LDV T60 Review

The question is, just how capable of a ute is it, and how does it compare directly to its rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton when put under a microscope? Let’s see how the T60, Australia’s cheapest ute, stacks up to determine if it's worth your money.

Starting Price: $30,516

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LDV T60 - PRO (4x4) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check LDV T60 car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The LDV T60 range kicks off at just $30,516 (before on-road costs) for the T60 Pro with a manual gearbox; an automatic transmission adds $2,000 to the price tag. The range moves to the Luxe variant which, with a manual gearbox, will set you back $35,253, or $37,358 for the automatic version. The Luxe is also available in long wheelbase Mega Tub form which is priced at $36,831, with the automatic version adding $2,000 to the price. Finally, LDV’s flagship T60 Trailrider 2 is priced from $39,990, with the automatic version priced at $42,095.

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What Features Does the LDV T60 Have?

The T60 lineup really takes the fight to its more established peers in terms of equipment fitted as standard. Included on the entry-level T60 Pro are features like 17-inch alloys, automatic LED headlights, daytime running lamps, automatic wipers, a 10-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, six speaker sound system, cruise control, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, cloth seats, side steps, roof rails, as well as a tub liner and a heap of safety gear that we’ll cover later in this review.

Opting for the T60 Luxe adds features like climate control, 360-degree camera, chrome finishes for the mirrors and door handles, a sports bar, six-way adjustable front seats wrapped in leather, as well as a leather steering wheel. In long wheelbase form, the Luxe Mega Tub also receives a set of 19-inch alloy wheels.

The range-topping Trailrider 2 adds some visual treats like a set of 19-inch blacked-out alloy wheels, front nudge bar, black leather upholstery inside, as well as a black sports bar in the tray which also receives a bedliner. 

All T60 models come fitted with a 4x4 system with a low-range mode, while a locking rear differential is saved for the more expensive Luxe and Trailrider 2 variants.

Range Features:

• 4x4 system with low range ratio
• 10-inch touchscreen media unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 17-inch alloy wheelsAutomatic LED lights
• Cruise control
• Locking rear differential (Luxe)
• Sports bar (Luxe)
• 19-inch alloys (Luxe Mega Tub)
• Front nudge bar (Trailrider 2)

LDV T60 - PRO (4x4) Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

While the first generation of the T60 was clearly lacking in terms of power and driving dynamics of its competitors, LDV has been working hard on closing the gap. In its latest iteration, the T60 is significantly more comfortable than its predecessors, but it doesn’t take long to notice that it remains noticeably behind its rivals in terms of confidence behind the wheel, comfort at speed and all-round driving dynamics. Overall, the chassis provides an adequate ride quality and in isolation performs well enough in isolation, but in a direct comparison to the rest of the range, it falls short. Not necessarily as short as the price difference might have you believe, but don’t be fooled into thinking this is a cut-priced killer of the existing ute establishment.

Keep in mind, though, that the range-topping Trailrider 2 has had its suspension system updated by some of the best in the business, Walkinshaw, but the remainder of the range is left without these much-needed tweaks for Australian roads.

Is it a Workhorse?

This is another area that the price difference between the T60 and its more expensive and established rivals becomes crystal clear. The major downside to the T60 as a workhorse is its lack of power from both of the engines on offer compared to its rivals. All models, with the exception of the Trailrider 2, are powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel unit, producing 110kW and 360Nm of torque, while the Trailrider 2 pushes out 120kW and 375Nm of torque. To be sure, the T60 can get the job done, but the strained nature of the ride acts as a constant reminder that the T60 is underpowered in certain situations. 

It does get the job done, though, with an official tow capacity of 3000kg and payload capacities ranging between 815kg for the Luxe and 1,025 for the entry-level Pro thanks to its lighter kerb weight. The rear tray measures in at 1,510mm wide by 1485mm long, which is slightly smaller than its rivals, but still more than adequate for most jobs.

Is it Safe?

The LDV T60 has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum Five Star Safety Rating, and comes with two ISOFIX mounting points, six airbags, a reversing camera with sensors, adaptive front lights,  blind spot monitoring, fatigue alerts, as well as some off-road assistants like hill descent control, hill-start assist and roll movement intervention.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The T60 lineup is rated between 8.8L to 9.6L per 100km on a combined cycle, meaning it is significantly more thirsty than its main rival like the Toyota Hilux, but sits around the same as the Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton utes. Overall, the T60’s economy is on par for its major rivals, but lacks the overall economy of the industry’s leader.

Our Verdict: Is the LDV T60 Worth it?

Considering the fact that the T60, even in its most basic form, is around $20,000 cheaper than the comparative offering from Toyota, Ford or Mitsubishi, the recipe looks enticing for those looking for a ute packed with features at a cut-price cost. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that LDV vehicles do not hold their resale value nearly as well as its main rivals, and there are noticeable differences in the overall quality of the T60 compared to its more expensive rivals.

Overall, though, the latest generation T60 is a much-needed step in the right direction, and represents an undeniable value for money offering in a competitive market. If you are searching where to buy a new car, don’t forget to grab your free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
2. 17-inch alloys as standard
3. 3000kg towing capacity; payload 815kg (Luxe) and 1025kg (Pro)
4. Rear locking differential  (Luxe and higher)
5. Five-year, 130,000km warranty

Pros

• Exceptional value for money
• Improved build quality from previous generation
• Feature-packed entry-level model

Cons

• Noisy ride at speed
• Lacks power of its main competitors
• Lower towing and payload capacity

OnlineAuto Rating: 7.5/10

LDV T60 Competition