How does the updated Proton X90 fare against the Jetour VT9 3-row SUV?
Yesterday, Proton refreshed the X90 line-up, bringing the price down substantially at the cost of some major equipment pieces. The objective was to target buyers looking for a large 3-row SUV but weren’t too concerned over things like ADAS. We’d just driven the Jetour VT9 last week and thought that this new positioning of the X90 would really destroy the value proposition of that vehicle.
They’re quite similar on paper – both are 1900mm wide SUVs with 3 rows of seats and the basic engineering work comes from China. Both vehicles have 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engines, multi-link rear suspension and disc brakes all around. Both are also locally-assembled.
So let’s do a like-for-like comparison to see how they stack up. We’ll only compare the Jetour VT9 Prime against the Proton X90 Prime X, as these are the closest in terms of price. Let’s start with the dimensions of these two 3-row SUVs.
The two SUVs are equally wide at 1900mm, but in every other dimension, the X90 is far and away the larger vehicle. It’s over 10cm longer from bumper to bumper with an 8.5cm longer wheelbase. This unlocks better packaging for the X90, hence its boot provides 257 litres of cargo space even with all seats in use. Though that doesn’t sound like much, it’s a lot higher than the VT9’s 89L. The X90’s also a taller vehicle, but not by much – same goes for the fuel tank, the X90’s is larger but not by much. Both vehicles come with a spare tyre.
The X90 used to be powered by a hybrid 3-cylinder turbo. Now that’s out of the window and it gets the modernised 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo found in many other Proton models. On paper, it sounds like the Jetour 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo will be close, after all both engines even use a dual clutch automatic.
However, the power figures paint a different picture. The Proton now generates 178hp and 290Nm of torque while the Jetour has 154hp and 230Nm of torque. We haven’t driven the new X90 yet but based on our experiences with the X50 and S70, the new engine is noticeably more powerful and more eager than the Chery derived 1.5L. Mind you, the Jetour VT9 isn’t a slow car either, plus in this comparison it has a 100kg less weight to move.
In terms of equipment, neither the X90 nor the VT9 come with ADAS. Otherwise, they’re both really quite well equipped. The Jetour has just one or two advantages though.
- 19″ wheels versus 18″ wheels
- LED projector headlights instead of LED reflectors
- Paddle shifters
- Panoramic sunroof
- Powered tailgate
- Driver’s side memory function
Without a doubt, some of these are massive advantages. That being said, the X90 has its own equipment strengths as well.
- WIRELESS Apple Carplay and Android Auto
- Both front seats are power adjustable
- Middle row captain seats with ventilation
- Rear vents for each row and rear climate control
- 12.3″ infotainment screen
- 6 speakers
- Front parking sensors
- Nappa leather upholstery
Between the two, the X90’s equipment list seems to have a slight edge. To top it all off, the X90 Prime X has the price advantage even before accounting for the RM7,000 early bird discount.
What do you think of this comparison? Did we miss out on anything? Proton’s a more established brand with a wide sales and service network too. Jetour will have its work cut out for it.
