them car nationally produced cars packed with amazing features. Also, they’ll attract the same customer base and are close enough to share the same shopping shelf.

So, without wasting any time let’s get into the comparison - Ativa vs. X50. But for that we have to narrow down the trims will be compared and for that, we’ll see what the two cars are offering in terms of price and variants. Starting with the 2021 Ativa, Perodua is offering it in three trim options - X, H, and AV that are priced at RM 61,500, RM 66,600, and RM 72,000, respectively.

As for the more premium Proton X50, it is available in four variants - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship, each retailing for RM 79,200, RM 84,800, RM 93,200, and RM 103,300, respectively.

From the above price description, it is very much clear that Ativa’s range-topping trim AV and Proton X50 base trim are fit to compete against one another. The price difference of over RM 7000, makes the two potential cross-shopping cars.

Now, without any delay, let’s get started with the Ativa AV & X50 Standard comparison.

Dimensions

Dimensions	2021 Perodua Ativa AV	Proton X50 Standard
Length	4,065 mm	4,330 mm
Width	1,710 mm	1,800 mm
Height	1,635 mm	1,609 mm
Wheelbase	2,525 mm	2,600 mm
Ground Clearance	200 mm	180 mm
Weight	1,035 kg	1,325 kg
Trunk capacity	369 litre	330 litre

From the above table it is clear that compared to the Proton X50, the Perodua Ativa is lengthy, and wider by 265 mm and 90mm, respectively. Its wheelbase is also stretched by 75 mm compared to that of the Ativa’s.

The Ativa, on the other hand, excels in the ground clearance (by 80 mm) and is even 26 mm taller than the X50.

Coming to the weight, the X50 is 290 kg heavier than the Ativa. Here we’d like to add that the Ativa weighs more than the Daihatsu Rocky, as it uses a steel tailgate instead of plastic, as is the case with the latter.

Despite the stretched wheelbase, it’s the Ativa that offers a larger boot space. It is to be noted that Perodua archives it with a full-size spare tyre with a matching wheel under the loading bay.

Conclusion

With a slight difference in the dimensions, both the cars offer a spacious cabin with a large boot. However, we must point that the X50 has a better road presence, and looks bigger at first sight compared to the Ativa.

Performance

Engine Specs	Perodua Ativa AV	Proton X50
Engine	1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo	1.5-litre 3-cyl MPI
Power	98 PS	150 PS
Torque	140 Nm	226 Nm
Transmission	D-CVT	7-speed DCT
Power-to-weight ratio (PS/tonne)	94.7	113.2
Fuel consumption	18.86 kmpl	15.38 kmpl

 

It is clear from the above table that the Ativa gets a smaller engine making lower power and torque output. However, what’s significant here is the two SUV’s power-to-weight ratio. The Ativa’s power-to-weight ratio is lower than that of the X50, meaning that it won’t fall far behind the real-world acceleration.

On the performance front, both the automakers didn’t give out any actual figures, however, we have test results conducted by independent organizations. Toyota Razie, the car on which the Ativa is based covers the century sprint in 9.6 seconds. Ativa benign a few kg heavier might take a few seconds extra. Proton X50, on the other hand, completes the 0-100 kmph distance in 8.6 seconds (based on an independent test conducted by wapcar.my).

Coming to the transmission, the Ativa’s engine is paired with a D-CVT unit which is Perodua’s first attempt to use a CVT unit and is also the world’s first split gear CVT system. It combines belt drive with gear drive and promises to offer better mileage, acceleration, and cabin quietness.

The X50 comes with an award-winning seven-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox that is claimed to have 97.2% industry-leading transmission efficiency.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a power-packed car go Proton X50, and if fuel economy is your pick then go for the Ativa. However, it is to be noted that fuel economy to a great extent depends on the driver and the way he/she drivers. Though the D-CVT in the Ativa will try its best to deliver maximum fuel output.

Standard equipment

Perodua Ativa AV: Automatic LED headlight with sequential indicator, ADB & cornering lights, LED fog lamp, 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, faux leather & suede upholstery, smart entry & push start/stop button, six speakers, driving video recorder, HDMI, llumar security, one front HDMI, four USB ports, 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Smart Link screen mirroring, Bluetooth, MP3, voice recognition, manual air-con system, and 7-inch digital instrument display.

Proton X50 Standard: 17-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lights, black fabric upholstery, N95 cabin filter, three USB ports, four speakers, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with GKUI 19, voice command, navigation, JOOX music streaming, 4G and WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity, rear air-con vents, remote engine start, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry, push-start ignition, standard meter instrument cluster, and manual air-con system.

Conclusion

Both Ativa AV and X50 Standard models are tuned with some best-in-class features for the given price point and won’t disappoint you in any way.

Safety

Perodua has taken the safety game one step further with the Ativa AV SUV. The car comes equipped with ASA 3.0 that includes Pre-collision Braking, Pre-collision Warning, Pedal Misoperation Control, and Front Departure Alert. Also, the Ativa AV comes with Level 2 autonomous with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitor. Part of the kit is six-airbags as well.

As for X50 Standard trim, Perodua offers four airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, four parking sensors, hill hold assist, hill descent control, and reverse camera.

Both the SUVs, Ativa and X50 grabbed a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP.

Conclusion

Perodua Ativa’s top trim features a better safety kit than X50’s entry-level trim.

Which one to buy?

So, there’s no direct answer here, but you can pick a car as per your requirements, i.e., if you want your car to pack better maneuverability, a more comprehensive safety package, and lower fuel consumption then go for Perodua Ativa AV. However, if you want a large SUV with more power output and an upmarket cabin, then Proton X50 is the one to bring home.

Also Read: Perodua Ativa: GearUp accessories explained