LDV T60 Max 2022: arrives in Australia with Hilux-beating power from $33,990 driveaway

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LDV has announced the facelifted T60 Max ute has arrived in Australia with a beefy engine under the bonnet matched with a starting price of $33,990 driveaway for ABN holders.

Serving as an update to the first-generation T60 that went on sale in Australia in July 2017, the T60 Max ute brings a slew of new tech and updated styling.

Available in a choice of two grades known as the Pro and Luxe, the T60 Max will be a direct rival to the GWM ute and act as a cut-price alternative to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

For ABN holders, the T60 max range kicks off at $33,990 driveaway for the Pro manual while private buyers will have to pay a bitmore at $35,779 driveaway.

How powerful is the new T60 Max?

LDA offers a single-engine choice for the T60 Max, a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder that produces 160kW of power at 4000rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1500rpm.

Those numbers just edge out the Hilux for sheer grunt, which produces 150kW/500Nm from a turbodiesel four-cylinder and the Ranger at 157kW/500Nm from a twin-turbo diesel inline-four engine in their beefiest forms.

None, however, can touch the segment-leading Volkswagen Amarok that produces up to 190kW (200kW on overboost) and 580Nm from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine.

LDV pairs its punchy engine with either an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission or a six-speed manual with both paired to a four-wheel-drive system as standard.

The system in question is fitted with selectable 2WD high, 4WD low and 4WD high models along with a low-range gearbox when you really get caught in the rough stuff. Those who opt for the T60 Max Luxe will also receive a locking rear diff.

The combined fuel consumption for the T60 Max is rated at 9.2L/100km for the manual and 9.3L/100km for the automatic.

Cut-priced capability

The T60 Max features a double-wishbone front suspension setup matched with a leaf spring rear end but how they behave depends largely on what grade you pick.

LDV has given the T60 a specific Australian suspension tune with the Pro option from a more heavy-duty setup while the Luxe is biased towards comfort. 

As a result, the T60 Pro can carry up to 935kg in its tray while the Luxe is down notably at 750kg, however, both have a braked towing capacity of 3.0-tonnes. 

The tray itself is fitted with a spray-in tub liner and four tie-down points to stop things from flying out the back. 

Updated design inside and out

The T60 Max wears a noticeable more aggressive design than its anonymous predecessor with a huge grille and LED daytime running lights at the front. 

Both grades feature 17-inch alloy wheels with 245mm tyres paired with a steel spare wheel under the tray.

LDV has updated the interior with a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with Apple CarPlay but no Android Auto.

The T60 Max Pro has cloth-trimmed seats with six-way manual adjustability for the driver and four-way manual adjustment for the front passenger. The Luxe opts for a leather interior with six-way power-adjustable and heated front seats.

Safety features

Unlike many utes in this segment, the T60 Max opts for disc brakes at the front and rear but has not updated its ANCAP score from 2017 where it achieved five stars but under less strict testing conditions.

As standard, the T60 Max features six airbags, reversing parking sensors and camera, while Luxe grade adds lane departure warning and a 360-degree camera.

Missing from the safety suite is key features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control that you’ll find on many of its rivals as standard.

LDV provides a warranty and road side assistant for up to five years or 130,000km, whichever comes first.

LDV T60 Max 2022

All figures listed are the national driveaway price.

ABN holders only.

• Pro manual: $33,990
• Pro automatic: $35,990
• Luxe manual: $38,490
• Luxe automatic: $40,490

Private buyers

• Pro manual: $35,779
• Pro automatic: $37,884
• Luxe manual: $40,516
• Luxe atuomatic: $42,621