X90 vs Forester: The Ultimate Buying Guide for Proton and Subaru

In Malaysia's SUV market, many buyers compare the Proton X90 and Subaru Forester when choosing a car. Both cars are quite close in price and positioning. Today, we will make a detailed comparison from multiple aspects to help you save time on research.

Price and Versions

The OTR price of the Proton X90 in Malaysia is RM 106,800 - 122,800, with a total of 4 versions, 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 the Subaru Forester in Malaysia is RM 174,000 - 197,000, with a total of 3 versions, including 2024 2.0L S EyeSight GT Edition (RM 189,538), 2024 2.0L S EyeSight (RM 177,538), 2024 2.0L L EyeSight (RM 167,538), etc.

From a price perspective, the Proton X90's starting price is indeed RM 67,200 cheaper than the Subaru Forester. If your budget is limited, the Proton's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. But also note, that difference of a few thousand might involve trade-offs in features, depending on your specific requirements.

Safety Features

The safety rating of the Proton X90 is 5★ (ASEAN NCAP), with active safety systems including ADAS (ACC, AEB, LKA, LDA, BSM, RCTA).

The safety rating of the Subaru Forester is 5★ (Euro NCAP), with active safety systems including EyeSight.

Regarding safety features, both cars have received good ratings. However, the Proton X90's ADAS (ACC, AEB, LKA, LDA, BSM, RCTA) and Subaru Forester's EyeSight have some differences in functionality. If you prioritize active safety, you can compare the feature lists of both in detail.

Maintenance and Upkeep

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

Subaru Forester warranty 3 years/100,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Both the Proton X90 and Subaru Forester are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, consider the one with the better reputation first; if you care more about cost-performance ratio and features, choose the one with richer configuration. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both, as experiencing it personally is the most important.

Conclusion

Overall, the Proton X90 and Subaru Forester are both excellent car models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends mainly on your personal needs and budget. It is recommended to do your research, compare quotes from several dealerships, and then test drive to make a final decision. Buying a car is a big deal, spending time on research is never a mistake.