Growing up in my home country, I always associated pickup trucks with the countryside and hard work. Back there, they are workhorses, built for practicality rather than comfort. But in New Zealand, the lines are far more blurred. Here, utes (I even had to learn to call them that) are a staple of the Kiwi lifestyle. They’re as common on city streets as they are on farm tracks, serving as both daily drivers and weekend adventure machines. With such a strong demand, it’s no surprise that many brands want a slice of this (mince and cheese) pie, including LDV with their latest iteration of the T60 MAX Plus.
Leaning into its lifestyle appeal, the T60 MAX Plus doesn’t look like a purely utilitarian workhorse. With blacked-out wheels, rugged plastic cladding, and a well-proportioned stance, it carries a contemporary aesthetic that feels at home both in town and on the campground. It strikes a nice balance in size, not too bulky for urban use, yet substantial enough to carry its weight off the beaten path.
There is plastic cladding around the whole vehicle, and the damped tailgate makes it easy to operate and access a tray that is well-proportioned with minimal wheel well intrusion. My test model came equipped with a bed cover, which was not only practical but also added a layer of security and I’m sure helped with efficiency.
On the inside is where the most significant updates for this model year are found, and they’re a big step up in my books. The centre console has been thought over in a more modern way, starting with the gear selector moving to the right stalk. This frees up a surprising amount of space, which LDV has used very cleverly to bring a practical storage solution: a covered cubby with a (re)movable phone and cup holder, providing flexibility for different needs. Beneath that, there’s even more room for longer items, and the armrest cubby is well-integrated with charging ports. So smart!
The layout of controls is generally well-executed, both on the dashboard and steering wheel. However, the lack of telescoping adjustment for the steering wheel impacts ergonomics, making it tricky to find an ideal driving position (which is already very high from the start). The seats themselves are comfortable, if a little flat, and in this trim, they’re heated, as is the steering wheel. In the back, the rear seat folds up to reveal additional storage, and unlike older utes, the backrest isn’t completely upright, making longer journeys more tolerable for passengers.
In keeping with 2025 trends, the tech experience is centred around a dual-screen setup. And here goes a warm take: screen sizes in cars have reached a sweet spot. Much like smartphones have stopped getting larger, car screens should too. Bigger is not necessarily better here, and the T60’s screens make good use of their space, with a mostly logical layout.
However, my usual gripes with SAIC Group’s infotainment choices are still to be found here: the hit-or-miss touch sensitivity, the less than stellar graphics, and limited customisation. While these aren’t deal-breakers, they do leave room for improvement and keep this ute from feeling more premium. On the plus side, wired phone projection works flawlessly, even though it’s still via USB-A. And here goes another warm (hotter?) take: it’s time we accept the death of USB-A. I’ll admit I don’t own many USB-C to USB-C cables myself, but I’d happily invest in a few if it meant my car was more future-proof. While the T60 does offer USB-C ports, they’re limited to charging rather than data.
On the driver assistance front, the T60 covers the essentials well, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and auto hold. However, it lacks blind-spot monitoring, and the parking sensors are always a couple of steps behind your actual movements, demanding extra care. The 360-degree camera is functional and even automatically engages at low speeds, though it frustratingly lowers the media volume every time, with no way to disable this feature (another annoying SAIC staple).
When it was time to pick the T60 up, Dave gave me a ride. When the T60 was turned on halfway across the yard, we immediately turned to each and said, “Yep, it’s a diesel alright!” Even by diesel standards, the 2.0-litre biturbo engine is rather clattery, revealing its somewhat aged design. It’s paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and a capable 4WD system featuring Auto, 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.
With all that bark, comes some bite as well, as the engine delivers solid performance, with 500Nm of torque providing a strong pull. Driving unladen or with a light load (up to around 100kg), it always felt eager and responsive. Efficiency-wise, I averaged around 9L/100km in mixed driving conditions.
The ZF transmission itself is silky smooth, impressive even, with near-imperceptible shifts. However, the ECU calibration governing the drivetrain could benefit from a bit more refinement to match the transmission’s smoothness. There were points of hesitation when cold, reminding me of my carbureted cars of yesteryear. No, the T60 is not that old, I am.
At the rear, LDV has opted for a coil spring setup instead of traditional leaf springs, aiming to improve ride comfort. And to an extent, it works. While I can’t comment on the laden (or towing) behaviour, it does feel slightly more composed, even though it does not deny its ute DNA with the typical judder from the rear.
Engaging 4WD modes is easy via the rotary selector in the centre console, and the system’s behaviour is predictable and confidence-inspiring. It defaults to Auto mode on startup, with 2H and 4WD modes accessible via a simple twist of the dial. Low range engagement is seamless and effective for more demanding terrain.
The LDV T60 MAX Plus brings a lot to the table, particularly for those seeking a ute with modern technology, practical design, and a comfortable interior. Yeah, it might not quite shake off all the rough edges, particularly in terms of diesel refinement and infotainment quirks, it delivers where it matters, and at an aggressive price at that (NZD \$55,990). It’s well-sized, capable, and offers good value in a competitive segment that is key to Kiwi buyers. For those looking for a versatile lifestyle ute without breaking the bank, the T60 MAX Plus is well worth considering. Thanks, LDV, for the opportun-ute, and thank you for reading!
