The SAIC MAXUS MAXUS Tornado 60 (retaining the "T60" nameplate in selected overseas markets) is a mid-size pick-up truck launched by SAIC MAXUS. Serving as a crucial cornerstone for Chinese automotive marques in the global pick-up segment, the Tornado 60 has established a broad customer base across international markets including the Southern Hemisphere, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, backed by its proven powertrain, high safety standards, and versatile load-hauling capability, spearheading the brand's global expansion strategy.
Positioned as a mid-size pick-up truck, the Tornado 60 is offered in Single Cab and Double Cab body styles, with exterior dimensions varying according to cargo bed length, sporting a rugged industrial styling. Marketed as a "Global Multi-Purpose Pick-up Truck", its key selling points include: a passive safety structure engineered to meet 5-star NCAP standards across multiple international markets, dependable turbodiesel performance, and robust 4WD off-road capabilities built for harsh geographical environments. As an "all-scenario" pick-up, it effortlessly handles heavy-duty logistics and commercial haulage whilst catering to lifestyle off-roading and towing needs for private owners.
The evolution of the Tornado 60 (T60) reflects the broader transition of Chinese pick-up trucks from basic "commercial workhorses" into "lifestyle passenger-oriented vehicles":
Debut and Global Rollout (2016–2017): In 2016, the T60 made its debut as SAIC Motor's inaugural pick-up model. Engineered from inception to meet mainstream international pick-up technical standards, it became one of the first Chinese pick-ups to secure an Australian ANCAP 5-star crash safety rating, breaking down barriers for Chinese-brand pick-up trucks entering developed automotive markets.
Powertrain Upgrades and Lineup Expansion (2018–2022): With the introduction of the "SAIC π" 2.0T high-performance turbodiesel engine, the performance of the T60 series was significantly upgraded. During this phase, the brand expanded the range with commemorative models like the 5th Anniversary Edition alongside flat-floor cargo beds and standard/long-wheelbase variants tailored to varied market demands.
Deepening Global Presence (2023 to Present): As of 2026, the Tornado 60 has solidified a solid reputation for durability and reliability across international markets. Marketed under the "Tornado 60" badge in regions such as the Middle East, it retains the core T60 DNA while benefiting from dedicated chassis retuning for demanding local terrains, establishing itself as a top Chinese pick-up choice for mining, construction, and private fleets.
The Tornado 60 stands as one of the most successful export nameplates among Chinese pick-up brands. In major traditional pick-up strongholds such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, it has successfully gained ground against entrenched Japanese competitors thanks to its class-above specifications and comprehensive after-sales support. Globally, the series has accumulated hundreds of thousands of owners. Its overseas competitive edge lies not just in competitive pricing, but in its validated global safety credentials, fundamentally transforming international market perceptions of Chinese pick-up quality.
Powertrain: Core variants are powered by SAIC's "π" 2.0T turbodiesel engine—awarded the "China Heart" Top Ten Engine accolade—delivering peak torque of 350–375 Nm with strong low-end pulling power. Power is delivered via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with gear shift mapping optimised specifically for heavy payload conditions.
All-Terrain Capability: Featuring a BorgWarner electronically controlled part-time 4WD system, it supports selectable ECO, NORMAL, and POWER drive modes. Paired with an Eaton mechanical automatic differential lock, it delivers excellent obstacle-clearing and climbing capability across tough terrains including mud, sand, and snow.
Chassis & Build Quality: Built on a rigid ladder-frame (body-on-frame) chassis, the body shell incorporates ultra-high-strength steel with hot-stamped reinforcements in critical structural zones. This construction ensures high payload capacity while maintaining passenger cell survival space in the event of a collision.
Cabin & Onboard Tech: The cabin departs from traditional commercial pick-up austerity, incorporating a 10-inch floating infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, alongside cruise control, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Hill Start Assist, bridging commercial utility with passenger car refinement.
Future developments for the SAIC MAXUS Tornado 60 lineup will centre on "intelligent tech" and "multi-powertrain transitions". With global demands shifting towards lower emissions, SAIC MAXUS plans to integrate advanced new-energy powertrains into its pick-up platform to lower running costs and fuel consumption. Simultaneously, the brand will deepen ties with overseas distributor networks, leveraging its C2B customisation model to offer tailored Tornado 60 fleet configurations for specialised industries (such as mining, forestry, and emergency response), solidifying its competitive standing in the global mid-size pick-up segment.
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