Why the Proton X90’s ASEAN NCAP rating is being questioned in 2026

The Proton X90 has been one of Malaysia’s most talked-about SUVs since its launch. Originally praised for its safety features and modern technology, the model earned a 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP in 2023.

However, recent developments surrounding the updated 2026 Proton X90 have sparked debate among drivers and industry observers. Reports indicate that the SUV’s original 5-star safety rating has been revoked due to major changes in its safety technology, particularly the removal of several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

This situation has raised an important question for Malaysian car buyers: does the Proton X90 still deserve its reputation as one of the safest family SUVs in the market?

The Original 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Rating

When the Proton X90 was first introduced in 2023, it performed strongly in ASEAN NCAP crash tests. The vehicle achieved an overall score of 83.75 out of 100 points, earning the maximum five-star rating under the 2021–2025 Safety Assessment Protocol.

Several factors contributed to this high safety score. These included strong structural crash protection, multiple airbags, and a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) designed to prevent accidents before they occur.

The safety technology package included features such as:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop & Go

• Lane Keep Assist

• Traffic Sign Information

These systems significantly improved the SUV’s Safety Assist Score, which plays a key role in determining ASEAN NCAP ratings.

What Changed in the 2026 Proton X90

The updated 2026 Proton X90 was introduced with several adjustments aimed at making the SUV more affordable. While the vehicle’s overall design and three-row seating configuration remain largely unchanged, a number of previously available features have been removed.

Among the most notable changes is the removal of several ADAS technologies that were previously standard or available in higher variants.

Key features that are no longer included in the latest model include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert

• Forward Collision Warning And Prevention

• Auto Park Assist

Without these systems, the vehicle no longer meets the safety technology criteria that contributed to its original 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating.

Why ADAS Matters in ASEAN NCAP Ratings

Modern vehicle safety ratings no longer focus solely on crash protection. Programs like ASEAN NCAP now evaluate active safety technologies, which help prevent accidents before they happen.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are heavily weighted in the assessment under the 2021–2025 ASEAN NCAP Protocol. These systems are designed to detect hazards, warn drivers, and in some cases automatically intervene to avoid collisions.

When a vehicle removes these technologies, it can significantly affect the Safety Assist Score, which may ultimately lead to a lower overall rating.

This explains why the latest Proton X90 variant may no longer qualify for the same five-star safety rating awarded to earlier versions.

Important Clarification for Existing X90 Owners

One key point that many drivers misunderstand is that the original rating still applies to earlier models.

The 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating remains valid for Proton X90 units produced between 2023 and 2025, because those vehicles were tested with the full ADAS safety suite installed.

This means that owners of earlier models are still driving a vehicle that meets the five-star safety certification.

However, the newer 2026 Proton X90, without these advanced safety features, cannot automatically carry the same rating.

Does This Mean the Proton X90 Is Unsafe?

Not necessarily.

Even without ADAS, the Proton X90 still retains several core safety features such as:

• Multiple Airbags

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

• Strong Body Structure And Crash Protection

These features continue to provide essential occupant protection during accidents.

However, the absence of active safety technologies means the vehicle may be less capable of preventing collisions, which is why safety authorities place strong emphasis on these systems in modern evaluations.

What This Means for Malaysian Car Buyers

For potential buyers, this situation highlights the importance of looking beyond star ratings and understanding what safety features a vehicle actually includes.

If Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are important to you, it may be worth comparing variants carefully or considering earlier Proton X90 models produced between 2023 and 2025, which still include the full safety package.

Vehicle safety technology continues to evolve rapidly, and features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitoring are increasingly becoming standard expectations in modern SUVs.

Conclusion

The Proton X90’s safety story is more complex than a simple rating change. While earlier models proudly hold a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP Certification, the removal of ADAS features in the 2026 model has raised questions about whether the same rating should still apply.

For drivers and families, the key takeaway is simple: always check the exact safety features included in the specific vehicle variant you are considering.

FAQ

1. Did the Proton X90 really get downgraded from 5 stars to 1 star?

The original Proton X90 earned a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating in 2023. However, the removal of several ADAS features in the 2026 model means the latest variant may not qualify for the same rating.

2. Which Proton X90 models still have a 5-star safety rating?

Proton X90 units produced between 2023 and 2025 retain the official 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating because they include the full Advanced Driver Assistance Systems package.

3. What is ADAS and why is it important?

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are technologies that help drivers avoid accidents by providing warnings or automatically intervening when hazards are detected.

4. Is the Proton X90 still safe without ADAS?

Yes. The Proton X90 still includes essential safety features such as Airbags, ABS, and Electronic Stability Control, although it lacks certain accident-prevention technologies.

5. Should buyers avoid the 2026 Proton X90?

Not necessarily. Buyers should compare the safety features available in each variant and decide whether ADAS technologies are important for their driving needs.

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