Maxus T60 2022 Review

The Southeast Asian pickup truck market has gradually shifted in recent years from being "utility-oriented" to meeting "family + off-road" multi-functional needs. Consumers want vehicles that can handle muddy construction site loading tasks while also offering comfort and features for daily commuting. The Maxus T60 2.8L 4WD AT, a popular option in this market segment, has garnered significant attention with its high-torque diesel engine, off-road capability of its 4WD system, and superior smart features. In this test drive, we will focus on testing its comprehensive practicality—examining whether it meets standards for loading and off-road capabilities while also being comfortable for urban commutes and long drives, providing a reference for users who aim to balance work and life.

From the exterior, the T60's design leans towards toughness and practicality, without overly flashy decorations. The front features a large chrome-plated grille, paired with sharp-edged LED headlights, boasting sufficient recognition; the side profile of the body has straight character lines, and the cargo box's sports bar is made of black plastic, combining durability with visual layering; the rear features simple LED tail lamps, while the rear bumper integrates reverse radar sensors. The cargo box is equipped with a roll bar and anchor points for securing cargo, blending the practical utility of a pickup truck with well-thought-out details that prevent it from appearing cheap, making it look suitable even in urban settings.

Stepping inside, the interior layout focuses on practicality, with the dashboard covered in soft-touch plastic material, which isn't exactly luxurious but is dirt-resistant and easy to clean. The 10.2-inch touchscreen is the visual highlight, featuring a simple and smooth interface that supports Bluetooth connection and phone mirroring, providing adequate convenience for daily use. The multifunction steering wheel integrates buttons for volume adjustment, call answering, and more, with a slightly heavy feel but precise navigation. The seats are made of fabric, with thick padding, and the front seats are manually adjustable, ensuring they remain comfortable even on long drives. In terms of features, keyless entry, one-touch start, a 6-speaker sound system, and other amenities are included, making it more user-friendly compared to some similarly priced pickup trucks focusing solely on utility.

Space performance is one of the T60's strengths. Its body dimensions are 5365mm×2145mm×1844mm with a wheelbase of 3155mm, offering ample rear legroom; a 175cm tall passenger can sit in the rear with two fists' distance from their knees to the front seat. As for storage, door panel slots can hold two bottles of mineral water, the center armrest box is relatively spacious, and the rear row is equipped with cup holders and an air conditioning vent, maximizing practicality. The cargo box has a regular shape, and testing showed that it could easily fit two standard cartons or a motorcycle, meeting everyday cargo needs without issue.

In terms of power, the 2.8T diesel engine produces a maximum output of 152PS and a peak torque of 425N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response at start-up isn't particularly aggressive, but the advantage of low-end torque in diesel engines is apparent, delivering maximum torque at just 1600rpm, making uphill drives or overtaking while fully loaded very manageable. Switching to 4WD mode significantly enhances the vehicle's ability to handle muddy roads. During our testing on unpaved roads in the countryside, even when the tires were coated in mud, the vehicle successfully escaped difficulties with the help of electronic traction control. For city driving, the transmission shifts smoothly with no noticeable jolts, and the combined fuel consumption is approximately 9L/100km, which is reasonable for a 2.8L diesel 4WD pickup truck.

In terms of handling, the T60's steering wheel has minimal play and maintains good stability at high speeds. The suspension system consists of a front double wishbone independent suspension and a rear leaf spring. While it does not filter road bumps particularly delicately, considering the payload requirements of a pickup truck, this tuning ensures body rigidity when loaded and prevents excessive bouncing when unloaded. In terms of noise control, the diesel engine noise is slightly noticeable at idle, but once on the move, wind and tire noise are well controlled and do not interfere with conversations inside the cabin.

Safety configuration is a highlight of the T60, featuring standard equipment such as 4 airbags, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and active braking, offering a more comprehensive setup compared to competitors in the same price range. The clarity of the reversing camera is sufficient, and combined with rear sensors, it makes parking easy even for beginners.

Overall, the Maxus T60 2.8L 4WD AT stands out for its balance—it offers the strong torque of a diesel engine and the off-road capability of a four-wheel drive system to meet work needs, while also providing decent space and configurations suitable for family use. Compared with similarly priced models like the Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, the T60 offers richer features and is more affordable, presenting excellent value for money.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: first, self-employed individuals who need to balance work and life, as it can be used for transporting goods to job sites while also serving as a weekend family vehicle; second, off-road enthusiasts on a budget, as the diesel engine and four-wheel drive system can handle light off-road scenarios. If you are looking for a practical, reliable, and well-equipped pickup truck, the T60 is worth considering.