Verdict
At RM165,360, the Mazda CX-8 costs RM58,560 more than the RM106,800 Proton X90. That buys a 192 hp 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, a 2,930 mm wheelbase, 19-inch wheels and powered front seats with driver memory, plus front parking sensors. The X90 counters with 290 Nm from 2,000 rpm, a 257-litre boot and a 12.3-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For a Malaysian family watching ownership costs, the X90’s RM120 annual road tax versus RM830 matters greatly; the CX-8 is the more expensive, better-equipped choice in several comfort areas.
Pick the Mazda CX-8 if you want 192 hp, a 2,930 mm wheelbase, 19-inch wheels and powered front seats with memory.
Pick the Proton X90 if RM58,560 saved, 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm, a larger 257-litre boot and RM120 annual road tax matter more.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-8 RM165,360; Proton X90 RM106,800.
- Output: Mazda CX-8 192 hp and 258 Nm; Proton X90 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- Wheelbase: Mazda CX-8 2,930 mm; Proton X90 2,805 mm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-8 209 litres; Proton X90 257 litres.
- Road tax: Mazda CX-8 RM830 per year; Proton X90 RM120 per year.
- Infotainment display: Mazda CX-8 8.0 inches; Proton X90 12.3 inches.
CX-8
- 192 hp 2.5-litre engine
- Powered front seats with driver lumbar adjustment and memory
- Front and rear parking sensors
- RM58,560 higher purchase price
- RM830 annual road tax versus RM120
- 209-litre boot is 48 litres smaller
X90
- 290 Nm available from 2,000 rpm
- 257-litre boot
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 178 hp, against the CX-8’s 192 hp
- Manual-adjust front seats
- No front parking sensors
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM165,360 | RM106,800✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | D-Segment | D-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,488 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 192 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 178 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 290 Nm at 2,000 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 89 mm × 100 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive 6-speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode | — |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,900 mm | 4,830 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,730 mm | 1,764 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,930 mm | 2,805 mm |
| Weight | 1,781 kg | 1,695 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 72 litres | 60 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 209 litres | 257 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/55R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Toyo Proxes R46 | Giti Control P10 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Silver V-spoke Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | G-Vectoring Control Plus | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 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 | 7 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer 2nd Row Seats | Available on two middle row passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| 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 | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Lumbar Adjustment and Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, Sliding and Reclining 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 2nd Row USB, 2 3rd Row 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 | Mazda Connect Infotainment System with 8" Touchscreen, Commander Control Knob, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen Atlas OS Infotainment System with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, 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 with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5-year/100,000 km Free Service | — |
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 CX-8 & X90 for sale
CX-8 vs X90 FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-8 or Proton X90 better?
The CX-8 is better for its 192 hp engine, longer 2,930 mm wheelbase, powered front seats and front parking sensors. The X90 is the stronger value choice, with 290 Nm, a bigger boot, lower road tax and a far lower entry price.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-8 costs RM58,560 more than the Proton X90: RM165,360 versus RM106,800.
Which has the larger boot?
The Proton X90 has the larger boot at 257 litres, compared with 209 litres in the Mazda CX-8. That is a 48-litre advantage for the X90 with all seven seats in use.
