Perodua’s Guide to the Best 5-Seater SUV in Malaysia I’ve been thinking about upgrading my car for a while now. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Perodua—especially since I’ve been consistent with my Perodua Myvi service and it still runs smoothly. But lately, I’ve wanted something with a bit more space, comfort, and that “new car” feeling. Naturally, I started looking into SUVs, and honestly, the 5-seater SUV segment in Malaysia has so many options, it can be overwhelming at first. So, I decided to just try it out myself—researching, test-driving, and comparing. Here’s what I found, and why Perodua’s Ativa kept pulling me back.
Why I Wanted a 5-Seater SUV For me, the appeal of a 5-seater SUV comes down to two things: practicality and comfort. Hatchbacks like the Myvi or the Perodua Axia Baru are fantastic for city driving, but when you’ve got family, luggage, or just want a bit of extra breathing room, an SUV makes a big difference. I wanted something big enough for balik kampung trips, but not too big that parking in KL becomes a nightmare.
Trying Out the Perodua Ativa When I finally sat inside the Perodua Ativa, I felt like, “Okay, this is different.” It’s higher off the ground than my Myvi, so I got better road visibility. The cabin felt roomy without being oversized, and the safety features gave me that peace of mind, especially for long highway drives.
I also checked the pricing, and honestly, for what it offers, it’s pretty fair. I remember thinking, “If this is the standard, why would I spend double just for a different badge?”
Comparing with Others Of course, I didn’t just stop at Perodua. I looked at some popular choices like the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and Toyota Corolla Cross. They’re nice, I’ll give them that—but the prices made me pause. When I compared them side by side, the Ativa gave me everything I needed without stretching my budget. It felt like the best balance between affordability and features. And since Perodua service centers are everywhere, maintaining it won’t be a headache either.
My Honest Take At the end of the day, choosing the best 5-seater SUV in Malaysia really depends on what you value most. For me, the Ativa just felt right. It’s practical, stylish, safe, and doesn’t hurt the wallet. So if you’re like me—maybe coming from a Myvi with a solid Perodua Myvi service record, or upgrading after years with a Perodua Axia Baru—the Ativa is a natural next step. I walked away from my test drive thinking, “This might just be my next car.”
