2026 Perodua Traz: The ideal urban SUV – test drive

Say (or criticize) what you will about the Perodua Traz, but this is the most stylish SUV that Perodua has ever produced.

Although it arrived a bit late in the market, this twin of the Toyota Yaris Cross strives to maintain the widely recognized Perodua DNA.

It offers a spacious and practical interior, while also featuring modern technology.

We had the opportunity to test drive this SUV for several days, and here are our findings:

The Bold Design of the Traz

There’s no denying that the Perodua Traz shares many components with its twin, the Toyota Yaris Cross.

After all, it uses the same platform, the DNGA-B, as the Toyota Vios, Toyota Velos, and Perodua Alza.

However, its exterior can be distinguished by its unique grille design and more aggressive 17-inch rims.

I particularly like the Traz’s boxy and angular appearance, especially when viewed from the rear—it resembles a Lexus SUV with a Perodua badge.

For those wanting a more eye-catching look, the GearUp body kit is available.

Dimensions

In essence, the Traz presents much larger dimensions compared to the Ativa.

With a length of approximately 4,310 mm and a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, the Traz offers a spacious and comfortable cabin.

Its ground clearance of 210 mm is sufficient for Malaysian roads.

One of Traz’s main advantages is its substantial cargo space, around 471 liters.

Fold down the second-row seats, and you will have an even larger loading area with a nearly flat floor.

With a turning radius of just 5.2 meters, it excels in maneuverability, especially in tight urban areas.

Modern Cabin

Completing the sporty image of the Traz is a driver-oriented dashboard layout.

Honestly, the presence of old-school features like analog meters is something I truly appreciate.

They are simple and easy to read.

There is also a 4.2-inch TFT display, which is adequate for showing the necessary information.

The control buttons are large and easily accessible.

Thus, I had no issues reaching the controls and activating features while driving.

The sound quality from the Traz’s audio system is also satisfactory for someone who is not an audiophile.

It offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 9-inch screen, facilitating daily tasks that require navigation assistance.

However, Perodua should consider reducing the use of red accents on the dashboard, as they can be perceived as excessive.

Driving Experience

“Tekan, tekan pergi” is not the motto of the Traz, especially when compared to the turbocharged Ativa.

The Traz shares the same 1.5-liter (2NR-VE) engine found in the Perodua Myvi and Toyota Vios.

So don’t expect lightning-fast acceleration at traffic lights when the light turns green.

With a D-CVT transmission, the Traz is designed for a more relaxed driving experience, prioritizing comfort.

If you seek more energetic acceleration, simply switch to Power mode.

Even without a turbo engine, I prefer the driving dynamics of the Traz, which feel more stable compared to the Ativa.

The braking performance is also reassuring, although it could benefit from sharper steering tuning.

The handling feels somewhat stiff and less responsive than expected, particularly at higher highway speeds.

However, this is not a significant issue for most of Traz’s target demographic.

Thanks to its stable chassis, the Traz is actually enjoyable to drive through winding roads, even with standard Proxes CR1 tires.

Body roll is minimized, and at permissible speeds, the Traz can maintain its line through curves.

Comfort

One thing to commend is that the seats in the Traz are spacious and comfortable for adult passengers, both in the front and rear.

Unlike the Ativa, where the driver must sit upright, the driving position in the Traz feels more natural.

Honestly, these are among the best seats Perodua has ever produced.

With extended thigh support, they help reduce fatigue, especially during long journeys.

Manual adjustments? Not an issue.

At least, it decreases reliance on electronic devices in this SUV.

The NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) aspect is also quite good, with the cabin remaining comfortably quiet.

Occasionally, focus may be slightly disrupted by engine noise when pushed hard.

The suspension tuning feels rather good for a Perodua, suitable for most road surfaces in Malaysia.

It absorbs road imperfections well, filtering and reducing vibrations to ensure a comfortable cabin experience—occasionally feeling like a rally car.

Safety

With features like ADAS, a 360-degree camera, a dashcam, and a five-star ASEAN NCAP rating, the Traz is a model worth considering.

However, among the features listed, there’s one downside: the absence of adaptive cruise control (ACC).

This omission can make the steering wheel feel somewhat empty, potentially deterring many prospective buyers.

However, try counting on your fingers how many times you really need (and activate) that feature while driving. Visits back to the hometown are occasional, right?

Conclusion

There are many options available in the B-segment SUV market right now.

In the price range of around RM100,000, there are SUVs that are overly powerful, overly sophisticated, and overly fuel-efficient.

Such features indeed excite the majority of today’s buying demographics, particularly the younger generation.

However, we shouldn’t overlook the group of consumers still seeking a modern vehicle with simpler, durable, and reliable technology, and more importantly, a lower ownership cost.

Therefore, the Perodua Traz is the ideal answer if you find yourself at a crossroads, searching for a suitable everyday SUV.

Specifications of the Perodua Traz 2026: