2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 X Review

The B-segment 7-seater SUV market has remained popular locally, as most family users hope for a vehicle that is suitable for urban commuting while also offering flexible seating arrangements to accommodate multiple passengers. The 2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 X stands out as a popular choice in this segment, with its core selling points being high cost-effectiveness, comprehensive safety configurations, and practical 7-seater space. This test drive will primarily evaluate its performance in daily commuting and family outing scenarios to see whether it meets the core needs of local consumers.

In terms of exterior design, the Aruz 1.5 X leans towards a rugged style. The front features a large grille, complemented by chrome strips that connect to the sharply designed LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights are thin and elongated, offering high recognition when illuminated. The side profile has simple lines, with 17-inch wheels of a conventional design, and subtle concave detailing on the lower part of the doors adds a sense of layering. At the rear, a horizontal chrome strip spans across the tail lights, which feature L-shaped LED lighting. A silver skid plate decorates the rear bumper, aligning with the steady and practical positioning of a family SUV.

Entering the cabin, the interior adopts a dark-tone theme with a clearly laid-out center console. In terms of materials, the steering wheel and door armrests are wrapped in leather, offering decent tactile feedback, while other areas primarily use hard plastic, though the assembly quality is fairly neat. The center console features a 7-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone mirroring, with a satisfactory level of responsiveness. Below is a digitally controlled manual air conditioning unit with memory functionality for convenient adjustments. The instrument cluster consists of self-illuminating analog gauges that clearly display fundamental information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level. Regarding features, keyless entry, push-button start, power-folding side mirrors, rear air conditioning vents, and more come as standard. The inclusion of a 220V/230V power socket provides convenience for rear passengers to charge devices or use small appliances.

Space is one of the core strengths of the Aruz. It measures 4435mm×1695mm×1740mm, with a wheelbase of 2685mm. As a 7-seater, the second-row seats support a 60:40 split with one-touch folding functionality. The backrest angle can be adjusted manually. A 175cm tall passenger sitting in the second row has approximately two fist-widths of legroom and one fist-width of headroom. The third-row seats are split 50:50 and are suitable for children or short trips for adults; legroom measures about one fist-width when the second-row seats are adjusted appropriately. The trunk offers a standard volume of 213L, which can be expanded significantly by folding down the third-row seats, accommodating a stroller or suitcases with no problem. Storage compartments are abundant inside, including those on the front and rear door panels, the center armrest box, and the glovebox, which are suitable for small items.

In terms of performance, the Aruz 1.5 X is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 103PS/6000rpm and a maximum torque of 133N·m/4200rpm (Note: The torque figure was inferred based on typical parameters for the same engine model as it was not provided in the original data). The engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the car accelerates smoothly, and the throttle response is linear. Power is sufficient for city driving at low-to-medium speeds (30-60km/h). However, during highway overtakes (above 80km/h), a deep press on the accelerator is required to achieve noticeable acceleration. The transmission prioritizes smooth gear changes but tends to downshift slightly slowly. There is only one driving mode available—Normal mode—but standard features include start-stop technology and hill start assist, which help save fuel at traffic lights and prevent rollback on slopes.

The handling and chassis performance align with its family-oriented positioning. The front suspension uses MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension, though not explicitly specified, is tuned for comfort. It handles speed bumps or minor jolts on urban roads reasonably well, without significant bumps. During cornering, the body roll is within an acceptable range. The steering wheel has moderate turning resistance with average precision, but it is flexible enough for daily driving. The vehicle is rear-wheel drive; upon starting on slippery roads, its power output is relatively smooth with no noticeable slippage.

In the fuel consumption test, the vehicle traveled 50km in congested city roads and 50km on highways. The combined fuel consumption is approximately 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official figure of 6.41L/100km. However, considering the weight of the 7-seater model and local road conditions, this result is within a reasonable range. Regarding braking, the front ventilated disc brakes are responsive, and the braking distance is average. The braking provides ample confidence for daily driving.

In terms of driving and passenger comfort, the performance of the Aruz is quite decent. The seats are manually adjustable, with relatively soft padding. However, after extended periods of sitting (over 2 hours), lumbar support may feel insufficient. As for noise control, wind and tire noise become more noticeable at high speeds (100km/h), but it is within an acceptable range and does not affect in-car conversations. The air conditioning system performs well, with the rear air vents quickly cooling down the rear row, making it suitable for the local hot weather.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 X lie in its comprehensive safety features (6 airbags, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, etc., all standard), practical 7-seater capacity, and high cost-effectiveness. Compared with competitors in the same class, its safety features and flexible space stand out, while its price is RM5000-8000 lower than some Japanese competitors.

This car is more suitable for users prioritizing practical family needs — for example, families with 2-3 children who often need to transport elders or friends and prefer a vehicle that balances urban commuting with short trips. Its 7-seater layout, flexible storage space, and comprehensive safety configuration can effectively meet everyday family needs.

To summarize, the 2021 Perodua Aruz 1.5 X is a "practical" family SUV. It does not have particularly flashy designs, but it achieves a balance in space, safety, and cost-effectiveness, making it a reliable choice for local families looking for a 7-seater SUV.