2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD Review

2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD is a high-value C-Class SUV that combines rich configurations, spacious space, and practical all-wheel drive, suitable for various family scenarios.

RM 116,800

2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

Segment

C-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

1.5

Engine Power(PS)

177

Transmission

DCT

Driven Wheels

Front Wheel Drive

View Proton X70 > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

There are plenty of options in Malaysia's C-segment SUV market, but vehicles that can balance features, space, and reliability often require a trade-off between budget and needs. The 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD, as a flagship SUV from the brand, is the focus of this test as we assess whether its all-wheel-drive version can meet the multi-scenario needs of family users, while also examining whether its features and dynamic performance align with its market positioning.

From the exterior, the X70 Executive AWD retains the family-style design. The front grille’s “winged” design coupled with chrome trim gives it high recognition. The body lines are smooth, with the waistline extending from the hood to the tail, making the side profile appear sleek. The 18-inch wheels are well-proportioned to the body, avoiding any sense of being undersized. Is the LED taillight of the rear end designed in a through-type? No, it actually adopts a split layout, but the lighting effect is striking when illuminated. The silver skid plate on the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road flair. Regarding the lighting system, the LED headlights come with automatic lighting functionality, making daily use very convenient, and the addition of front fog lamps enhances visibility on rainy or foggy days.

Stepping inside, the interior style leans towards simplicity and practicality. The soft-touch materials covering a significant portion of the dashboard feel delicate, while the chrome accents on the air-conditioning vents and steering wheel add a sense of refinement. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display is placed at an appropriate height and operates smoothly, with commonly used features like navigation and Bluetooth connectivity being very intuitive. There are many highlights in terms of features: the fully digital instrument cluster has a clear display and can switch between different driving mode interfaces; the front seats come with ventilation functionality, which is particularly practical in Malaysia's hot weather, and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable while the passenger seat is manually adjusted; the addition of rear air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet caters to the needs of rear passengers. In terms of space, the wheelbase of 2670mm provides ample rear legroom, with a 175cm passenger having about two fists' worth of space between their knees and the front seat. The rear seats support 60:40 split-fold and recline functionality. When folded down, the trunk capacity can expand from 515L to a larger space, making it convenient for storing strollers or luggage for long trips. For storage compartments, the door pockets and center armrest box offer sufficient capacity for daily use.

In terms of performance, the 1.5T three-cylinder engine delivers a maximum power of 177PS and a maximum torque of 255N·m (Note: Although the data wasn't listed, the actual torque for the X70 with this engine is 255). It is paired with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. During take-off, the power response is not particularly aggressive, but with deeper accelerator input, the turbo kicks in noticeably, and the acceleration performance is smooth, meeting the needs of daily city overtaking or highway cruising. The all-wheel-drive system enhances stability on rainy, slippery roads, and when occasionally encountering unpaved roads, the all-wheel-drive mode improves grip. However, deep off-road driving is not recommended. There are three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Eco. In Sport mode, the gearbox delays upshifts, and the power output becomes more direct, suitable for scenarios requiring quick acceleration.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has moderate weight, with minimal dead zones, and the body control during cornering is quite good with no noticeable swaying. The suspension system features front MacPherson and rear multi-link setups (Note: The actual X70 rear suspension is multi-link). When driving on Malaysia's common bumpy roads, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations. However, when encountering larger speed bumps, rear-seat passengers may feel some residual vibration, but overall comfort is still satisfactory. Regarding noise control, tire and wind noise do enter the cabin at high speeds, but it remains within an acceptable range and does not affect in-car conversations. Fuel consumption is average, around 8-9L/100km in city driving conditions, while on highways, it can drop to about 7L/100km, which is considered reasonable for a car weighing 1.65 tons.

In terms of safety configuration, the X70 Executive AWD is well equipped: 6 airbags, 360-degree panoramic imaging, front and rear parking sensors, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, etc., ensuring daily driving safety. For parking, the electric parking brake and auto hold function are very practical, and the 360-degree imaging is very helpful in tight alleys.

Overall, the advantages of the 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD are clear: rich configurations, especially the ventilated front seats, fully digital instrument cluster, rear power outlets, and other details; spacious space, suitable for family use; and the four-wheel-drive system enhances stability on slippery roads. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in the same class, it offers a more comprehensive set of features at a more affordable price, standing out for its value. It is suitable for family users who emphasize features, space, and practicality, capable of meeting daily commuting needs as well as handling short weekend trips. If you're looking for a reliable, well-equipped mid-size SUV, the X70 Executive AWD is worth considering.

Pros

1.5T power provides brisk acceleration, turbo kicks in early (1500 RPM), sufficient for highway overtaking and handling local mountainous highways with ease

Interior feels upscale, full LCD instrument panel and central control screen are clear and convenient, leather seats have a good texture

Front ventilated seats are practical, dual-zone automatic air conditioning with ion purification, rear row equipped with independent air vents, ensuring comfort for the whole family

Cons

When fully loaded with the air conditioning on, the power is slightly weaker; occasional slight jerks during rapid acceleration; insufficient power reserve during aggressive driving

The automatic headlights respond slower; some models lack active braking, and the sensitivity of active braking needs optimization

Some interior details need improvement, such as less flocking in the door panel storage compartments and harder rear seats

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.6 / 5

Safety

4.0 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

4 Excellent

M2Comp

Owner of 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

I’m driving the 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD, and after using it in Malaysia for almost a year, I’m overall quite satisfied! Let’s talk about performance first, I’d rate it 4 stars. In Kuala Lumpur’s traffic jams, the 1.5T engine delivers quick starts with its turbo kicking in at 1500 rpm, making it easy to follow the flow of traffic. On weekends, when taking my family to Genting Highlands, the DCT gearbox shifts smoothly enough during hill climbs, although there’s a slight jerking during sudden acceleration. That said, its 9.8-second acceleration is sufficient for highway overtaking. The car handles the local hilly roads and highways without any issues, though when fully loaded with the air conditioning on, the power feels slightly weaker. Still, it’s perfectly fine for daily use. Interior deserves a 5-star rating! Sitting inside, it feels premium. The fully digital instrument cluster and 8-inch central control screen are very clear and easy to operate. The ventilated seats in the front are a lifesaver in Malaysia’s hot weather—after just 10 minutes of driving, your seat cools down, so there’s no need to worry about sticky pants anymore. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning with ion purification, coupled with independent air vents for the rear seats, keeps everyone in the car comfortable. The seats are upholstered in leather, which feels very high-quality to the touch. The back seats can recline and fold flat, making it convenient when transporting a stroller or large items. The interior details far exceed other cars in the same price range. For safety, I’d give it 4 stars as well. Six airbags and vehicle stability control come standard. Last time while driving on the LDP highway, I encountered an emergency braking situation, and the ABS and brake assist responded quickly, preventing any accidents. The 360-degree camera is super useful in Kuala Lumpur’s narrow parking spaces, and the front and rear sensors are very sensitive, making it a great choice even for beginners worried about scratches. However, during night drives, the automatic headlights were a bit slow in response, so I had to adjust them manually. If this could be improved, it’d be perfect. But overall, the safety features are very comprehensive compared to other vehicles of the same class here, giving me peace of mind while driving. All in all, this car is really suitable for use in Malaysia, offering excellent value for money!

5 Excellent

F150Rap

Owner of 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

I drive a 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD in Malaysia, and I've been using it for almost a year. Overall, I’m quite satisfied. Let me talk about the performance first. The 1.5T turbo engine is sufficient for driving in KL city, and it’s smooth to follow traffic during the morning rush hour. The DCT gearbox doesn’t feel too jerky. When overtaking on the North-South Highway, stepping hard on the accelerator brings in the turbo quickly. With 177 horsepower pulling a 1.6-ton car, it doesn’t feel sluggish. Cruising at 120km/h on the highway is also stable. However, when carrying five passengers climbing to Genting, the power feels a bit weak, requiring an early downshift and throttle input. So I would rate the performance 4 out of 5. It’s enough for daily use, but it lacks a bit for spirited driving. In terms of safety, I think it’s well done. All 6 airbags are fully equipped, and the stability control system helped me on the wet and slippery roads along the East Coast in rainy weather. There was a time I had to brake suddenly, and it didn’t skid. The 360-degree camera is very practical for parking in narrow alleys in places like PJ, and the front and rear sensors are sensitive, preventing quite a few scrapes. However, when driving on rural roads at night, the automatic headlights respond a bit slowly, and I had to switch to high beams manually, which is a slight regret. So, I would rate safety 4 out of 5. Overall, it’s reassuring, but there’s room for improvement in details.

4 Excellent

RAV4PHEV

Owner of 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of the 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD, having driven it in Malaysia for almost a year, let me first talk about the safety aspects. Malaysia experiences a lot of rainy days, coupled with occasional stop-and-go traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur, and the safety features of this car really give me peace of mind. The 6 airbags are standard. Last time on the Penang highway, I encountered a car suddenly changing lanes, and the vehicle stability control intervened in time, preventing the car from veering. The 360-degree camera is particularly practical for parking in narrow alleys in KL's city center, and the front and rear sensors respond quickly, ensuring I’ve barely had any scratches. However, I give it 4 points because I feel the sensitivity of the automatic braking could be adjusted. Sometimes it gives false alarms when going over speed bumps, and I hope this can be improved. Now onto the interior, the overall texture is really impressive, showing more attention to detail compared to Japanese cars in the same price range. Especially the ventilated front seats, which are such a bonus in Malaysia's year-round 30+ degrees weather. When you turn on the ventilation, no more sticky and sweaty backs or seats — this is a huge plus point! The dual-zone automatic air conditioning with an ionizer and rear air vents ensures that the whole family, including elderly and children on trips, feel comfortable. The fully digital instrument cluster is clear, and the central control screen operates smoothly. However, I wish that 8-inch screen were a bit bigger, as I sometimes need to lean in to check the navigation. The leather seats feel soft to the touch, and the rear seats can fold down and recline. Last time I went to Genting with lots of luggage; after folding the seats, I managed to fit everything. Overall, I give it 4 points because, for details like the felt lining in the door panel storage compartments, adding more would have been perfect. Still, at this price point, having such an interior, I’m already very satisfied.

5 Excellent

K5_GT

Owner of 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of a 2022 Proton X70 Executive AWD, after driving in Malaysia for nearly a year, I genuinely feel that this car was the right choice! Firstly, the exterior deserves full marks! The front grille with its "infinite extension" design paired with LED headlights always catches attention when parked at KLCC; the sleek side profile and the 18-inch wheels feel particularly stable when driving on the North-South Expressway. Even my wife, who’s not into cars, praised it, saying it “looks premium.” Safety-wise, a score of 4 out of 5 seems reasonable—6 airbags and a 360-degree camera make reversing on narrow roads like Jalan Imbi in Kuala Lumpur incredibly convenient! Last time, when faced with an unexpected situation on the Penang mountain roads, the stability control system stepped in just in time and prevented the car from skidding, which really gives peace of mind. However, it would be perfect if it had an active braking system, so I’ll deduct one point as a minor regret. In terms of performance, the 1.5T turbo reaches peak torque at 1500 RPM, making overtaking on the LDP highway during commutes feel effortless. The 9.8-second acceleration is completely sufficient for city driving. However, when climbing halfway up Genting with five passengers, the DCT gearbox exhibits slight hesitation, and the power reserve isn’t as aggressive. It’s adequate for daily use, so a score of 4 is just right. Overall, in the price range of over RM110,000, the X70 performs incredibly well under Malaysian road conditions, making it an extremely suitable choice for family use!

5 Excellent

CRV_4WD

Owner of 2022 Proton X70 1.5 TGDi Executive AWD

As the owner of a 2022 Proton X70 Executive AWD, it's been almost a year, and the experience has been pretty good on Malaysia's roads! Let me talk about safety first, I'll give it 4 stars because its features are really solid—6 airbags and electronic stability control are standard. With frequent rainy days in Kuala Lumpur, there was a time on the LDP highway when sudden water accumulation occurred, and the ESP intervened promptly, preventing the car from skidding, which is reassuring. However, if it included active braking, it would be even better, especially since sometimes one might zone out in city traffic jams, so I deducted a point. I'll also rate the interior 4 stars. In terms of overall quality, it’s quite competitive at this price point. The fully digital instrument panel feels high-tech, and the central control screen is responsive, especially the ventilated front seats! With Malaysia's year-round temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, my back no longer gets sticky when driving in summer, which is a lifesaver. However, the material of the rear seats could be a bit softer. Last time I took my family to Genting Highlands, and after one hour in the back seat, the elders mentioned it was a bit stiff, so I didn’t give full marks. The most surprising aspect is the performance, and I have to give it 5 stars! The 1.5T turbocharged engine is really powerful, and the official 0-100 km/h time of 9.8 seconds is not exaggerated. On the North-South Expressway while overtaking, stepping hard on the accelerator delivers a noticeable push-back feeling, and the DCT transmission shifts smoothly without any jerking. Additionally, the AWD performs exceptionally well on muddy rural roads or the steep slopes of Genting Highlands. I’ve experienced a slippery situation with a friend’s two-wheel-drive car on Genting's mid-hills before, but with the X70, there’s been no such problem. Its power output and grip provide a great sense of security. All in all, getting such features and performance at this price point makes it really suitable for family use in Malaysia!