Verdict
These are very different SUVs despite the narrow RM3,000 gap. The GAC GS3 is 420 mm shorter and 325 kg lighter, yet its 341-litre boot is 84 litres larger than the X90’s 257 litres. Its 177 hp and 270 Nm are nearly level with the X90’s 178 hp, although Proton brings 290 Nm, seven seats, six airbags and a multi-link rear suspension. The GAC’s autonomous braking, steering lane-keeping and blind-spot system give the five-seater a clearer active-safety edge. Choose space for people or space for luggage; this one is not close.
Pick the GAC GS3 if you need five seats, a larger 341-litre boot and active safety systems including autonomous braking, lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring.
Pick the Proton X90 if you regularly carry more than five people and want seven seats, six airbags, rear air-con vents and a multi-link rear suspension.
Key differences
- Price: GAC GS3 RM103,800; Proton X90 RM106,800.
- Length: GAC GS3 4,410 mm; Proton X90 4,830 mm.
- Seating: GAC GS3 five seats; Proton X90 seven seats.
- Boot space: GAC GS3 341 litres; Proton X90 257 litres.
- Torque: GAC GS3 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm; Proton X90 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
- Airbags: GAC GS3 two; Proton X90 six.
GS3
- RM3,000 cheaper.
- 341-litre boot is 84 litres larger.
- Autonomous braking, steering lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring.
- Five seats versus the X90’s seven.
- Two airbags versus the X90’s six.
- Torsion-beam rear suspension versus the X90’s multi-link setup.
X90
- Seven-seat 2-3-2 cabin.
- Six airbags and a multi-link rear suspension.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents and blower control.
- RM3,000 more expensive.
- 257-litre boot is 84 litres smaller.
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind-spot information system.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM103,800✓ | RM106,800 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM120 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 177 hp at 5,500 rpm | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm at 1,400 rpm | 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Gears | 7 | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,410 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,850 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,600 mm | 1,764 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,805 mm |
| Weight | 1,370 kg | 1,695 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 341 litres✓ | 257 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R18 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental UC6 SUV | Giti Control P10 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Two-tone Alloys | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Front Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on two middle row passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver's Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Manual Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 3 USB Front, 2 USB Second Row, 2 USB Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Back Row |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used GS3 & X90 for sale
GS3 vs X90 FAQ
Is the GAC GS3 or Proton X90 better?
The X90 is better for a family needing seven seats, six airbags and rear air-con vents. The GS3 is better for a five-seat buyer who needs a larger 341-litre boot and wants autonomous braking, lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring.
What is the price difference?
The GAC GS3 costs RM103,800 and the Proton X90 costs RM106,800, so the X90 is RM3,000 more expensive.
Which SUV has more passenger and luggage space?
The Proton X90 has seven seats against the GS3’s five and is 420 mm longer. However, the GS3 has the larger quoted boot at 341 litres, compared with 257 litres for the X90.
