Perodua Traz vs Proton X50: The RM13,700 choice between smart savings and turbo thrills

In July 2026, the Perodua Traz achieved something that even Perodua itself might not have anticipated.

According to JPJ registration data, the Traz claimed the monthly SUV sales crown for the first time with 2,244 units, dethroning the Proton X50—which had dominated the charts for half a year—down to third place.

The Ativa took second spot with 1,959 units, closely followed by the X50 with 1,953 units, leaving a razor-thin margin of just 291 units separating the top three.

However, the cumulative figures for the first seven months tell a different story: the X50 still leads with 15,599 units against the Traz’s 12,997 units, while Proton announced a cumulative delivery figure of 17,636 units for the X50.

The Traz X is priced at RM76,100, while the X50 Executive retails at RM89,800—a price gap of RM13,700. In Malaysia, that sum is enough to cover the down payment for an Axia. So, the real question boils down to one thing: with this RM13,700, what are you gaining, and what are you giving up?

Specification Comparison

Official figures from Perodua and Proton, along with JPJ vehicle registration data. Scheduled servicing costs are based on official maintenance menus; actual costs may vary depending on region and dealership.

The X50 Executive variant does not include full Level 2 ADAS; full ADAS is reserved for the Premium and Flagship variants. Annual road tax for both models is RM120. All prices quoted are on-the-road in Peninsular Malaysia, excluding insurance.

Powertrain

The Traz runs the familiar 2NR-VE 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm, mated to a D-CVT. You have seen this setup countless times in the Myvi and Alza—proven, economical, and bulletproof, but do not expect it to deliver much emotional excitement.

Perodua's philosophy for the Traz is dubbed "Engineered Simplicity", which frankly means: I know what you need, and I will give you just enough, nothing more.

The X50 Executive, on the other hand, packs the BHE15TD 1.5-litre turbo engine with 181 PS and 290 Nm, paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds. What does that extra 75 PS mean in real-world driving?

It means you do not have to floor the throttle two kilometres in advance to overtake from 80 to 110 km/h on the Federal Highway; it means driving a fully loaded car up Genting Highlands without having to switch off the air-cond; and it means you do not have to say a prayer every time you pull out to change lanes.

The performance divide between the two is not just down to throttle tuning; it is a straightforward physical gap. At 138 Nm versus 290 Nm, the difference between them is equivalent to the entire torque of a Bezza.

Cabin and Cargo Space

If your number one priority when buying an SUV is cargo-hauling practicality, there is simply no contest here.

The Traz boasts a 471-litre boot, while the X50 makes do with 330 litres. What does a 141-litre difference look like in everyday life?

A folded baby stroller occupies around 150 litres, and a 10 kg bag of rice takes up roughly 25 litres. In the Traz, you can swallow a stroller, luggage, and the weekly grocery haul all at once; in the X50, you will likely have to make a tough decision between bringing the stroller or the luggage.

The Traz is also slightly longer in wheelbase at 2,620 mm against 2,600 mm. That 20 mm difference is noticeable in rear legroom, though it does not completely transform the ride experience.

What proves genuinely practical is ground clearance: 210 mm on the Traz versus 196 mm on the X50. That 14 mm advantage makes a tangible difference when tackling flash floods and rough kampung roads across Malaysia.

Equipment

Here is something that many buyers tend to overlook: the X50 Executive does not come with full Level 2 ADAS.

The Executive variant gets standard passive cruise control without adaptive capabilities, and lacks Lane Centring Assist as well as Autonomous Emergency Braking. Paying RM89,800 secures you 6 airbags, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Collision Warning, and a 14.6-inch infotainment screen.

If you want the full ADAS suite—including all-speed adaptive cruise control and lane centring—you have to step up to the Premium variant, where the price jumps directly to RM101,800.

The entire Traz range skips adaptive cruise control entirely, representing a calculated choice by Perodua. But the Traz X already comes standard with Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a reverse camera. The safety coverage is respectable, missing only adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

Opting for the Traz H variant for an extra RM5,000 adds Perodua's first-ever powered tailgate, a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever.

The powered tailgate offers genuine convenience for those who frequently load and unload heavy items.

Running Costs

The Traz requires RM3,534.87 in total maintenance over five years or 100,000 km, compared to RM5,048.70 for the X50 over the same duration. That difference of RM1,513.83 is enough to cover your fuel expenses for roughly a year and a half.

The reasons behind this gap are very concrete. The Traz's first 1,000 km inspection is free, whereas the X50 charges RM228.01 on its very first service. An engine oil filter for the Traz costs RM19.80, while the X50's filter is RM50.25.

The Traz replaces spark plugs once every 100,000 km, while the X50 requires two changes. Furthermore, the X50's transmission fluid, brake fluid, and cabin filter are all substantially more expensive than those for the Traz.

When it comes to warranty, the Traz offers 5 years or 150,000 km, whereas the X50 provides 5 years with unlimited mileage. The X50 is more generous for high-mileage drivers, but 150,000 km on the Traz is more than sufficient for the vast majority of family car owners.

Resale value remains Perodua's traditional strength. While the Traz is an all-new model that still needs time to establish itself, Perodua's track record in the Malaysian used car market speaks for itself.

Verdict

For families working with a strict budget capped below RM80,000, the Traz X is the straightforward answer.

RM76,100 gets you a massive 471-litre boot, a five-year maintenance bill of just RM3,534.87, and Perodua's dependable reliability record.

Power may be modest, but it is by no means inadequate for day-to-day driving. If you want the powered tailgate and 360-degree camera, top up RM5,000 to step up to the H variant.

For drivers who want immediate throttle response every time they step on the pedal, the X50 Executive is the choice.

Its 181 PS and 290 Nm output are unmatched at this price point, and the brisk gear shifts of a 7-speed DCT cannot be replicated by a CVT. Just remember that the Executive variant lacks full ADAS; if that feature is critical to you, the budget must stretch to RM101,800 for the Premium.

Ultimately, that RM13,700 price gap comes down to a clear trade-off: would you rather use that money for an extra 141 litres of boot space and lower upkeep over five years, or trade it for an extra 75 PS and a punchier gearbox?

Neither car gets it wrong; Perodua and Proton have simply delivered two different answers to what an ideal Malaysian SUV should be.