2021 Maxus T90 detailed: Possible LDV T60 successor aims for Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max with 500Nm of twin-turbo torque

LDV’s Chinese domestic equivalent, Maxus, has revealed its next-generation T90 pick-up truck, which could serve as a replacement or halo variant for the popular T60 ute in Australia.

The T90 was teased last year as a fully electric concept but has now been revealed in production guise with an updated version of the brand’s twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine.

This updated diesel powerplant produces 160kW/500Nm, a significant upgrade on the current car’s single turbo 2.0-litre producing 120kW/375Nm and a slight bump on its D90 wagon sibling which can make use of 160kW/480Nm.

This should help the T90 better take the fight to the Ford Ranger (157kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo), Toyota HiLux (150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre single turbo), and Isuzu D-Max (140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo), the latter of which this new LDV/Maxus has clearly taken some styling cues from.

The T90 will pair this engine with an eight-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission with the expected low-range functions.

According to Chinese media, the T90 has a towing capacity of 3000kg, while engineers from LDV/Maxus apparently focused on off-road prowess for the T90, giving the new truck an approach angle of 27.2 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a ground clearance of 220mm.

The Maxus T90 specifically targets the Great Wall Cannon in its Chinese home market.

Interestingly, the T90 will not replace the T60 outright even in its home market but will be the flagship of Maxus’ ute range in terms of pricing, capability, and technology.

Read More About LDV T60

C an China's Toyota HiLux rival continue to carry LDV?

The production T90 carries across the massive chrome grille from last year’s concept car, while introducing a more modern sports bar, contemporary LED light fittings, and (again, D-Max like) alloy wheels.

Inside, the T90 in at least one spec level has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, push-start ignition, and leather-appointed trim.

The T90's interior builds on the design elements seen in the D90 SUV.

The wheel and dash design also wear a progressed styling language from that seen in the D90 SUV, which is yet to be debuted on export-market LDV-branded products.

Rear seat space has apparently been upgraded from the T60, suggesting some dimensional shift from that truck.

According to Chinese media, the T90's safety suite consists of auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and high beam assist. Again, this is a significant upgrade from the local LDV T60 which offers blind-spot monitoring and lane departure warning, but no adaptive cruise or AEB.

LDV, known as Maxus in its home market of China, is imported to Australia by Ateco, but falls under the same SAIC parent company as the reborn MG which has most recently launched itself into Australia’s Top 10 brands off the back of a freshened product catalogue. LDV has had stratospheric success since launching its relatively affordable T60 ute in Australia in 2017.

LDV claims the T60 has made it

Is the T90 coming to Australia? An LDV spokesperson declined to comment on the T90, but told CarsGuide “any product available in right-hand drive, we’re interested in”.

We’d be surprised if the brand didn’t, given the T60 is a runaway success, and it has also gone to lengths to introduce the relatively niche Deliver 9 commercial van, so watch this space.

Read More About LDV T60

" LDV is a legitimate mainstream brand now" - T60 ute underpins rise of Chinese commercial vehicle specialist