Looking to change cars, which is better, X90 or CX-3? Proton vs Mazda

In the SUV market in Malaysia, many buyers compare Proton X90 and Mazda CX-3 when choosing a car. Both vehicles are quite close in price and positioning, so 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 Mazda CX-3 in Malaysia is RM 126,159 - 139,159, with a total of 2 versions, including 2023 2.0L High (RM 139,159), 2023 2.0L Plus (RM 126,159), etc.

Looking at the price, the starting price of Proton X90 is indeed RM 19,359 cheaper than Mazda CX-3. If your budget is limited, Proton's entry-level version can already meet daily needs. But keep in mind, that cheaper few thousand might involve trade-offs in features, it depends on your specific needs.

Power and Fuel Consumption

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

The Mazda CX-3 is equipped with a 1.5L Turbo, 140 hp. Official fuel consumption 7.0 L/100km.

Both cars use the same powertrain, and the driving feel is basically no different in daily use. Fuel consumption is also similar, so no need to worry too much about this.

Configurations and Technology

The Proton X90 uses FWD drive system.

The Mazda CX-3 uses FWD drive system.

Both cars use the same drive mode, both are FWD, and there shouldn't be much difference in daily driving feel.

Maintenance and Service

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

Mazda CX-3 warranty 5 years/150,000km, maintenance interval every 10,000km or 6 months.

Both cars have the same warranty conditions, so no need to dwell on this aspect. Actual maintenance costs also depend on the brand's service network and parts prices, so it is recommended to ask real owners in car owner groups for their experience.

Suitable For Whom

Both Proton X90 and Mazda CX-3 are mainstream choices in the Malaysian market, suitable for family use and daily commuting. If you value brand reputation and resale value more, you can prioritize the one with the better reputation; if you care more about cost-performance and features, choose the one with richer configurations. Ultimately, it is recommended to test drive both, as personal experience is the most important.

Summary

In general, both Proton X90 and Mazda CX-3 are quite good models in the Malaysian market. Which one to choose depends mainly on your personal needs and budget. We recommend doing your homework, comparing quotes from multiple dealers, and then test driving to make the final decision. Buying a car is a big matter, spending some time doing research will never be wrong.