A brand-new 2022 Proton X70 is currently priced between RM 94,800 to RM 122,800. That puts a brand-new Proton X70 within the same price bracket as a used fifth-generation Honda CR-V.
A quick check on Carsome.my reveals that a used, top-spec 2017 Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P is priced from RM 120k onwards – just a hair below a brand-new, range-topping X70. Prices will vary depending on model year and mileage.
Granted, to keep things fair against the turbocharged Proton X70, the CR-V we chose for this comparison is also force-induced. For those looking for the non-turbocharged CR-V 2.0, that model can be found on Carsome for less than RM 110k.
Powertrain – Outright power or better fuel consumption?
The Proton X70 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that churns out 184 PS and 300 Nm, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that drives the front wheels. The AWD variant was dropped upon the introduction of the locally-assembled (CKD) model back in 2020.
On the other hand, the Honda CR-V gets a smaller turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine that does 193 PS and 243 Nm. As with other current Honda models, the CR-V gets a CVT transmission. Unlike the X70, the CR-V can be had as a 2WD or 4WD model, depending on your requirements.
Although the X70 has the clear advantage when it comes to torque output, it loses out to the CR-V in terms of fuel consumption.
The Honda CR-V is surprisingly fuel efficient for an SUV
When we sampled the Honda CR-V back in 2020 (wow, that felt like an eternity ago), it returned 5.5-litre/100 km during highway drives. Under a combined cycle that includes urban and highway driving, this C-segment SUV returned an impressive 7.0-litre/100 km.
X70 may be a cheaper option, but fuel cost could add up over time
As for the Proton X70, it falls behind the CR-V in terms of fuel consumption. During our tests, this SUV did an average of 10.6-litre/100 km under mixed driving conditions.
If fuel consumption is an important aspect to you, the CR-V is the clear winner.
Equipment – X70 offers a lot of Proton-first features
When the Proton X70 was launched back in 2018, it offered unparalleled level of equipment for a Proton model, like a voice-activated infotainment system that’s linked to the air-conditioning system, windows, and sunroof.
Opt for the Premium variants and the X70’s cabin is a rather upmarket place to be in, thanks to swaths of Nappa leather on the seats.
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay is a must-have in a modern-day car
While the Honda CR-V may not come close to the X70 (there’s no voice-activated infotainment system, Nappa leather seats, or sunroof), it does offer support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The X70 offers a larger 8-inch infotainment display, but lacks support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
On paper, the Proton X70’s voice-activated infotainment system certainly sounds impressive, but in reality, it can get rather clunky. Plus, with its China-centric configuration, there’s no support for apps like Google Maps /Waze or Spotify; you’ll have to make do with Joox and Baidu Maps instead.
Baidu Maps on the X70 is no where near as refined as Google Maps or Waze
We’re gladly trade the voice-activated infotainment system for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, seeing that both Apple and Android systems allow drivers to reply WhatsApp messages and use Google Maps / Waze whilst on the move.
Ride comfort – The X70 is impressively comfortable
Nappa leather seats in the Proton X70
If there’s one aspect that the Proton X70 trumps the Honda CR-V, it’s in the ride comfort and sound insulation department.
CR-V may be more spacious, but the X70 offers a better ride
The CR-V was no match for the X70 in terms of ride comfort. Unlike the softly-sprung CR-V, the X70 offers a firmer ride without sacrificing comfort.
According to our sound level meter, the X70 averaged 68 dB whilst cruising at 110 km/h, making it an impressively quiet cabin. Comparatively, the Honda CR-V did 70 dB at the same speed.
The facelifted CR-V addressed the pre-facelift model's shortcomings, but it's also pricier
When Honda Malaysia introduced the facelifted CR-V in late-2020, they addressed the CR-V’s poor sound insulation and ride comfort, resulting in a much nicer cabin to be in. That said, the facelifted CR-V is priced beyond the scope of this comparison.
Then there’s the seats in the Honda CR-V. Although leather-wrapped, these seats don’t offer as much support as the X70. Even the cheaper Proton X70's Nappa leather seats feels more supportive, with better quality leather material too.
Safety – Pretty much on par, but the CR-V has an ace
X70's milimeter wave radar
Both SUVs are decked to the brim when it comes to safety features. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Forward Collision Warning (FWC), and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) are among the features common to both.
The CR-V's Sensing ADAS suite
Where the CR-V claws ahead of the X70 is its inclusion of Lane Keep Assist. Without it, the X70 isn’t able to stay in its lane when Adaptive Cruise Control is activated.
Do you prefer LaneWatch over regular BSM?
In place of the Proton X70’s Blind Spot Monitor is the CR-V’s LaneWatch camera, which projects a live video feed from the passenger side onto the infotainment screen.
Whether you prefer LaneWatch or the regular blind spot monitor is completely up to you.
Conclusion – A used CR-V isn’t a bad deal at all
All things considered, a used Honda CR-V makes for a very compelling purchase – it’s very fuel efficient, has better after-sales support than Proton, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities.
We are aware that the used car market is a mine field out there, and that’s where Carsome comes in. While it’s not backed by any manufacturer, buyers enjoy a 5-day no questions asked money back guarantee. Surely that’s more than enough to answer any doubt.
At the time of writing, Carsome has 6 units of the Honda CR-V for sale, at varying price points.
If you insist on a brand-new Proton X70, do take note that the facelifted 2022 X70 will be making a debut real soon, and you might just want to wait for that.
Keyword: New vs used: Buy a used Honda CR-V or brand-new 2022 Proton X70?