2025 LDV T60 : The budget-friendly LDV T60 has long been the quiet achiever in Australia’s competitive ute market, offering tradies and weekend warriors a compelling alternative to the dominant Japanese and American workhorses. Now, the Chinese manufacturer has revealed its 2025 update, bringing welcome safety enhancements alongside an inevitable price increase. The refreshed T60 reinforces LDV’s commitment to improving its offerings in the Australian market while maintaining its position as a value-oriented challenger to segment stalwarts like the Toyota HiLux.
The Price of Progress: New Costings Detailed
LDV Australia has confirmed the 2025 T60 will see price increases across the range, with entry-level variants now starting from $34,990 drive-away for ABN holders—representing a $2,000 jump from the outgoing model. Private buyers will face sticker prices beginning at $36,990 drive-away, while higher-spec variants like the Luxe and Mega Tub models push into the low-to-mid $40,000 range.
“We’ve worked hard to minimize the impact on buyers while delivering meaningful improvements,” said Dinesh Chinnappa, General Manager of LDV Australia, during a media briefing in Sydney yesterday. “The reality is that enhanced safety technology and rising manufacturing costs necessitate some price adjustments, but we remain committed to offering exceptional value in the segment.”
The price increases position the T60 firmly in that delicate middle ground—no longer the absolute bargain-basement option it once was, yet still undercutting established players like the HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max by several thousand dollars when comparing similarly equipped variants.
Local LDV dealers report that the sweet spot in the range remains the mid-spec T60 Luxe, which balances affordability with desirable features and now comes in at $42,490 drive-away—approximately $7,000 to $10,000 less than comparable Japanese alternatives.
Safety First: ANCAP’s Influence on the 2025 Update
The driving force behind the 2025 update appears to be addressing safety requirements, with LDV keen to maintain the T60’s five-star ANCAP safety rating under increasingly stringent assessment protocols. The original T60 was the first Chinese vehicle to achieve a five-star rating back in 2017, but maintaining that coveted status requires continuous improvement.
The 2025 model introduces several key safety enhancements:
- Upgraded autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Enhanced lane-keeping assistance with emergency lane-keeping function
- Blind-spot monitoring now standard across all variants
- Rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking capability
- Driver attention monitoring system
- Improved front and side airbag design
- Strengthened A-pillars and chassis reinforcement
These improvements aren’t merely checkbox items but represent genuine advancements in the T60’s safety credentials, potentially saving lives and reducing the severity of accidents—something every ute buyer should consider regardless of budget.
“The T60 has matured into a genuinely well-rounded package,” noted veteran automotive safety expert Dr. Michael Paine, who I spoke with at the Sydney unveiling. “These aren’t token gestures but meaningful safety upgrades that bring the T60 much closer to the benchmark vehicles in the class.”
Under the Bonnet: Powertrain Specifications
Despite rumors of a significant powertrain overhaul, the 2025 T60 soldiers on with a largely unchanged 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, producing a respectable 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque. These figures position it competitively against the HiLux’s 150kW/500Nm from its 2.8-litre turbodiesel.
The familiar eight-speed ZF automatic transmission remains the standard offering, though a six-speed manual option continues on base variants—an increasingly rare proposition in a segment gradually abandoning stick shifts.
Fuel economy sees marginal improvements, with LDV claiming a combined cycle figure of 8.4L/100km—a 0.3L/100km improvement over the outgoing model. Real-world testing will determine whether these modest gains translate to meaningful savings at the bowser.
Towing capacity remains unchanged at 3,000kg braked, which falls short of the class-leading 3,500kg offered by most rivals. This limitation could be a dealbreaker for those who regularly tow heavy trailers or caravans, though it’s adequate for most typical applications including boats, horse floats, and medium-sized caravans.
Off-Road Credentials Bolstered
The T60’s off-road capability receives attention in the 2025 update, with LDV engineers fine-tuning the electronic four-wheel-drive system for improved performance in challenging conditions. The electronic rear differential lock remains standard on mid and high-specification variants, while approach and departure angles have been marginally improved through subtle bumper redesigns.
Ground clearance stands at a competitive 215mm, and the inclusion of all-terrain tires on certain variants signals LDV’s intent to appeal to the growing cohort of buyers who actually use their utes for weekend adventures rather than merely projecting an outdoorsy image.
During a brief off-road demonstration at the launch event, the T60 impressed with its composure on a challenging course, though it still lacks the refined wheel articulation of class leaders like the Ranger and D-Max.
Practical Matters: Payload and Utility
Working credentials remain central to the T60’s appeal. The standard tub offers a payload capacity of 1,025kg, while the Mega Tub variant—a unique selling point in the segment—provides additional cargo space with its extended tray, albeit with a slightly reduced payload of 952kg due to the additional weight of the larger tub.
The tub itself features a standard spray-in liner on all but the base model, with increasingly useful additions like integrated tie-down points, a 12-volt socket, and lighting becoming standard as you move up the range. The tailgate’s assisted opening and closing mechanism—previously reserved for the flagship model—now features on mid-spec variants as well.
“We’ve listened to feedback from actual users,” explained Robert Dong, LDV’s product planning manager for Australia. “Tradies told us they wanted more practical features in the tub itself, not just fancy cabin technology, so we’ve delivered improvements where they matter most.”
Cabin Comfort and Technology
Inside, the 2025 T60 receives modest but meaningful updates. The infotainment system grows to a 12.3-inch touchscreen (up from 10.25 inches) and now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across all variants. The dated graphics of the previous system have been refreshed, though the underlying software architecture remains somewhat clunky compared to class leaders.
A digital instrument cluster is now standard on mid and high-spec variants, replacing the traditional analog gauges with a 7-inch configurable display that can show everything from traditional speedometer and tachometer to off-road information and safety system status.
Material quality shows incremental improvement, with softer touchpoints on the dashboard and door cards, though hard plastics remain prevalent. The seats receive new padding and covering materials that strike a better balance between durability and comfort—addressing a common criticism of earlier models.
Rear seat accommodation remains generous, with the dual-cab configuration offering genuine space for three adults across the bench, though the seat back remains a touch too upright for long-journey comfort.
Practical Technology for Working Lives
LDV has wisely focused on technology that serves practical purposes rather than gimmicks. USB-C ports replace older USB-A connections, and the wireless charging pad has been enlarged to accommodate larger smartphones in protective cases—a small but thoughtful improvement for those who use their phones as essential work tools.
The air conditioning system has been upgraded with a more powerful compressor, addressing complaints about insufficient cooling during scorching Australian summers. Dual-zone climate control is now standard from the mid-spec variant upward.
“We’ve tried to focus on the technology that makes working life easier,” said Dong. “Features that look good in brochures but don’t add real value didn’t make the cut.”
The Warranty Question: Standing Behind the Product
Perhaps the most significant announcement alongside the 2025 update is LDV’s enhanced warranty offering. The T60 now comes with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty—matching Kia’s industry-leading coverage and exceeding the five-year warranties offered by Toyota, Ford, and most other ute manufacturers.
Servicing intervals remain at 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, with LDV now offering capped-price servicing for the first five years of ownership. These moves directly address lingering concerns about long-term reliability and resale value—traditional weak points for Chinese vehicles in the Australian market.
“The extended warranty isn’t just a marketing gimmick,” Chinnappa emphasized. “It reflects our genuine confidence in the product’s durability and our commitment to the Australian market long-term.”
Market Position: The Value Equation
The 2025 LDV T60’s value proposition has evolved from its initial “bargain basement” positioning toward something more nuanced. While no longer as starkly cheaper as earlier generations, it offers a substantially more complete package with fewer compromises.
This evolution mirrors the trajectory of Korean brands like Hyundai and Kia two decades ago—starting as budget alternatives before gradually elevating their offerings to challenge established players on quality and features, not just price.
Market analysis suggests LDV has found a sweet spot targeting value-conscious small business owners and regional buyers who appreciate the T60’s increasingly rounded package but remain price-sensitive.
“The typical T60 buyer has changed,” observed Martin Kennedy, dealer principal at Western Sydney LDV. “Initially, we saw extremely price-driven customers who prioritized the bottom line above all else. Today’s buyers are more discerning—they expect a certain level of quality, safety, and features, but still appreciate the value proposition compared to the Japanese alternatives.”
Market Share Aspirations
LDV isn’t shy about its market ambitions, targeting a 5% share of Australia’s 4×4 ute segment by the end of 2025—an ambitious but not unrealistic goal given the brand’s consistent growth trajectory. The T60 has already established itself as Australia’s best-selling Chinese ute, outpacing rivals from GWM and newcomer BYD.
Industry analysts suggest the refreshed T60 has the potential to capitalize on current market conditions, particularly as cost-of-living pressures make buyers more receptive to alternatives to the established players.
“The timing is advantageous for LDV,” said Michael Robson, automotive industry analyst at Market Vision. “With interest rates putting pressure on vehicle affordability and the established players facing supply constraints and price increases of their own, the value equation of the T60 becomes increasingly compelling to practical-minded buyers.”
Driving Impressions: Behind the Wheel
During a brief drive at the launch event, the 2025 T60 demonstrated incremental improvements in refinement and driving dynamics rather than revolutionary change. The suspension tuning—specifically recalibrated for Australian conditions—strikes a better balance between load-carrying capability and unladen ride quality than previous iterations.
Road noise remains more prominent than in class leaders, particularly on coarse-chip country roads, though wind noise has been reduced through improved door sealing and thicker glass.
The steering feels more precise than before, with reduced vagueness around the straight-ahead position—a common complaint with earlier models. It’s still not as communicative as a Ranger or as light as a HiLux, but it’s entirely serviceable for everyday driving.
The 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel engine performs admirably, with minimal turbo lag and strong mid-range torque making light work of overtaking and hill climbing. The ZF eight-speed automatic transmission remains a highlight, offering smooth and intuitive shifts that keep the engine in its sweet spot.
NVH Improvements
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels show improvement, though still lag behind the refinement of Japanese and American competitors. Additional sound insulation in the firewall and transmission tunnel helps suppress diesel clatter, while stiffer mounting points for the body on the ladder frame reduce vibrations through the cabin.
“We’ve addressed the areas customers told us needed improvement,” said Andy Zhang, LDV’s lead dynamics engineer for Australia. “Completely eliminating the character of a diesel workhorse wasn’t the goal—retaining some of that honest, purposeful feel while reducing fatigue-inducing noise and vibration was our target.”
The Competitive Landscape: How Does It Stack Up?
The 2025 T60 enters a fiercely competitive market dominated by established players with loyal customer bases. The Toyota HiLux continues its decades-long reign as Australia’s best-selling vehicle, while the Ford Ranger has closed the gap considerably in recent years. The Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 twins offer compelling alternatives, while the Mitsubishi Triton maintains its strong value positioning.
Against this formidable competition, the T60’s proposition is clearer than ever—it offers 90% of the capability and features of the segment leaders at 80% of the price, with the reassurance of a class-leading warranty.
For tradies feeling the squeeze of rising equipment costs and small business owners watching their bottom line, this equation remains compelling despite the price increases. For recreational users drawn to utes for their lifestyle versatility, the decision becomes more subjective, with brand preference and resale considerations often outweighing immediate value.
The Budget Challenger Matures
The 2025 LDV T60 represents another step in the steady evolution of Chinese vehicles in the Australian market. No longer defined solely by bargain pricing, the T60 has matured into a genuinely competent all-rounder that balances value with increasingly acceptable levels of safety, technology, and refinement.
While it doesn’t revolutionize the segment or threaten the dominance of established players, it continues to carve out its own niche as the thinking person’s alternative—a pragmatic choice for those who prioritize value without demanding absolute class leadership in any single area.
The price increases, while unwelcome in isolation, reflect both the improved product and broader market conditions affecting all manufacturers. The T60 remains significantly more affordable than mainstream rivals while closing the gap in areas that matter most to everyday users.
For LDV, the challenge now is to continue building brand recognition and dealer presence while maintaining the value equation that has fueled its growth to date. If the trajectory of Korean brands offers any indication, the path from budget alternative to respected competitor is well-established—though traversing it successfully requires consistent execution and commitment to the Australian market.
The 2025 LDV T60 will reach Australian showrooms in April, with dealers already accepting orders for the refreshed model.
James Wilkinson has been covering the automotive industry for over 15 years and has driven nearly every ute available in the Australian market. He traveled to Sydney as a guest of LDV Australia for this launch event.
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