Proton X90 safety rating drops to 1-Star after key driver-assist tech removed

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton launched the all-new X90 with a revised package and a new, lower pricing strategy last week, making the 7-seater SUV more accessible for Malaysian families. For the upgraded model, the automaker has completely removed the advanced driver assistance systems across the range, and even regular cruise control is no longer available. As a result, ASEAN NCAP has downgraded the 2026 Proton X90 safety rating to 1-star.

ASAN NCAP revises safety rating

In 2023, the SUV earned a 5-star rating under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 protocol with an overall score of 83.79 points. It scored 37.75 points in Adult Occupant Protection, 17.79 points in Child Occupant Protection, 15.71 points in Safety Assist and 12.50 points in the Motorcyclist Safety category. Notably, this model was equipped with several ADAS technologies, including -

• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Blind Spot Technology

Due to the removal of these essential Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in the updated model, ASEAN NCAP has officially revoked the 5-star safety rating of the SUV. This de-specification impacted the vehicle’s Safety Assist (SA) score as well as Motorcyclist Safety (MS), which relies heavily on Blind Spot Detection and thus plummeted the rating to a 1-Star.

“We deeply regret Proton’s decision to remove life-saving ADAS technologies from the new facelift model. To protect consumers and maintain the integrity of safety standards, we have no choice but to revoke the 2023 5-Star rating. This serves as a reminder to all manufacturers: safety is not a trade-off. Do not sacrifice proven safety technology for ‘face-value’ luxuries like infotainment systems or leather upholstery,” said Associate Professor. Ir. Ts. Dr Siti Zaharah binti Ishak, Director General of MIROS.

Ts. Yahaya Ahmad, Technical Leader of ASEAN NCAP, added, “Blind Spot Detection (BSD) is a critical weighted factor in our Motorcyclist Safety category. Its removal, alongside other advanced safety assists, has stripped the X90 of the points that previously earned it a top-tier rating. Safety must be a priority accessible to all, not a luxury. ASEAN NCAP will continue to monitor all rated manufacturers; we will not hesitate to revoke the ratings of any brand that compromises vehicle safety post-assessment.”

Features removed to lower the entry price

Proton removed the ADAS suite and several other features to lower the entry price of the D-segment SUV. It has also dropped the 48-volt mild hybrid BSG system for a conventional 1.5-litre turbocharged setup. 

The upgraded X90 now 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. 

While this de-specification makes the SUV almost RM 30,000 cheaper than the outgoing model, customers will have to sacrifice several features to enjoy the lower price.

Also Read: Proton sold 13,566 units in Feb 2026; New S70 bags 5k bookings