Proton X90 vs Subaru Forester: Which is the most worth buying in Malaysia?

In the Malaysian SUV market, many buyers compare Proton X90 and Subaru Forester when choosing a car. These two 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 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 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, Proton X90's starting price is indeed RM 67,200 cheaper than Subaru Forester. If your budget is limited, Proton's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. But also note that the few thousand difference might involve trade-offs on features, depending on your specific needs.

Power and Fuel Consumption

Proton X90 is equipped with 1.5L Turbo, 140 hp. Official fuel consumption 7.0 L/100km.

Subaru Forester is equipped with 2.0L 4-cyl, 170 hp. Official fuel consumption 8.0 L/100km.

In terms of power, the 2.0L 4-cyl of Subaru Forester has 30 more horsepower than the 1.5L Turbo of Proton X90. However, for daily city driving, the power of both cars is sufficient, you won't feel lack of power.

Safety Features

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

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

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

Space and Comfort

Proton X90 body length 4400 mm, trunk 400 L.

Subaru Forester body length 4400 mm, trunk 400 L.

The dimensions of both cars are almost the same, with little difference in interior space. For this class of cars, it is fully sufficient for daily use.

Configuration and Technology

Proton X90 uses FWD drive mode.

Subaru Forester uses FWD drive mode.

Both cars have the same drive mode, both are FWD, so there won't be much difference in daily driving experience.

Summary

In general, both Proton X90 and Subaru Forester are very good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends on your personal needs and budget. It is recommended to do your research, compare quotes from several dealerships, and test drive before making a final decision. Buying a car is a big deal, spending time on research will definitely not be wrong.