Overview
The Maxus T90 is SAIC Motor’s flagship pickup truck, sitting above the smaller T60 and T70 in the Maxus lineup. It’s built to serve two audiences at once — commercial buyers who need a workhorse, and private buyers who want a comfortable, tech-loaded daily driver. Depending on the market, the T90 is sold under different names, including the LDV T60 Max (Australia/New Zealand) and Tornado 90 (some Middle Eastern markets), and it’s also offered in a fully electric form, the T90EV.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body style | Double-cab mid-size pickup |
| Engine options | 2.0L turbo-petrol, 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, electric (T90EV) |
| Power (petrol) | 214 hp / 480 Nm |
| Power (diesel) | ~215 hp / 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Drivetrain | RWD (2WD) or 4WD with 2H/4H/4L modes |
| Payload | Up to ~1,000 kg (1 tonne) |
| Towing capacity | Up to 3,500 kg (ICE); 1,000 kg (EV) |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
Engine & Performance
The petrol T90 uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 214 hp and 480 Nm of torque. Markets that get the diesel version instead have a 2.0-litre bi-turbo unit rated at around 215 hp and 500 Nm, which is the variant most buyers pick for towing and load-hauling duty since diesel torque arrives lower in the rev range. A newer 2.5-litre turbo-diesel has also appeared in some regional lineups, bumping output to roughly 221 hp and 520 Nm.
Both ICE engines feel adequate rather than exciting — enough shove for fully loaded highway driving and overtaking, without being a performance pickup. The electric T90EV instead uses a 201 bhp motor fed by an 88.5 kWh battery, giving smooth, quiet off-the-line acceleration but with the usual trade-offs around range and payload-vs-range balance.
Transmission & Drivetrain
Every current T90 variant pairs its engine with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic — there’s no manual on modern trims. Drivetrain choice depends on trim: entry-level Executive trims are typically 2WD (RWD), while Luxury and Executive Luxury trims add selectable 4WD with 2H (rear-wheel), 4H (high-range four-wheel), and 4L (low-range four-wheel) modes for off-road or heavy-load situations.
Fuel Economy
Real-world fuel economy for the diesel sits in the same ballpark as class rivals like the Isuzu D-Max and Ford Ranger — reasonable for a mid-size diesel pickup, though it will vary meaningfully with load and driving style. The petrol variant is thirstier, which is why diesel remains the preferred choice for buyers doing serious towing or fleet mileage. The T90EV’s official range is rated at up to 205 miles (330 km), but real-world figures — especially at motorway speeds or in cold weather — tend to land closer to 130–150 miles.
Exterior Design
The T90 leans into a bold, muscular look: a large grille (chrome or blacked-out depending on trim), LED headlights and daytime running lights, and a sculpted front bumper with air intakes. Trim walk-up brings visual upgrades — the entry Executive trim rides on 17-inch alloys with halogen lighting, the Luxury trim steps up to 18-inch wheels, LED headlamps, chrome door-handle and mirror trim, plus a side step, and the range-topping Executive Luxury trim gets 19-inch dual-tone alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and power-folding mirrors. All variants get a factory bed liner, tie-down points, and tailgate assist.
Interior & Cabin Features
Cabin quality scales sharply with trim level. The Executive gets cloth seats, manual air-con, and a basic digital cluster. The Luxury trim adds leatherette (artificial leather) upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. At the top, the Executive Luxury trim brings full leather seats, ventilated fronts, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a premium sound system. It’s worth noting that some commercial-focused export markets (like the UK’s T90EV) get a far more utilitarian, hard-plastic-heavy cabin aimed squarely at business buyers rather than private comfort seekers.
Technology & Infotainment
Across the range, a 12.3-inch touchscreen (some markets get a 10.25-inch unit) handles infotainment duties, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity standard. A digital instrument cluster shows real-time trip, fuel, and tyre-pressure data. Higher trims add wireless phone charging, a reversing camera, and steering-wheel audio controls, while the Executive Luxury trim tops out with a 360-degree surround-view camera and remote engine start. China-market T90s also get SAIC’s Zebra Zhixing system, with voice recognition and smart-home integration — features that don’t necessarily carry over to export markets.
Safety Features
Standard safety kit includes ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, brake assist, and dual front airbags. Move up to Luxury and Executive Luxury trims and you gain lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, and parking sensors. The T90 has also received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating in at least one tested configuration, putting it in line with established rivals on paper — though buyers should always check the rating for their specific market and model year, since ANCAP scores don’t always carry across regions.
Comfort & Practicality
Seating for five with decent head and legroom in both rows is a consistent strength across markets. Practical touches — a centre armrest, large door pockets, and under-seat storage — help make the cabin usable for daily family duty as well as work trips. Ride comfort is a mixed bag: the diesel and petrol versions ride reasonably well for a leaf-sprung pickup, but the EV variant, thanks to extra battery weight and a stiffened rear suspension, has been reported to feel busier and less settled on rough tarmac.
Cargo Bed & Towing Capacity
The T90’s payload capacity lands around 1,000 kg (1 tonne) across most ICE variants, which is competitive for the mid-size pickup class. Braked towing capacity on diesel and petrol models can reach up to 3,500 kg, again keeping pace with rivals like the Ranger and Hilux. The T90EV is more limited, rated at just 1,000 kg towing — and maxing out that allowance eats into how much you can simultaneously carry in the bed.
Driving Experience
On the road, the T90 drives like a typical leaf-sprung, body-on-frame pickup: composed enough on smooth surfaces, with light, easy steering that makes it manageable around town, but without much steering feedback or cornering sharpness. The 4WD system with drive-mode selection (Eco/Normal/Power or Eco/Sport/Off-Road depending on market) adds useful flexibility for occasional off-road or towing situations. The EV variant trades some of that predictability — it’s quiet and smooth around town but feels heavier and less planted through corners, with reduced ground clearance compared to the combustion versions.
Variants & Trim Levels
Trim naming varies by market, but the general structure is:
- Executive – entry trim, 2WD, cloth seats, 17-inch wheels, manual air-con
- Luxury – adds 4WD option, leatherette, automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels, keyless entry
- Executive Luxury – range-topper with full leather, sunroof, 360-camera, 19-inch wheels, ventilated seats
- T90EV – single-spec electric double-cab variant in markets where it’s offered
Some markets (UAE, for instance) list up to four distinct configurations when powertrain and drivetrain combinations are counted separately.
Dimensions
Overall length comes in at roughly 5,990 mm, with a width of about 2,330 mm (including mirrors) and height around 2,156 mm, per manufacturer figures for recent model years — putting it firmly in line with mid-size double-cab rivals. Ground clearance differs meaningfully by powertrain: combustion variants offer around 220 mm or more, while the T90EV’s clearance drops to about 187 mm due to its underslung battery pack.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong power and torque figures for the segment
- Generous payload and towing capacity on ICE variants
- Well-equipped infotainment and safety kit on higher trims
- Distinctive, bold styling
- Competitive pricing against established rivals
Cons:
- Interior quality varies a lot by market and trim — some export versions feel basic
- EV variant has limited real-world range and reduced ground clearance
- Less established dealer and resale network than Toyota, Ford, or Isuzu
- Ride can feel unsettled on rougher roads, especially unladen
- Not officially sold in every market (availability is inconsistent region to region)
Maintenance & Reliability
As a newer entrant from SAIC/Maxus, the T90 doesn’t yet have the decades-long reliability track record of the Hilux or D-Max. That said, several regional distributors back it with long warranties — five years or 200,000 km in Saudi Arabia, for example — which suggests reasonable manufacturer confidence. Service networks are more limited than for Toyota or Ford, so it’s worth checking dealer and parts availability in your specific area before buying, particularly for the diesel’s turbo and injection components, which are the usual wear points on this class of engine.
Who Should Buy the Maxus T90?
The T90 makes the most sense for buyers who want pickup-truck capability — payload, towing, and 4WD — without paying Toyota or Ford prices, and who are comfortable with a newer, less-established brand in exchange for a strong equipment list. It suits small business owners, tradespeople, and families who want a dual-purpose vehicle for work and weekend use. Buyers who prioritize resale value, long-term reliability data, or a dense service network may still lean toward more established rivals.
Price (Country-wise if available)
- Saudi Arabia: starts around SAR 102,250, with an average market price near SAR 117,016 depending on trim
- UAE: around AED 96,000 for the T90 (T90EV pricing is typically quoted on request)
- Australia (as LDV T60 Max): diesel Pro from roughly AUD 37,884 (auto), Luxe/Plus trims from around AUD 42,621; the electric eT60 is priced from about AUD 92,990
- UK (T90EV only): commercial buyers should expect pricing in the region of £60,000 before incentives, reflecting its single high-spec configuration
- Pakistan: the Maxus T90 does not currently have an official, confirmed local launch or PKR pricing — if you’re shopping in Pakistan, it’s worth checking with authorized Maxus/SAIC distributors directly for the latest availability, since pricing can change quickly and unofficial import pricing is not a reliable guide
Competitors
The T90 goes up against a crowded and well-established mid-size pickup field, including the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagen Amarok, Mitsubishi L200, and GWM Poer. Most of these rivals have longer track records, denser dealer networks, and stronger resale value — the T90’s pitch against them rests mainly on price, equipment-per-dollar, and styling.
Final Verdict
The Maxus T90 is a genuinely capable mid-size pickup on paper — solid power, competitive payload and towing, and a features list that undercuts pricier established rivals. Where it asks for a leap of faith is in the intangibles: brand history, resale value, and service network density that take years to build. For buyers prioritizing value and willing to be an early adopter of the brand in their market, it’s a reasonable — sometimes compelling — alternative to the usual Hilux/Ranger/D-Max shortlist. For buyers who want the safest, most proven choice, the established players still have the edge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Maxus T90 available with 4WD? Yes, though it depends on trim — entry-level trims are typically 2WD, while Luxury and Executive Luxury trims offer selectable 4WD with low-range gearing.
What’s the towing capacity of the Maxus T90? ICE variants can tow up to 3,500 kg (braked), while the T90EV is rated at 1,000 kg.
Does the Maxus T90 have a diesel engine? Yes, a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel (with a newer 2.5-litre turbo-diesel in some markets) is offered alongside the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, depending on region.
Is there an electric version of the T90? Yes, the T90EV, powered by an 88.5 kWh battery and a 201 bhp motor, with an official range of up to 205 miles that tends to be lower in real-world conditions.
Is the Maxus T90 sold in Pakistan? As of now, there’s no confirmed official launch or local pricing for the T90 in Pakistan — check with authorized dealers for the latest status before assuming availability.
How does the T90 compare to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? It competes closely on power, payload, and towing specs, and often undercuts both on price and equipment level, but it doesn’t yet match their reliability track record or resale value.
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