Proton X90 vs Kia Sportage: Which is more cost-effective?

In Malaysia's SUV market, many buyers compare Proton X90 and Kia Sportage when choosing a car. The pricing and positioning of these two cars are quite similar. Today, we will do a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to save you the time of doing your research.

Price and Variants

The OTR price of Proton X90 in Malaysia is RM 106,800 - 122,800, with a total of 4 variants, including 2026 1.5T Prime X (RM 122,800), 2026 1.5T Prime (RM 116,800), 2026 1.5T Lite (RM 106,800), etc.

The OTR price of Kia Sportage in Malaysia is RM 129,639 - 179,320, with a total of 4 variants, including 2025 1.6T DCT 4WD High (RM 179,320), 2025 1.6T DCT 2WD High (RM 159,320), 2025 2.0L AT 2WD High (RM 139,639), etc.

In terms of price, the entry-level price of Proton X90 is indeed RM 22,839 cheaper than Kia Sportage. If your budget is tight, the entry-level Proton model can already meet daily needs. However, be aware that the difference of a few thousand ringgit might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific needs.

Safety Features

Proton X90 has a 5-star safety rating (ASEAN NCAP), with active safety systems including ADAS (ACC, AEB, LKA, LDA, BSM, RCTA).

Kia Sportage has a 5-star safety rating (ASEAN NCAP), with active safety systems including Drive Wise.

Both cars have the same safety rating, and safety features are quite comprehensive for this class. New cars nowadays generally have good safety, so you don't need to worry too much about this.

Features and Technology

Proton X90 uses FWD drive system.

Kia Sportage uses FWD drive system.

Both cars use the same drive system, FWD, so there won't be a huge difference in daily driving experience.

Maintenance and Warranty

Proton X90 warranty is 5 years/150,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Kia Sportage warranty is 5 years/300,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Who is it suitable for?

Both Proton X90 and Kia Sportage are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, you might prioritize the one with better reputation; if you care more about value for money and features, choose the one with richer configurations. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both models, as personal experience is the most important.

Conclusion

Overall, both Proton X90 and Kia Sportage are very good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose ultimately depends on your personal needs and budget. We suggest doing your research, comparing quotes from multiple dealerships, and then test driving to make the final decision. Buying a car is a big matter, and spending time doing research will never go wrong.