MAXUS T90

The SAIC MAXUS T90 is a premium intelligent pick-up truck under the SAIC MAXUS brand, officially launched on 31 March 2021, and affectionately known as the "SAIC Bull". As the flagship pick-up in the SAIC MAXUS stable, the T90 is positioned above the earlier T60 and T70, emphasising passenger-car-like refinement and lifestyle appeal tailored for discerning pick-up buyers seeking a distinctive ownership experience. As of June 2026, the T90 is offered in both turbodiesel and all-electric powertrains across 19 variants, with official guide prices ranging between RM129,800 and RM299,800. Its primary rivals include Chinese premium pick-ups such as the GWM POER Passenger, POER Off-road, JMC Yuhu 9, and Foton Grand General.

Design Language

On the exterior, the T90 adopts the signature SAIC MAXUS "Gathering Wisdom from All Directions" design philosophy. The commanding front fascia is dominated by an oversized grille flanked by three robust horizontal chrome slats and an embedded central "MAXUS" script, striking a balance between muscular presence and sophisticated detail. Flanking the front are "Big Dipper Eye" full-LED headlights equipped with 4-chip high-output independent high-beam units, projecting light up to 300 metres and improving illumination performance by 50% over conventional segment LEDs. The rear sports a seamless full-width tail light cluster that harmonises with the front styling. Dimension-wise, the T90 comes in both standard and extended-bed variants: the standard-bed version measures 5,365 × 1,960 × 1,845 mm with a 3,155 mm wheelbase and a cargo bed measuring 1,485 × 1,510 × 530 mm; the long-bed version measures 5,680 × 1,960 × 1,845 mm with a 3,470 mm wheelbase and a cargo bed measuring 1,800 × 1,510 × 530 mm. It is fitted with 265/60 R18 tyres. Step inside, and the T90 completely sheds the rudimentary feel of traditional utilitarian workhorses. The dashboard adopts an asymmetrical, driver-focused layout, offered in a sporty two-tone black-and-red colourway. Generous amounts of soft-touch slush moulding and leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching adorn the dashboard and door trims, delivering tactile and visual quality on par with passenger cars priced above RM200,000.

Powertrain & Performance

Performance is the cornerstone of the T90. The diesel range is powered by SAIC's 'π' (Pi) series 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, available in single-turbo and bi-turbo configurations. The bi-turbo variant develops a potent 160 kW (approx. 218 PS) and 500 Nm of torque. These class-topping figures rank among the best in China's diesel pick-up segment, having previously earned a spot on the prestigious 2020 "China Heart" Top Ten Engines list. The single-turbo version outputs 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 400 Nm. Power is transferred via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options also available. Combined fuel consumption stands at 7.9 L/100 km for the bi-turbo and 7.5 L/100 km for the single-turbo model. The fully electric T90 EV is driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor delivering 130 kW, offering a CLTC-rated range of up to 515 km. The bi-turbo diesel variant also boasts a maximum braked towing capacity exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

Chassis & Handling

Under the skin, the T90 is built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis. Suspension duties are handled by an independent double-wishbone coil spring setup up front and progressive multi-leaf non-independent suspension at the rear. Drivetrain options include selectable part-time 4WD and an intelligent torque-on-demand 4WD system. The T90 supports 12 driving modes—drivers can toggle between 2H, 4H, AUTO, and 4L drive settings, each corresponding to ECO, POWER, and NORMAL driving modes. In terms of off-road geometry, it features an approach angle of 29°, a departure angle of 27°, ground clearance of 220 mm, and a maximum gradeability of 100% (45°). It is equipped with electric power steering (EPS), while stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes all around coupled with an electronic parking brake (EPB).

Cabin & Equipment

Inside, the T90 is the first Chinese pick-up to feature an integrated dual-screen cockpit. This includes a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster alongside a 12-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The system runs on the latest Banma Zhixing VENUS OS, supporting cross-screen interaction, remote telematics, voice command, satellite navigation, Bluetooth key, online video streaming, online music, group convoying, screen mirroring, smart home connectivity, and FOTA over-the-air updates. Seating consists of one-piece sport bucket seats with generous lateral support and electric adjustment for the driver. The rear bench features ergonomic contouring, adjustable headrests, dedicated air vents, and charging ports. Additionally, MAXUS provides the "Spider Smart Choice" customisation platform, allowing buyers to tailor nearly 100 bespoke options.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the T90 is armed with the latest Bosch 9.3 ESP system, integrating ABS, EBD, Traction Control (TCS), Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Roll Movement Intervention (RMI), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). Passive safety on higher-spec variants includes 6 airbags. For active safety, the T90 features an ADAS Level 2 driver assistance suite. Highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with 0–180 km/h full-speed stop-and-go follow), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC), and a 360-degree panoramic camera system with transparent underfloor view.

Market Performance & Verdict

The SAIC MAXUS pick-up lineup (comprising the T60, T70, and T90) represents a prominent force in the pick-up market. By early 2026, MAXUS pick-ups had surpassed cumulative 10-year sales of nearly 400,000 units across 100 export destinations worldwide. Cumulative overseas exports have exceeded 180,000 units, with established pick-up markets such as Europe, Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), and the Americas accounting for over 90% of total export volume. Throughout January to February 2026, the brand's pick-up sales demonstrated sustained growth. As the flagship offering, the T90 leverages its class-topping 500 Nm diesel grunt, ZF 8-speed gearbox, dual-screen smart cabin, and Level 2 ADAS tech to carve out a compelling niche in the premium pick-up market. Key strengths include robust diesel torque and towing prowess, car-like interior refinement, comprehensive customisation options, and proven global reliability credentials. On the flip side, typical pick-up packaging constraints mean the rear seatback remains rather upright and the seat cushion on the shorter side, slightly compromising long-distance passenger comfort; furthermore, brand equity still trails established global pick-up marques. On the whole, with its "car-like, smart, and premium" ethos, the SAIC MAXUS T90 offers buyers in the RM120,000 to RM300,000 bracket a remarkably versatile package that balances rugged workhorse utility with lifestyle appeal.