The New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) has downgraded the Proton X90’s safety rating from 5 stars to 1 star following the removal of several safety features.
Foregoing safety
When Proton first launched its X90 model in 2023, the model was awarded a commendable 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP. Three years later, the manufacturer updated the X90 with a new look but a lack of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The removal of the X90’s ADAS prompted ASEAN NCAP to revoke the model’s previous 5-star rating and downgrade it to 1 star. The launch version of the X90 came with “essential” safety features including such as:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Warning
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Technology
“We deeply regret Proton’s decision to remove lifesaving ADAS technologies from the new facelift model,” said Director-General of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) Siti Zaharah binti Ishak in a statement. “To protect consumers and maintain the integrity of safety standards, we have no choice but to revoke the 2023 5-Star rating.”
Only six airbags and cruise control remain in the new 2026 model.
Dropping scores
Initially, the X90 scored a total of 83.79 points out of 100 under the ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol. The ASEAN NCAP described the model’s performance in the 2023 safety test as “strong,” but Proton’s removal of its ADAS significantly weakened its scores in test categories.
According to the organisation, the lack of ADAS features decreased the model’s Safety Assist (SA) score to 4 stars. More importantly, the removal of Blind Spot Detection (BSD), caused the X90’s Motorcyclist Safety (MS) score to drop to 1 star from 5 stars. This feature was previously available as standard on all variants of the X90.
“Blind Spot Detection (BSD) is a critical weighted factor in our Motorcyclist Safety category. Its removal, alongside other advanced safety assists, has stripped the X90 of the points that previously earned it a top-tier rating,” said Ts. Yahaya Ahmad, Technical Leader at the ASEAN NCAP.
“This serves as a reminder to all manufacturers: safety is not a trade-off. Do not sacrifice proven safety technology for ‘face-value’ luxuries like infotainment systems or leather upholstery,” added Siti Zaharah binti Ishak in the organisation’s official press release.
Proton drastically reduced the price for the X90 by MYR 30,000 (AUD $10,942). This reduction may have been possible by the removal of previously installed safety features.
ASEAN NCAP clarified that the 1-star rating does not apply to X90 models that were manufactured between 2023-2025. The first version of the X90 may retain its 5-star rating, however, succeeding units of the new 2026 model are rated as 1 star.
2023 model vs. 2026 model
While the newer X90 model is cheaper, its exterior is no different from its predecessor. The facelift is visually minor, with the addition of roof rails that allow the vehicle to carry a load of up to 75kg.
Inside the vehicle, the upholstery was upgraded from fabric to leather. Similarly, the vehicle’s infotainment system was also upgraded to now cater to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
According to a review by Malaysian automotive publication PaulTan, sales of the X90 were generally low. Competition in Malaysia’s SUV market has gotten tighter, influencing Proton to keep the X90’s price “competitive.” The publication also implies that the new X90 model is marketed towards consumers “looking for a larger-sized family mover, minus the frills.”
While the X90 appears to be a good deal for those looking for three-row SUV, its lack of safety features must be considered before purchasing.
Did you find this article interesting? Click the ‘heart’ button above to give it a ‘like’!
