The 2026 Geely Okavango (Proton X90) falls from 5 to 1 star in ASEAN NCAP after safety tech was cut. Find out how this impacts you.
The 2026 version of the Geely Okavango – sold in Malaysia as the Proton X90 – has seen its ASEAN NCAP safety rating slashed from five stars to a single star. The downgrade follows the removal of a suite of advanced driver‑assistance systems (ADAS) that were standard on the 2023‑2025 models.
What changed in the 2026 model?
Proton’s latest refresh focuses on a lower price point, aiming to keep the SUV under 100,000 RM. To achieve this, the manufacturer stripped out several safety technologies, including:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Pedestrian Detection and Cross‑Traffic Alert
- Seat‑belt pre‑tensioners linked to ADAS
These features collectively contributed to the vehicle’s original 83.79‑point score, earning it five stars in 2023.
Impact on safety scores
Without the ADAS suite, the 2026 X90’s score for vulnerable road users (motorcyclists) fell to the minimum level, triggering a one‑star rating across all categories. ASEAN NCAP confirmed that any model produced from 2026 onward without the required ADAS will retain the lower rating, even if other specifications, such as powertrain, are upgraded.
Technical upgrades that didn’t save the rating
Proton replaced the previous 3‑cylinder hybrid engine with a more powerful 1.5‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder unit and added wireless Apple CarPlay. However, the safety trade‑off outweighed these performance improvements in the eyes of regulators and safety advocates.
Industry reaction
Siti Zaharah binti Ishak, Chief Executive of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), warned that “safety is not a negotiable commodity.” Her statement underscored growing concerns that cost‑cutting measures could jeopardize occupant protection.
What consumers should know
ASEAN NCAP advises buyers to verify the exact safety equipment list before purchasing a 2026 X90. Vehicles built between 2023 and 2025 that retain the ADAS package continue to enjoy the five‑star rating.
For shoppers prioritising safety, the older spec models or competing SUVs with full ADAS coverage remain the safer bet.
Bottom line
The Geely Okavango/Proton X90’s shift from a five‑star to a one‑star safety rating highlights the delicate balance between price, technology, and consumer protection. As ASEAN markets tighten safety standards, manufacturers may need to rethink cost‑saving strategies that compromise essential safety features.