The lines for where pick up trucks see the most of their use in New Zealand are very blurred. A staple of the Kiwi lifestyle, utes are as common on city streets as they are on farm tracks, serving as both daily drivers and weekend adventure machines. With such 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.
Leaning into its lifestyle appeal, the T60 MAX Plus doesn’t look like a purely utilitarian workhorse. Blacked-out wheels, rugged plastic cladding, and a well-proportioned stance bring a contemporary aesthetic that feels at home both in town and on the campground.
The damped tailgate makes it easy to operate and access a tray that is well-proportioned with minimal wheel well intrusion. My test had a bed cover, which was not only practical but also added a layer of security and I’m sure helped with efficiency.
The inside saw the most significant updates, and they’re a big step up. The centre console has been thought over in a more modern way, with the gear selector moving to the right stalk, freeing a surprising amount of space which LDV has used very cleverly to bring a covered cubby with a (re)movable phone and cup holder. 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 the heated steering wheel. However, the lack of telescoping adjustment for the steering wheel impacts ergonomics, making it tricky to find an ideal position. At 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.
The tech experience is centered around a dual-screen setup. Not being too massive, the T60’s screens make good use of their space, with a mostly logical layout. However, it’s not perfect: the hit-or-miss touch sensitivity, the less than stellar graphics, and limited customisation. While not 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.
On the driver assistance front, the T60 covers the essentials well, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and auto hold. It lacks blind-spot monitoring, and the parking sensors are always a couple of steps behind your actual movements, demanding extra care, so you better rely on the 360-degree camera.
When it’s time to get on the move, there is no mistaking this ute for a petrol powered one. 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 feels eager and responsive.
The ZF transmission is silky smooth, impressive even, with near-imperceptible shifts. The ECU calibration governing the drivetrain could benefit from a bit more refinement to match the transmission’s smoothness.
At the rear, LDV’s choice of a coil spring setup improves ride comfort. While I can’t comment on the laden (or towing) behaviour, it feelsmore composed, even though it does not deny its ute DNA with the typical judder from the rear.
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. It doesn’t shake off all the rough edges, but it delivers where it matters, and at an aggressive price at that. 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.