The SAIC MAXUS Tornado 70 Pro (marketed as the T70 Pro in selected overseas markets) stands as a core pillar in SAIC MAXUS's pick-up truck line-up. Serving as an evolved iteration of the Tornado 60 (T60), the Tornado 70 Pro retains the rugged payload capability of a traditional workhorse while significantly stepping up its passenger-car-like refinement. Tailored for both private buyers and commercial fleet operators seeking strong practicality, exceptional value for money, and robust all-terrain capability, it serves as a key strategic model in strengthening the brand's competitiveness in the mid-size pick-up segment.
Positioned as a mid-size pick-up truck built on a ladder-frame chassis, the Tornado 70 Pro measures approximately 5,365 mm × 1,900 mm × 1,809 mm (depending on wheelbase and cargo bed specifications), with a wheelbase of 3,155 mm. Marketed under the tagline “All-Round Advanced Pick-up”, its key highlights include a robust high-performance turbodiesel engine, a fully upgraded intelligent cockpit, and a chassis tuned for diverse global terrain. The Tornado 70 Pro effectively bridges the gap between utilitarian commercial workhorses and premium lifestyle trucks, delivering balanced performance to meet both commercial and private lifestyle requirements.
The evolution of the Tornado 70 Pro reflects the brand's precise grasp of the global trend towards passenger-car-like pick-up trucks:
Genesis and Evolution (2019–2021): Arriving as an upgraded successor to the T60, the T70 debuted with the advanced “SAIC π” high-performance turbodiesel engine. It also pioneered the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in its segment, delivering notably lighter and more agile steering feel.
Market Expansion with the Pro Badge (2022 to Present): Catering to the rising global demand for in-car connectivity and tech, the T70 Pro added enhanced creature comforts, including a larger 10.25-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. During this phase, widespread deliveries across international markets solidified its reputation for dependable and efficient performance.
Model Consolidation and Iteration (2024–2026): By 2026, the Tornado 70 Pro has established itself as one of the brand's key export pillars. Through ongoing refinements to fuel economy and emissions compliance (meeting China 6b and relevant international emission standards), it maintains solid and consistent sales volume across regional markets.
The Tornado 70 Pro has demonstrated strong market performance across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South America, frequently commended as “the best value-for-money option in its class”. Against established Japanese rivals, it offers more comprehensive tech features and punchy performance at a noticeably more accessible entry price. Proven across various demanding duties—from construction sites and commercial logistics to overland touring—the pick-up has earned a loyal customer base thanks to its rock-solid reliability and smooth powertrain calibration, providing vital sales momentum for the brand overseas.
Powertrain Performance: Powered by the SAIC “π” 2.0T high-performance turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a peak power output of 120 kW (approximately 161 hp) and maximum torque of 375–400 Nm. With optimised combustion efficiency, the engine combines strong low-end pulling power with respectable fuel efficiency, ensuring composed performance across both city traffic and long-distance highway cruising.
Chassis and All-Terrain Capability: Built with front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring non-independent suspension (with a multi-link rear setup available on selected variants), delivering high structural rigidity and heavy payload capacity. Paired with a BorgWarner electronically controlled 4WD system and a rear axle mechanical differential lock, it offers outstanding obstacle clearance and off-road capability on unpaved surfaces.
Smart Infotainment: The cabin features a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system integrated with smart connectivity features, supporting smartphone mirroring, voice control, and a reverse camera. The system interface is well-optimised for quick responsiveness and an intuitive, passenger-car-like user experience.
Safety: ABS with EBD, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), and dual airbags come standard across the range, while higher-spec variants add a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and cruise control, ensuring reliable active and passive safety across diverse working and driving conditions.
Moving forward, the SAIC MAXUS Tornado 70 Pro will focus on continuous improvements in efficiency and specification enhancements. The brand plans to further refine its emission systems in line with evolving global regulations, alongside exploring the introduction of mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology to reduce overall fuel consumption. At the same time, SAIC MAXUS will continue leveraging its robust C2B customisation platform to develop dedicated variants of the Tornado 70 Pro for commercial sectors such as mining, forestry, and emergency rescue, ensuring the nameplate maintains strong market presence and technical competitiveness globally.
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