Honda CR-V vs Proton X70 vs Mazda CX-5: Which SUV has the best ADAS?

We’ve talked about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) before, including breaking down what features are included.

But not all ADAS systems are created equally - some work better in Malaysia than others. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the ADAS feature found on the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5.

Proton X70 – First time a Proton model gets ADAS

When Proton introduced the X70 back in December 2018, the model heralded several new features never before seen on a Proton, including the aforementioned ADAS feature, in addition to its fancy voice command infotainment system.

The Proton X70’s ADAS system does not get a fancy name, as Proton just calls it ADAS.

In the X70 (Premium and Premium X variants), the ADAS includes:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
• Blindspot Information System (BLIS)

As comprehensive as it may look like, the Proton X70’s ADAS lacks Lane Keep Assist (LKA), meaning that the X70 isn’t able to stay in its lane when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is activated.

Mazda CX-5 – Almost perfect, but lacks ACC

Bermaz Motor introduced the second-generation Mazda CX-5 three months after the CR-V.

Separating itself from its archrival, the CX-5 offers Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on the CX-5 2.0G High onwards (only the 2.0 G Mid loses out on that), while the CX-5 2.5 Turbo adds Mazda’s i-ActivSense ADAS suite.

The i-ActivSense ADAS on the CX-5 2.5 Turbo includes:

• Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Lane-Keep Assist System (LAS)
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), front and rear

If you’ve been paying attention, you would have noticed that the CX-5 2.5 Turbo’s ADAS list lacks Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC), something which the cheaper Mazda CX-30 and Mazda 3 offer.

Honda CR-V – All-rounder done right

The Honda CR-V can be credited as being one of the earliest C-segment SUVs to offer ADAS in the form of Honda Sensing.

It is the second model in Honda Malaysia’s line-up to feature Sensing – the very first model was the ninth-generation Honda Accord.

Honda Sensing encompasses these features:

• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Low Speed Follow (LSF)

Furthermore, the Honda CR-V also includes the LaneWatch camera, aimed to reduce blind-spot. It works better than regular BSM in bad weather because camera provides clear visuals, but only works on passenger side. 

As such, the Honda CR-V’s Sensing ADAS suite is the most comprehensive one here. Not only does it include Low Speed Follow (LSF), it also includes Lane Keep Assist to keep the car in its lane.

Honda Malaysia has also adapted Sensing to work well in Malaysian driving conditions, with development work done here. However, the same cannot be said for many foreign brands. 

That said, both the Proton X70 and Mazda CX-5 offer a 360-degree view monitor, something which the Honda CR-V lacks.

So, what if you want it all?

The recently-introduced Toyota RAV4 has the full Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite and it includes a 360-degree view monitor. It is almost the perfect C-segment SUV, assuming you can swallow its RM 200k price.