The 2026 Guide to High-CC Engine Pricing
If you are looking at a high-CC car, road tax is one of the first costs to check. In Malaysia, JPJ's current LKM guide shows that private saloon cars in Peninsular Malaysia use flat rates up to 1,600cc, then move into progressive pricing above 1,600cc. That's why many used luxury cars look affordable upfront but cost much more to maintain yearly.
Rates also differ by vehicle category and location, including Sabah, Sarawak, Labuan, Langkawi, and Pangkor.
For buyers, that means a 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L, or higher car carries a very different annual cost compared with a 1.5L car. Want to check your road tax and renew it without the hassle? You can do it easily with Drive+ and get up to RM120 off your road tax renewal, depending on your membership tier.
2026 Road Tax Price List (Peninsular Malaysia)
Estimated ranges derived from JPJ LKM calculation formula based on engine capacity (cc), for illustration purposes.
Why is the SUV rate cheaper for big engines?
JPJ places SUVs and MPVs under its non-saloon private vehicle category.
Non-saloon cars have higher flat rates between 1,001cc and 1,600cc. But their progressive rate for large engines is much lower than saloon cars. For example, a 3.0L non-saloon car pays RM1,640 a year in Peninsular Malaysia, compared with RM2,130 for a 3.0L saloon.
This makes owning a 3.0L Toyota Alphard cheaper in road tax than a 3.0L BMW sedan.
What to remember before you buy
The road tax amount depends on more than engine size. It also varies based on whether the car is a private saloon, company-owned, non-saloon, or registered in a different region.
Sabah and Sarawak use lower rates than Peninsular Malaysia, while Labuan, Langkawi and Pangkor pay reduced rates.
If you want to keep renewal costs under control, Drive+ can help make the road tax side easier. Depending on the tier selected, members can enjoy:
Up to RM120 off road tax renewal, depending on membership tier.
Loyalty Rewards: battery replacement, service maintenance, dashcam, car tinting and car rental vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is road tax expensive for 2.0L and 3.0L cars in Malaysia?
It rises sharply with engine size. For a private saloon in Peninsular Malaysia, road tax is RM380 a year for a 2.0L engine and RM2,130 for a 3.0L engine. A 1.6L car pays RM90.
2. Is road tax the same for every car over 1,600cc?
No. It depends on engine capacity, vehicle category and registration area.
3. Does JPJ use the same road tax rate for Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia?
No. Peninsular Malaysia uses higher rates than Sabah and Sarawak, while Labuan, Langkawi and Pangkor pay reduced rates.
4. Can I save on road tax renewal with Drive+?
Yes. Drive+ members can get up to RM120 off road tax renewal, depending on the membership tier, plus exclusive partner vouchers.
