Zakirin
The Mitsubishi Xforce (RM 109,980 to RM 119,980) is an adventure-styled B-segment crossover offering class-leading 222 mm ground clearance, dedicated wet-weather drive modes with Active Yaw Control (AYC), an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio system, and a 410-litre boot.
The Proton X50 (RM 89,800 to RM 113,800) is Malaysia’s benchmark performance-value compact SUV, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine producing 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque, a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.
Quick Verdict:
- Choose the Mitsubishi Xforce if:You want class-leading 222 mm ground clearance for flash floods and rough terrain, dedicated all-weather drive modes (Wet/Gravel/Mud), an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio system, a larger 410-litre boot, and Japanese reliability with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.
- Choose the Proton X50 if:You prioritize raw turbocharged horsepower (181 PS / 290 Nm), swift 0–100 km/h acceleration (~7.6s), a panoramic sunroof, a lower starting price (from RM 89,800), and a 14.6-inch central display with Level 2 ADAS.
💰 Estimated Monthly Ownership Breakdown
| Cost & Ownership Factor | Mitsubishi Xforce (Urban / Ultimate) | Proton X50 (Executive / Premium / Flagship) |
| Price (OTR w/o Insurance, Peninsular) | RM 109,980 – RM 119,980 | RM 89,800 – RM 113,800 |
| Standard Manufacturer Warranty | 5 Years / Unlimited Mileage | 5 Years / Unlimited Mileage |
| Estimated 5-Year Maintenance Cost | ~RM 3,400 – RM 3,900 (Mitsubishi Scheduled Service) | ~RM 3,800 – RM 4,500 (Proton Scheduled Service / DCT fluid) |
| Annual Road Tax (Peninsular MY) | RM 90 – RM 120 (1,499 cc) | RM 90 (1,499 cc) |
| Claimed Fuel Consumption | ~6.2 L/100 km (~16.1 km/L) | ~6.5 L/100 km (~15.4 km/L) |
| Luggage Space (Boot) | 410 Litres | 330 Litres |
| Est. Monthly Loan (9-Yr @ 3.0%–3.5%) | ~RM 1,165/mo – ~RM 1,270/mo | ~RM 950/mo – ~RM 1,205/mo |
📊 Comprehensive Specification Comparison
| Feature / Spec | Mitsubishi Xforce (Ultimate) | Proton X50 (1.5 TD Flagship) |
| Segment / Body Style | 5-Seater B-Segment Crossover SUV | 5-Seater B-Segment Compact SUV |
| Assembly | CBU (Imported, Indonesia) | CKD (Local Assembly, Tanjung Malim, Malaysia) |
| Engine Type | 1.5L 4-Cylinder 16V MIVEC (4A91) | 1.5L 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Direct Injection (TGDi) |
| Displacement | 1,499 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Transmission Type | Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) | 7-Speed Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) |
| Drivetrain Layout | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) with Active Yaw Control | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Drive Modes | Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud | Eco, Comfort, Sport, Adaptive |
| Max Power Output | 105 PS (104 hp / 77 kW) @ 6,000 RPM | 181 PS (178 hp / 133 kW) @ 5,500 RPM |
| Max Torque | 141 Nm @ 4,000 RPM | 290 Nm @ 2,000–3,500 RPM |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~11.8 seconds | ~7.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~170 km/h | ~195 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 Litres | 45 Litres |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4,390 mm x 1,810 mm x 1,660 mm | 4,380 mm x 1,795 mm x 1,609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm | 2,600 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 222 mm | ~180 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 410 Litres | 330 Litres |
| Wheels & Tyres | 18-inch Two-Tone Alloys (225/50 R18) | 18-inch Two-Tone Alloys (215/55 R18) |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Not Available | Panoramic Sunroof with Electric Shade |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio | 14.6-inch Floating Touchscreen Display |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Instrument Cluster | 8.0-inch Full Digital Driver Display | 8.88-inch Full Digital Driver Display |
| Audio System | Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium (8 Speakers) | 6-Speaker Surround Audio System |
| Airbags | 6 SRS Airbags | 6 SRS Airbags |
| ADAS Safety Suite | Diamond Sense (ACC, FCM/AEB, BSW, LCA, RCTA) | Full Level 2 ADAS (ICC w/ Stop&Go, AEB, LKA, APA, 360 3D) |
⚡ Key Differences Breakdown
🚗 Powertrain, Performance & Transmission
- Mitsubishi Xforce: Relies on a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre 4A91 MIVEC four-cylinder engine producing 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque mated to a CVT. It is tuned for smooth, predictable city driving and low maintenance complexity, but requires patience during high-speed highway overtaking.
- Proton X50: Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection engine delivering 181 PS and 290 Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox (7DCT). It provides effortless acceleration (0–100 km/h in 7.6s), strong mid-range passing power, and rapid gear shifts.
🎨 Chassis, Ground Clearance & All-Weather Handling
- Mitsubishi Xforce: Engineered specifically for ASEAN terrain with a massive 222 mm ground clearance, wider body (1,810 mm), and longer wheelbase (2,650 mm). It features Active Yaw Control (AYC) and selectable terrain modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel, Mud), which manage wheel slip and torque vectoring during tropical storms.
- Proton X50: Sits lower to the ground (~180 mm) on a road-biased suspension geometry. It handles corners with a firmer, more European-tuned chassis feel, prioritizing high-speed tarmac stability over rough-road obstacle clearance.
🛋️ Cabin Tech, Practicality & Safety
- Mitsubishi Xforce: Offers a 410-litre boot, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats with 8-step recline, a console cooling box for chilled drinks, a 12.3-inch screen, and an 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha audio system.
- Proton X50: Outfitted with a 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.88-inch digital cluster, a panoramic sunroof, Auto Park Assist (APA), and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite with full-speed Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). Boot space is smaller at 330 Litres.
🌟 3 Things We Love
Mitsubishi Xforce
- Class-Leading 222 mm Ground Clearance & Wet Mode: High obstacle clearance paired with AYC wet-weather torque vectoring provides immense driving confidence through flash floods and muddy backroads.
- Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium Audio: The tuned 8-speaker Yamaha system delivers rich, crisp acoustic clarity, dynamic equalization, and deep bass rarely found in the sub-RM 120k crossover class.
- Larger 410-Litre Boot & Versatile Rear Recline: Offers significantly more luggage room than the X50, complemented by 8-step reclining rear seatbacks and a console cool box.
Proton X50
- Dominant 181 PS / 290 Nm Turbo Performance: Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in ~7.6 seconds, offering punchy acceleration and effortless highway cruising.
- High-Definition 14.6-inch Screen & Wireless CarPlay/AA: The large widescreen display with modern wireless phone mirroring and Atlas OS provides a rich in-car infotainment experience.
- Comprehensive Level 2 ADAS & Panoramic Sunroof: Having full-speed Intelligent Cruise Control with Lane Centering and an open-air panoramic glass roof under RM 114,000 represents great value.
⚠️ 2 Things That Need Work
Mitsubishi Xforce
- Modest 105 PS Engine Output: The naturally aspirated 1.5L engine lacks the turbo punch of the X50, feeling strained when overtaking at high speeds with a full cabin.
- No Panoramic Sunroof: Unlike the X50 Flagship and other sub-RM 120k competitors, the Xforce cabin lacks an opening glass roof option.
Proton X50
- Smaller 330-Litre Boot: The shallow luggage compartment fills up quickly when loading full-size strollers or large suitcases for family trips.
- Firm Ride & Lower Clearance: The stiffer suspension transmits more road imperfections into the cabin over broken tarmac, and its lower clearance is less forgiving through deep water puddles.
🏁 Buying Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Xforce is the superior choice for buyers who want an adventurous, rugged crossover designed to handle real-world Southeast Asian driving conditions. Priced between RM 109,980 and RM 119,980, it delivers unbeatable 222 mm ground clearance, dedicated wet-weather stability modes, a Yamaha sound system, and a 410-litre boot. For drivers prioritizing high flood clearance, relaxed mechanical durability, and family luggage practicality, the Xforce is a compelling buy.
The Proton X50 remains the undisputed king of straight-line performance and showroom technology. Priced from RM 89,800 to RM 113,800, it delivers a massive 76 PS and 149 Nm power advantage over the Xforce, a rapid 7-speed wet DCT, a 14.6-inch display, a panoramic glass roof, and full Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. For buyers who prioritize acceleration, sporty highway dynamics, and maximum tech features per Ringgit, the X50 is the clear winner.
