2022 LDV T60 review: Max Luxe 4x4

The sales trajectory of the budget dual-cab ute is on the way up, and has been for most of 2022. Put that down to the current economic climate and people’s hesitancy to outlay large wads of cash. Or, perhaps, maybe, the quality of 'cheaper' vehicles has improved to a level where people no longer hesitate before signing on the dotted line.

In September 2022, both the LDV T60 and GWM Cannon secured enough sales to stamp their place among the 10 best-selling 4x4s for the month (962 and 936 sales respectively). That’s more sales than the Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara.

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The Chinese-made LDV T60 Max, on test here in Luxe spec, is one of the most affordable dual-cab 4x4 utes available in Australia. It boasts an engine with outputs that matches the class-leaders (Ranger and Hilux), is loaded with features befitting more premium models, and it only costs a fraction over $40K - less if you opt for the Pro variant.

So, what’s the catch?

JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space and storage
• How is it on fuel?
• How safe is it?
• Warranty and running costs
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

As part of a mid-life update in 2021, LDV uprooted the 2.8-litre and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines previously found in its ute and replaced them with an uprated version of the four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine already residing in its D90 wagon.

The transplanted powerplant now generates 160kW and 500Nm. To put that in perspective, this means it’s slightly more powerful than both Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo (157kW and 500Nm) and Toyota’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (150kW and 500Nm) engines, powering the Ranger and Hilux respectively.

Two models are available in the T60 Max range: the Pro and the Luxe (as tested here). The Luxe retails for $41,568 driveaway in six-speed manual guise, or $43,674 when paired with the ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission.

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Further savings are to be had by opting for the trade-focused Pro variant, with buyers only having to spend $36,832 for the manual or $38,937 for the auto.

As part of its mid-life update in 2021, LDV also tasked its design team to refresh both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, focusing on making the ute more appealing to a thriving dual-cab market. To this end, 962 registered sales in September 2022 made it the seventh best-selling 4x4 in Australia for the month.

The T60 features a part-time 4x4 system, with an on-demand rear diff lock standard on the Luxe model. The suspension tune differs slightly between the Pro and Luxe models, with a heavy-duty focus for the Pro and a comfort-based tune for the Luxe.

2022 T60 Max Luxe features

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How do rivals compare on value?

Think of the LDV and most punters instinctively compare it to the GWM Cannon-X and SsangYong Musso, but the Triton GLX+ also needs to be considered at this price point.

The Cannon-X is listed at $44,490 and it comes with a trove of standard kit including a 360-degree surround-view camera, LED headlights and genuine leather, but its single-turbo 2.0-litre diesel is underpowered at 120kW and 400Nm.

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Korea’s Musso asks for slightly more again, at $46,590 driveaway, and in XLV guise it boasts a 300mm-longer tub and a payload capacity of 880kg. Tick the Luxury Pack option and buyers gain dual-zone climate control and Nappa leather seats. At our recent mega dual cab test, the Musso was heralded for the refinement of its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, and the fit-and-finish of its interior.

Perhaps the pick of the sub-$50K bunch is the Triton GLX+, which is listed at $48,990. It may lack Mitsubishi's Super Select II 4x4 system - instead relying on the more rudimentary Easy Select 4WD system - but its competent 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and classy on-road composure ensures it's a compelling choice at this price point.

As mentioned, the LDV’s powertrain matches the outputs of class-leaders Ranger and Hilux, but that’s where the similarities in performance end. Still, the LDV is considerably cheaper than both the Ranger and Hilux.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

Despite its budget price tag, LDV hasn’t eschewed from sprinkling premium kit within the T60 cabin, including electric-powered front seats, the as-mentioned 360-degree panoramic camera, and a 10.25-inch centrally-mounted infotainment touchscreen.

The impressive touchscreen features crystal-clear graphics and myriad useful features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and, best of all, it’s fast and intuitive in its operation.

Spend a bit more time in the T60, though, and LDV’s cost-cutting measures become more apparent. There is an abundance of cheap plastic everywhere, including on the steering wheel - which lacks telescopic adjustment. And the seats, fitted with hard cushions and clothed in fake leather, aren’t overly comfortable on longer trips - minimal under-thigh support doesn’t help in this regard, either.

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A small thing, but a bigger issue for smaller folk, is that the LDV lacks a grab handle on the driver’s side. That there are no side-steps as standard exaggerates this omission.

A saving grace, perhaps, is that the T60 features ample storage and sitting space in both the front and rear pews. Storage options in the centre console are plentiful, and there are enough compartments throughout the cabin to keep drink bottles, iPads and sunglasses tidy. The glovebox is quite small, though.

Two USB-A sockets and a 12-volt point are provided for front-seat passengers, while those in the rear seats get a 12-volt outlet.

The Luxe variant gets a payload capacity of just 750kg, down from the Pro’s 935kg - so it’s quite restricted if you intend to load it up for a long camping trip. The tray is well-sized, though, at 1525mm (L) x 1510mm (W) x 530mm (H), and it features 1131mm between the wheel-arches plus four tie-down points.

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What is it like to drive?

The four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine’s 160kW and 500Nm translates to spirited on-road performance, and it’s quite quick off the mark for a dual-cab ute - if you can overcome the prominent throttle lag.

The steering lacks feel and communication with the driver, and feels quite indirect as a result; and the so-called 'comfort' suspension tune tailored for the Luxe model is unrefined - it could use a few extra kilos in the tub to settle it down. As such, the ride is rather harsh and unforgiving.

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The T60 rides on a double-wishbone arrangement with coil springs up front and leaf springs at the rear. Its 550mm wading depth is quite low for modern standards.

Its 4WD system offers 2WD, on-demand 4WD, 4x4 high and 4x4 low range, but this test didn’t involve an off-road component.

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How is it on fuel?

LDV claims the T60 Luxe uses 9.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres. At our recent dual-cab mega test, on a route that consisted primarily of bitumen, it guzzled 10.37L/100km.

For comparison’s sake, on the same test route the Cannon-X drank 10.39L/100km, the Triton GLX+ 11.0L/100km, and the Musso 11.14L/100km.

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How safe is it?

The LDV has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but that test was conducted back in 2017.

Safety gear consists of six airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, electronic brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, and hill-start assist. Another nice touch is the luxury of a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The Luxe model then adds lane-departure warning and a 360-degree panoramic camera.

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Warranty and running costs

Service intervals for the LDV T60 are 12 months or 15,000km, with an initial service required within the first six months or 5000km. No capped-price servicing is offered.

All LDV vehicles have a five-year/130,000km warranty and roadside assistance, with a growing national dealer network.

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VERDICT

The T60’s compelling price is a key reason why the Chinese brand has risen up the sales ranks in Australia - it’s hardly a surprise in today’s economic climate. Plus, you get an off-road-ready vehicle with plenty of premium features, excellent engine output, and a well-calibrated eight-speed automatic transmission.

However, the way said power is delivered, the unrefined on-road driving dynamics, and the distinct lack of steering feel are flaws which get in the way of the LDV T60 being an outstanding value-for-money proposition - despite its generous price tag.

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2022 LDV T60 Max Luxe specifications

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