Maxus T60 2019 Review

In recent years, the pickup truck market in Malaysia has shown a trend of simultaneous demand for practicality and comfort—consumers are no longer satisfied with pickup trucks being used solely as utility vehicles, but now expect them to balance both daily commuting and family travel. The 2019 Maxus T60 4x4 Diesel is designed to cater to this specific market segment, with its key selling points being active safety features that are rare in its class and a passenger-oriented interior design, while maintaining the necessary load-carrying capabilities of a pickup truck. This review will focus on both the static experience and dynamic performance to see if this RM 99,000-priced model can truly balance the 'utility' and 'family' aspects.

In terms of exterior design, the 2019 Maxus T60 takes on a rugged yet slightly refined aesthetic. The front features a large trapezoidal grille paired with chrome accents and angular LED headlights, giving it a highly recognizable appearance; the side profile has straight lines, with a length of 5365mm and a wheelbase of 3155mm ensuring sufficient cargo bed and passenger space, while slightly flared wheel arches emphasize a tough look; the rear design is simple and functional, with vertically arranged taillights and fog lights in a clean layout. A hitch hook interface is reserved below the rear bumper, aligning with the functional orientation of a pickup truck. As for the lighting system, the LED headlights have sufficient brightness, and the front fog lights are commendable for their penetrating ability in rain and fog conditions.

Sitting inside, the T60's interior leans towards a passenger-car design, with a symmetrical dashboard layout. A 10.2-inch touchscreen is centrally positioned, offering decent responsiveness and supporting basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity functions. In terms of materials, the upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch plastics, complemented by a few silver trim accents. While it cannot be considered luxurious, it is among the top offerings in its price segment for pickup trucks. In terms of features, Keyless Operation for entry and start, a multifunction steering wheel, and a six-speaker sound system come as standard, offering convenience for daily use. The safety configurations are a highlight, featuring four airbags (driver, passenger, and front side airbags), along with ABS, electronic stability control, lane change assist, and an autonomous emergency braking system, which were relatively uncommon in the 2019 pickup truck market.

Space performance is one of T60's strengths. The long 3155mm wheelbase provides ample rear passenger space; a 175cm-tall passenger in the back seat still has about two fist widths of legroom, and headroom isn't cramped either. The front seats offer good support, making long drives less tiring. In terms of storage capacity, the front center armrest box and door panel storage pockets are large enough for daily items, while the rear also has cup holders and air vents. Although the cargo bed size isn't independently listed, based on the vehicle's proportions, it should suffice for transporting construction materials or family camping gear.

For dynamic performance, the T60 is equipped with a 2.8L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 152PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 4000rpm, paired with an automatic transmission. During takeoff, the diesel engine's low-end torque advantage is evident, providing sufficient power output with a light press on the accelerator, making it suitable for starting under heavy loads. During mid-to-high-speed acceleration, the transmission's shift smoothness is average, with a slight delay in downshifts, but pressing harder on the accelerator still delivers a decent pushback feeling when overtaking. The 4x4 system supports both high and low-speed four-wheel drive modes, making it capable of handling muddy rural roads or light off-road conditions in Malaysia with adequate off-road capability.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front suspension uses a double wishbone independent suspension, while the rear suspension consists of leaf springs (a common configuration for pickups). On smooth roads, the chassis stability is good, the steering wheel's precision is moderate, and there is little play. However, when driving on bumpy roads, the rear suspension's shock absorption is average, and the vehicle body experiences noticeable bouncing, which is a common issue with leaf spring pickups. During cornering, due to the higher body height, there is a noticeable body roll, requiring speed control. In terms of braking performance, the front and rear ventilated disc brakes offer linear braking force output, and the vehicle remains stable during emergency braking.

Fuel consumption performance meets expectations for a diesel pickup. In congested city traffic, the fuel consumption is approximately 9.5L per 100 kilometers, while highway cruising reduces fuel consumption to around 7.8L per 100 kilometers. With a 75L fuel tank capacity, it provides a long cruising range, making it suitable for long-distance travel. As for noise control, the diesel engine's idling noise is slightly high, but once the vehicle is moving, wind and tire noise remain within an acceptable range and won’t affect in-car conversations. The seats provide good comfort, with cushioning that is neither too soft nor too hard, ensuring no significant discomfort for long periods of sitting.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Maxus T60 lies in its "balance"—it offers the loading capability and off-road foundation of a pickup while being equipped with rare active safety features and passenger car-like interiors, addressing the traditional pickup truck's lack of comfort. Compared to competitors in the same class, its safety features stand out the most, and the RM 99,000 pricing provides a certain level of cost-effectiveness.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: one, small to medium-sized business owners who need a pickup as a workhorse but also want to accommodate family outings; two, individuals who enjoy outdoor camping, need to load equipment, and value everyday commuting safety. It is not flawless—the rear suspension's shock absorption is average, and the transmission response is slightly delayed—but given its positioning and price, these shortcomings are within acceptable limits.

In conclusion, the 2019 Maxus T60 is a "practical yet comfortable" pickup truck that breaks the stereotype of "pickups = work vehicles," offering Malaysian consumers a more comprehensive choice.