Features / 20 May 2024 / Albert du Toit

New LDV T60 Max Luxe vs Toyota Hilux Legend – What R800,000 gets you

China’s LDV recently entered South Africa with a bang, introducing a range of double cabs with generous specifications and attractive pricing.

At the top of its catalogue sits the T60 Max Luxe 4×4 which looks like nothing else in its segment and, at least on paper, seems like a bargain buy.

However, its window sticker of R790,000 means that it has stiff competition in its way of becoming a market leader, perhaps the most daunting of which is the Toyota Hilux, the country’s top-selling vehicle.

For less than R20,000 extra, buyers can get themselves into a new Hilux in Legend guise, which is the flagship trim of the Japanese bakkie.

The question remains, should you go for the new kid on the block or the old timer who has already been around a few times?

Power

The range-topping T60 is driven by a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel mill that churns out a substantial 160kW and 500Nm, married to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Power is channeled to all four corners via a selectable four-wheel-drive system, and fuel consumption for the brawny double cab is listed at 9.3l/100km.

The Toyota may have a larger 2.8-litre turbocharged plant but generates a lower 150kW and 420Nm, though this comes with the benefit of a far better average diesel usage of 7.4l/100km.

This particular version of the Hilux Legend turns the rear wheels only with drive handled by a six-speed manual shifter.

A rear diff lock is standard on both bakkies, with only the LDV additionally offering three drive modes namely Eco, Normal, and Power.

The T60 supports a higher payload capacity of 925kg compared to the Hilux’s 840kg, as well as a more substantial towing capacity of 3,000kg versus 2,750kg.

However, the LDV provides a ground clearance of 215mm and a 550mm water-wading depth, both of which are noticeably lower than the Toyota’s 286mm and 700mm.

Features

The close battle between the Chinese newcomer and Japanese stalwart continues when it concerns creature comforts.

On both, buyers are treated to automatic LED headlights with daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, leather upholstery, a multi-information driver’s display, a multifunction steering wheel, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, and lane-departure alert.

The top-spec T60 is further shipped with black 19-inch alloy wheels, electric front chairs, front and rear seat heating, manual airconditioning, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Bluetooth, cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, hill-descent control, driver fatigue monitoring, tyre-pressure monitoring, and six airbags.

Meanwhile, this particular Hilux Legend brings 18-inch rims, dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, a reverse camera, front parking sensors, trailer sway control, seven airbags, and a pre-crash system that detects an imminent collision and activates emergency braking and seatbelt bracing to reduce potential damages.