SAIC MAXUS T60 is the first pick-up truck model under SAIC Maxus Automotive Co., Ltd. (SAIC Maxus), positioned as a mid-to-high-end pick-up truck. First introduced in 2016, the model was hailed as an "epoch-making pick-up truck" thanks to its passenger-car-inspired design philosophy, versatile powertrain options, and globally aligned stringent safety standards. Not only did the T60 achieve the highest crash test score in history for a Chinese pick-up truck in the Australasian ANCAP assessment, but it has also been exported globally to Australia, New Zealand, South America, and the Middle East, establishing itself as a benchmark for Chinese pick-up trucks in developed overseas markets. As of 2026, the T60 has undergone multiple updates, with the latest 2026 model continuing to strengthen its market presence as a "commercial powerhouse", sporting a starting price from just RM79,800.
The T60 is the pioneer of the SAIC MAXUS "T" pick-up series and the first pick-up truck in China to be equipped with six airbags. The model line-up boasts an extensive range covering both petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, as well as multiple body configurations including standard double-cab, extended double-cab, high-rider, and low-rider variants. Earlier core models primarily catered to overseas and premium markets, with early price tags ranging between approximately RM99,800 and RM211,800; the 2026 T60 further penetrates the commercial utility segment, with the limited-time promotional price of the 4x2 manual long-bed variant dropping to RM74,800. Additionally, the SAIC MAXUS T60 spawned an MG-badged counterpart, marketed and sold under the MG marque in overseas markets such as Thailand.
In terms of exterior styling, the T60 has completely shed the rugged, utilitarian image of traditional workhorse pick-ups. Up front, it features a bold, oversized "waterfall-style" radiator grille, with select high-spec variants sporting a polygonal chrome grille paired with angular rectangular headlamp clusters and integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs), delivering an imposing and muscular aesthetic. The side profile features clean, sculpted character lines, complemented by chunky wheel arch mouldings that accentuate its rugged off-road stance. At the rear, the tailgate is flanked by distinctive tri-colour combination tail lamps, enhancing its visual presence. Side steps come standard across the entire range, while top-tier variants ride on 245/65R17 all-terrain tyres which, together with a generous 215 mm minimum ground clearance, strike an ideal balance between off-road capability and practicality.
Inside, the T60 showcases a sleek and symmetrical T-shaped dashboard layout finished in black with silver chrome accents and faux woodgrain trim, delivering a premium cabin ambiance that elevates it above conventional pick-up trucks. High-spec models feature plush leather upholstery, with the driver's seat benefiting from electric adjustment and seat heating. While hard plastics are still noticeable in certain areas, the overall fit, finish, and design remain well-aligned with its mid-to-high-end pick-up positioning.
The powertrain line-up of the T60 is exceptionally diverse and serves as one of its standout highlights. The petrol variant is powered by SAIC's proprietary NLE 2.0T turbocharged engine, churning out a maximum power of 165 kW (approx. 224 PS) and a peak torque of 360 Nm, mounted in a longitudinal front-engine layout. Early diesel models were equipped with a 2.8T turbodiesel engine (SC28R150Q5) developed using Italian VM Motori technology, outputting 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque. Subsequent versions were upgraded to SAIC's "SAIC π" 2.0T turbodiesel engine, raising maximum output to 120 kW (163 PS) and peak torque to 410 Nm, meeting China VI-b emissions standards. The latest 2026 iteration is driven by the award-winning "China Heart" Top Ten Engines SAIC π 2.0T diesel unit, retaining its 120 kW output.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a Punch-sourced 6-speed automatic (6AT). Drivetrain configurations are available in front-engine rear-wheel drive (4x2) and part-time four-wheel drive (4x4). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 160 km/h; on the fuel economy front, the manufacturer-claimed combined fuel consumption for the 2.8T diesel variant is as low as 7.5 L/100 km, with real-world combined consumption hovering around 8.0 L/100 km and steady-speed fuel consumption rated at 8.1 L/100 km. Given its kerb weight of roughly two tonnes, the fuel efficiency of the 2.0T petrol variant remains reasonable within its segment.
The T60 is built on a rugged body-on-frame (ladder-frame) architecture with a fully boxed chassis, providing a robust foundation for payload capacity and off-road articulation. Suspension-wise, the front is equipped with an independent double-wishbone setup with coil springs (also documented as double-wishbone), while the rear utilizes a non-independent full-progressive leaf spring suspension. The double-wishbone independent front suspension delivers excellent lateral stability and mechanical grip to keep the tyres firmly planted over rough terrain, whereas the rear leaf springs ensure dependable load-carrying and towing capacities, which, paired with the ladder frame, grant the T60 exceptional torsional rigidity. The 2026 model refines this setup further with an industry-first full-progressive rear leaf spring design, noticeably enhancing ride comfort under full payload and on unpaved roads.
The 4x4 variants are fitted with an electronically controlled part-time 4WD system alongside a rear differential lock, offering three drive modes: NORMAL, ECO, and POWER. Hill Descent Control (HDC) comes standard, while the 4L (low-range) mode provides strong low-end torque multiplication for superior obstacle clearance and off-road recovery. Steering is hydraulically assisted with a reassuring, weighted feel, ensuring commendable high-speed stability. Braking duties are handled by four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated front discs, while range-topping trims also feature adaptive front-lighting (AFS) LED headlamps.
The T60 features a 4-door, 5-seater double-cab configuration. Thanks to a generous wheelbase spanning between 3,155 mm and 3,470 mm, rear passenger legroom and headroom are commendable, offering ride comfort far superior to typical utilitarian workhorses. The cargo bed is available in standard (1,485 mm) and long-bed (1,800 mm) options, with a uniform bed width of 1,510 mm and a depth of 530 mm, providing a neat, practical load space and strong carrying capacity.
On the infotainment and technology front, the T60 is fitted with the Banma Smart Drive YunOS connected system (Yun OS on select high-spec variants) jointly developed by Alibaba and SAIC, featuring a 10-inch floating HD infotainment touchscreen alongside a digital instrument cluster, supporting smart voice commands, online navigation, remote vehicle telematics, and Car-Link smartphone connectivity. In terms of comfort amenities, high-spec trims come equipped with keyless entry, push-start ignition, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and heated rear seats.
Safety is a core pillar of the T60's appeal and laid the groundwork for its global acclaim. In the Australasian ANCAP crash test, the T60 earned a maximum "5-Star Safety Rating" with an impressive score of 35.46 out of 37 points—setting a record high for a Chinese brand in ANCAP history and making it the first Chinese pick-up to achieve this milestone. For passive safety, top-spec variants are equipped with 6 airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags), pioneering this safety benchmark among Chinese pick-ups. The body shell extensively employs high-strength steel and hot-stamped steel with a yield strength exceeding 1,000 MPa (accounting for 7% of the structure), which, paired with automated laser welding, significantly bolsters passenger cell rigidity.
In terms of active safety and driver assistance, the T60 is equipped as standard across the range with the Bosch ESP 9.1 Electronic Stability Programme (integrating ABS, EBD, TCS, HBA, and HHC), along with practical aids such as a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a heated rear windscreen demister. High-spec grades further add a 360-degree surround-view camera, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and cruise control. The 2026 T60 equips automatic LED headlamps as standard, elevating everyday convenience and night-time visibility. All seats feature three-point seatbelts, with ISOFIX child seat anchor points providing essential protection for younger occupants.
As a core global strategic model for SAIC MAXUS, the T60 has achieved remarkable success both at home and abroad. Internationally, the T60 made a successful breakthrough in the highly regulated Australia and New Zealand markets, becoming the best-selling Chinese-badged pick-up in Australasia and China's top pick-up export to developed nations by volume. In Chile, SAIC MAXUS pick-ups once captured the second-largest market share, outpacing multiple established Japanese, European, and American rivals; in Saudi Arabia, the T60 climbed to fourth in segment sales within six months of launch, leading all Chinese competitors. Domestically in China, SAIC MAXUS solidified a firm foothold in the mid-to-high-end segment above RM100,000 via the T60. As of 2025, SAIC MAXUS has consistently ranked among the top three pick-up exporters globally for consecutive years, with cumulative overseas sales surpassing 150,000 units.
In terms of owner feedback, the T60 has garnered largely positive reviews, with praise centred on its exceptionally roomy cabin in both legroom and shoulder room, the punchy power delivery and strong acceleration of the 2.0T petrol engine, and the robust off-road recovery capability of the 4x4 system. The exterior styling is regarded as handsome and well-proportioned, offering substantial aftermarket modification potential. Minor drawbacks highlighted by owners include the noticeable use of hard plastics in the interior, a firmer ride characteristic typical of ladder-frame setups, the absence of a factory tow hook, and the omission of rear speakers in certain entry-level trims.
As of 2026, as the foundational pillar of MAXUS's pick-up lineup, the SAIC MAXUS T60 continues to evolve and sell strongly. The latest 2026 T60, with its highly competitive entry price, works alongside the all-new Interstellar L to address both commercial utility and lifestyle demands, reinforcing SAIC MAXUS's dual-pronged market strategy. From an "epoch-making pick-up" pioneer to China's global automotive ambassador, the SAIC MAXUS T60 has continually demonstrated product vitality over the past decade, remaining an indispensable force in China's pick-up exports and versatile utility vehicle segments.
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