2024 LDV T60 Max Plus review

The LDV T60 Max Plus is the new range-topping dual-cab ute with a revised design, upgraded interior, added safety tech and new coil-spring rear suspension. Lots of changes, but it costs a bit more.

JUMP AHEAD

• Pricing and features
• Safety
• Interior
• On the road
• Key rivals
• Should I put it on my shortlist?
• Specifications

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Pricing and features

There are three LDV T60 Max Plus variants, which all sit at the top of the existing T60 Max range.

Without regurgitating an entire spec sheet, highlights include a revamped exterior design with new front-end styling. It comes standard with LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels (with Giti tyres, not the existing Continentals) and a steel spare wheel. Plus, there’s tyre pressure monitoring, a spray in tub-liner, a lockable tailgate (not connected to central locking), keyless entry and push-button start, auto wipers, auto lights, and auto high-beam.

Inside there is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless if you choose the auto ute; manual models get cable-connect). There’s also a wireless phone charger in the auto models that the manuals miss out on; plus another high-definition 12.3-inch screen for driver info.

There’s leather seat trim, power adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a poor quality surround-view camera - shadows throw it out badly.

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Safety

Auto models finally get active safety tech including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Manuals miss out.

There’s a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, six airbags (dual front, front side and full-length curtain), hill descent control, hill start assist, stability and traction control, and an on-demand locking rear differential.

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Interior

There are still some ergonomic issues such as the lack of reach adjustment for the steering wheel and a high seat-base height, and the auto models now feature a column-shift selector, similar to Mercedes-Benz, which requires some adjustment.

The ‘everything’ stalk on the left of the steering column controls high-beam lights, wipers and blinkers, while main lighting controls are accessed through the media screen. Really.

The haptic control panel for fan and air-con may be inconvenient for those who wear gloves. The 12.3-inch touchscreen media unit is a notable improvement, though it requires some learning. Seat heating is controlled through the screen, but there is a button for steering wheel heating.

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There’s more centre console space and a marble-like textured lid between the seats.

The cabin offers impressive space, with good knee room and head clearance for those front and rear, and the rear seats include ISOFIX points, directional air-vents, a USB-A charging point, and fold-up bench seats for extra storage.

The Mega Tub variant is significantly longer than standard versions, with a 5710mm length and a 3470mm wheelbase (standard model has a 3155mm wheelbase; 5395mm total length). The Mega Tub length is 1760mm, compared to 1485mm in standard models, while other measurements remain unchanged.

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On the road

The new model offers significant differences but doesn't dramatically change the driving experience.

The new coil spring rear suspension still feels firm without a load, but provides a more predictable and more enjoyable drive. I put in 500kg of sandbags and the suspension felt surefooted and secure, handling speed bumps well with minimal rear-end sag. The steering and handling is enhanced by the better rear suspension, and the ute's driving manners are better than before.

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The engine still has the same outputs, but a software retune has had a noticeable but limited impact.

It’s smooth under light and mid-throttle and decent for overtaking, but struggles with stop-start driving, showing notable lag. The eight-speed ZF auto is well-tuned but sometimes holds gears longer than expected.

The engine is noisy, especially from a cold start and at low speeds, though quieter at highway speeds. With a load, the powertrain feels smoother and more responsive. The four-wheel disc brakes are better for non-loaded driving, with a squelchy pedal feel under extra mass.

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Key rivals

GWM Cannon Ute offers a compelling argument against this, and has exceptional standard gear and a potentially better ownership plan.

Another top option would be the SsangYong Musso, which is great value and has a strong diesel. Plus it has long ownership cover, too.

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

If you’re sold on the idea of a LDV ute and want the best one there is, then it’s worth a look. It’s an improvement inside and out, as well as on the road.

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