Quick look
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The absence of the ADAS suite means certain active safety systems are not present and prevent the X90 from meeting certain standards.
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The downgraded rating applies only to the 2026 model; earlier models are still considered 5-star.
ASEAN NCAP has revised its safety rating for the Proton X90 which had received the maximum of 5 stars when it was originally tested in 2023, the same year the model was launched. For the 2026 model, the organisation says it now rates 1 star, although no test was specifically conducted on the latest model which was launched recently.
The revision of the safety rating is due to the removal of the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) package, a suite of active safety systems that was present in the model before 2026.
In 2023, the X90 was assessed under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 protocol and its overall score of 83.79 points qualified it for the maximum 5-star rating. This comprised strong performances in Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Safety Assist, and Motorcyclist Safety.
No ADAS technologies
Upon reviewing the official specifications for the 2026 X90, ASEAN NCAP found that a majority of the ADAS technologies present during the 2023 assessment have been removed. These include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- Blind Spot Technology (BST)
Why it matters for ASEAN NCAP
While the absence of ADAS does not necessarily mean a vehicle cannot qualify for 5 stars, the scores in certain areas may be different. In this case, the X90’s Safety Assist score fell to a 4-Star level, while the Motorcyclist Safety category — which relies heavily on Blind Spot Detection — becomes a 1-Star rating. Consequently, the X90’s overall rating is capped at 1-Star.
“Blind Spot Detection is a critical weighted factor in our Motorcyclist Safety category. Its removal, alongside other advanced safety assists, has stripped the X90 of the points that previously earned it a top-tier rating,” explained Ts. Yahaya Ahmad, Technical Leader of ASEAN NCAP.
Under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 Protocol, a vehicle’s star rating is restricted if it performs poorly in any single category, ensuring ‘all-round protection’.
Read the full ASEAN NCAP test report
While the 2026 model with ADAS is now rated 1-star, ASEAN NCAP says that the 5-star rating will still be applicable for those units manufactured between 2023 and 2025 which had ADAS.
Why PROTON left out ADAS
For the 2026 X90, which was updated with a new engine, PROTON aimed to make the model more affordable. As ADAS uses expensive active safety systems, its omission would reduce cost, allowing the model’s price to drop below RM100,000 (after rebate). This is a significant price change, especially considering that it is a D-segment SUV.
While some automakers may leave out ADAS in cheaper variants and only offer it in their top (and most expensive) variants, PROTON has left it out from all variants.
Nevertheless, while ADAS is not provided, the X90 still comes with 6 airbags and active safety systems such as ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.
“We deeply regret Proton’s decision to remove life-saving ADAS technologies from the new facelift model. To protect consumers and maintain the integrity of safety standards, we have no choice but to revoke the 2023 5-Star rating. This serves as a reminder to all manufacturers: safety is not a trade-off. Do not sacrifice proven safety technology for ‘face-value’ luxuries like infotainment systems or leather upholstery,” said Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Siti Zaharah binti Ishak, Director General of MIROS.
1-star does not make X90 ‘unsafe’
The downgrading of the X90’s safety rating is ‘technical’ since the absence of certain systems prevents it from meeting the standards of assessment set by ASEAN NCAP. In this particular instance, it does not necessarily mean that the latest X90 is unsafe just because it now has 1 star.
The structure – a vital element in occupant protection – is unchanged from before and other independent active safety systems are also present. It is important to distinguish between crashworthiness (how a vehicle maintains structural integrity in an accident) and active safety (tech that prevents an accident). The high-strength steel frame and chassis of the X90 which contributed to the high scores for Adult Occupant Protection in 2023 would not have changed (unless ASEAN NCAP conducts a new crash test on the 2026 model and obtains a different result).
While ADAS can further contribute to driving safety by helping a driver become more aware of dangerous situations and acting autonomously to prevent a collision, motoring safety ultimately depends on the driver’s attitude and behaviour. You can have the most advanced safety system in the world but if a driver is reckless and irresponsible, an accident can still occur.
