Jetour VT9 Buyer's Guide: How to choose between Comfort and Prime on this RM120k 7-seater SUV

The Jetour VT9 launched in Malaysia in May 2025, currently offered in two variants: Comfort and Prime. On-the-road (OTR) prices in Peninsular Malaysia without insurance are RM119,350 and RM124,350 respectively.

Both variants share the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), with the RM5,000 price premium going entirely on extra equipment.

For a seven-seater D-SUV, pricing it under the RM120k mark is undeniably compelling, but prospective buyers need to know what that RM5,000 top-up actually delivers.

What is Jetour VT9?

Within Jetour Malaysia's SUV line-up, the Dashing targets the five-seater urban SUV segment, leaving the VT9 to cater to three-row family duties.

Measuring 4,724 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,720 mm tall with a 2,720 mm wheelbase, the VT9 sits firmly in the D-SUV category.

While it is 106 mm shorter and has an 85 mm shorter wheelbase than the Proton X90, the VT9's main selling point is not purely its dimensions, but rather its ability to offer seven seats alongside a solid suite of creature comforts for under RM125,000.

The VT9 is now locally assembled (CKD) at the plant in Tampoi, Johor. Going the CKD route translates to a more reliable parts supply chain, which bodes well for long-term parts availability and routine maintenance costs.

Spec comparison

Note: Bold text indicates the better specification. Actual retail pricing is subject to the latest dealer quotes.

Pricing & variants

The Comfort retails at RM119,350 while the Prime goes for RM124,350, both being Peninsular Malaysia OTR prices excluding insurance.

Annual road tax is a pocket-friendly RM120 courtesy of the 1,498 cc engine capacity. Mechanically, both variants are identical, meaning the RM5,000 price gap does not alter performance, chassis tuning, or seating configuration.

Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the VT9 uses a 1,498 cc four-cylinder turbo engine producing 154 hp and 230 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a six-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

For daily commutes, this setup is adequate rather than punchy. Hauling a 1,551 kg kerb weight, city getaways and highway cruising are straightforward enough, though low-end torque buildup is relatively relaxed, and the transmission will eagerly hunt for lower gears when tackling uphill climbs with a full load of seven passengers.

The VT9 is not a performance SUV; its chassis calibration leans squarely towards ride comfort and compliance. The DCT can exhibit minor hesitation during low-speed, stop-and-go traffic, but overall refinement remains well within acceptable bounds.

Rolling on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/55R19 rubber, the steering feels light on its feet and gains extra weight in Sport mode, making it an easy, forgiving drive on a day-to-day basis.

Cabin space

The cabin layout adopts a 2+3+2 configuration. Third-row accommodations are reasonable for passengers under 170 cm on shorter trips, but adults will find legroom on the tighter side over longer distances.

The second row splits 60:40 while the third row splits 50:50, requiring you to tumble the middle row for third-row ingress and egress.

With all three rows deployed, boot space shrinks to a modest 89 litres, which is only enough for a couple of backpacks or grocery bags.

Folding down the third row frees up practical cargo room, while folding both rear rows flat expands luggage capacity to 1,680 litres.

In reality, the VT9 works best as a spacious five-seater day-to-day, with the third row reserved for occasional family duties.

Equipment Differences: Comfort vs Prime

The RM5,000 price difference brings the following five upgrades:

Curtain Airbags. While the Comfort variant gets dual front and front side airbags (4 airbags), the Prime adds curtain airbags (6 airbags in total). For a family-oriented seven-seater, curtain airbags are vital for safeguarding occupants in side-impact scenarios.

Blind Spot Information System (BLIS). Omitted on the Comfort, the Prime gains blind spot monitoring. Given the VT9's substantial 1,900 mm width, this system provides welcome peace of mind during city lane changes and highway merges.

Lane Keeping Assist. The Prime features a warning alert rather than active steering intervention. It alerts the driver if the car drifts across lane markings, but won't actively steer the vehicle back on track.

Rain-Sensing Auto Wipers. The Comfort relies on conventional manual wipers, whereas the Prime adds automatic rain sensing.

Audio System. The Comfort gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen paired with 4 speakers, while the Prime retains the screen but bumps the speaker count to 6. Both variants support wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Standard equipment includes a 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and paddle shifters.

Safety suite

Across the board, the VT9 comes fitted with ABS, EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, and three-point seatbelts for all seating positions. ISOFIX anchor points are located on the two outer second-row seats.

On the airbag front, the Comfort gets 4 airbags (dual front + front side), while the Prime upgrades to 6 airbags (adding curtain airbags).

It is worth noting that the VT9 has yet to be rated by ASEAN NCAP.

Brief comparison with Proton X90

The Proton X90 is the VT9's closest rival, starting from RM106,800—which is RM12,550 lower than the VT9 Comfort.

The X90 features a 1.5-litre turbo engine with a 48V mild-hybrid setup, delivering 178 hp and 290 Nm (a 24 hp and 60 Nm advantage over the VT9). The X90's 2,805 mm wheelbase is 85 mm longer than the VT9, and its boot capacity with all seats up is 257 litres—168 litres more luggage capacity than the VT9's 89 litres.

Where the VT9 counters is its warranty coverage: a 7-year / 150,000 km vehicle warranty and a 10-year / 1,000,000 km engine warranty.

Furthermore, the VT9 comes standard with a 360-degree camera and a powered tailgate, while entry-level X90 variants settle for a standard reverse camera and manual front seats.

If outright performance, cabin space, and a lower entry price are your top priorities, the X90 makes a strong case. However, if extended warranty peace of mind and generous convenience features matter more, the VT9 is definitely worth a look.

Buying advice

Why the Comfort (RM119,350)?

 Both variants share the same mechanical hardware, and the entry-level Comfort is already well-equipped with a 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, LED headlamps, and 19-inch wheels.

If you are satisfied with dual front and front side airbags and rarely do frequent interstate highway overtaking, the RM5,000 saved can go towards insurance premiums, road tax, or future service bills.

Why the Prime (RM124,350)?

The addition of curtain airbags and blind spot monitoring makes the Prime a genuinely worthwhile upgrade for a family mover.

Rain-sensing wipers and the upgraded six-speaker audio also add tangible daily convenience. If your budget permits, the Prime's safety and comfort upgrades will pay dividends throughout your ownership tenure.

The appeal of the Jetour VT9 lies in its ability to offer seven seats, comprehensive standard convenience kit, and an extensive warranty package—all under RM125k.

While it may not lead the class in outright power or third-row space, budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical three-row family SUV with low long-term running costs should put it on their shortlist.

We recommend bringing the entire family along for a test drive to evaluate third-row comfort in person before picking the variant that best fits your needs.