2011-2016 Great Wall Steed 5 2.0 TCI (150 Hp) 4×4

The Great Wall Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4, produced from 2011 to 2016, represents a significant step in Great Wall Motors’ ambition to establish itself in the global pickup truck market. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Steed 5 lineup, this variant aimed to provide a balance of capability, affordability, and modern features. The Steed 5, as a whole, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical work vehicle or a versatile family transport, particularly in markets where pickup trucks are popular for both commercial and personal use. This 2.0 TCI 4×4 model specifically targeted customers needing four-wheel drive capability for more demanding tasks or challenging terrain.

Technical Specifications

Powertrain & Engine Architecture

The heart of the Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4 is the GW4D20, a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, coupled with a turbocharger and intercooler, to deliver 150 horsepower. The engine’s design focused on providing adequate torque for hauling and towing, typical requirements for pickup truck owners. The diesel common rail system allows for precise fuel delivery, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to older diesel technologies. The engine’s architecture is relatively straightforward, aiming for durability and ease of maintenance. The transmission paired with this engine is a four-speed automatic, a somewhat dated design by the standards of the mid-2010s, but chosen for its robustness and cost-effectiveness. The automatic transmission was intended to broaden the Steed 5’s appeal to buyers who preferred the convenience of an automatic over a manual gearbox.

Driving Characteristics

The driving experience in the Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4 is characterized by its work-oriented nature. The four-speed automatic transmission, while providing convenience, doesn’t offer the responsiveness or fuel efficiency of more modern transmissions with a greater number of gears. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.8 seconds, which is adequate but not particularly brisk. The engine delivers its peak torque at relatively low RPMs, making it suitable for hauling loads or navigating challenging terrain. The 4×4 system provides enhanced traction in off-road conditions, but it’s a part-time system, requiring the driver to manually engage four-wheel drive when needed. Compared to a manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness and fuel economy, but gains in ease of use, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The suspension is tuned for comfort and load-carrying capacity, resulting in a slightly softer ride than some competitors.

Equipment & Trim Levels

The Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4 typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features for its price point. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Interior upholstery was generally vinyl or a basic cloth material. The dashboard layout was functional but not particularly luxurious, with a focus on practicality. Optional extras could include a radio/CD player, alloy wheels, and a rear parking sensor system. The trim level of this variant generally sat in the mid-range of the Steed 5 lineup, offering a step up in features and capability compared to the base models, but falling short of the more premium trims.

Chassis & Braking

The Steed 5 utilizes a body-on-frame construction, a traditional design for pickup trucks that provides robustness and durability. The suspension consists of double wishbones at the front and leaf springs at the rear. The rear leaf springs are designed to handle heavy loads. Braking is accomplished via disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, a common configuration for vehicles in this class. The steering system is a rack and pinion setup with electric power steering, providing reasonable steering feel and maneuverability. Stabilizer bars were included to reduce body roll during cornering, although the Steed 5 is not designed for sporty handling.

Market Reception & Comparison

The Great Wall Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4 received mixed reviews from automotive critics. It was generally praised for its affordability, robust construction, and four-wheel drive capability. However, it was often criticized for its dated automatic transmission, relatively basic interior, and lack of refinement compared to established competitors from brands like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan. Fuel economy was considered average for a diesel pickup truck of its size. Compared to other trims in the Steed 5 lineup, the 2.0 TCI 4×4 offered a good balance of performance and capability, making it a popular choice for buyers who needed four-wheel drive but didn’t require the higher power output of other engine options. Reliability reports have been mixed, with some owners reporting issues with the automatic transmission and electrical components.

Legacy

The Great Wall Steed 5 2.0 TCI 4×4 represents an important milestone in Great Wall Motors’ development as a global automotive manufacturer. While not a class leader, it provided a competitively priced and capable pickup truck option for buyers in emerging markets and those seeking a budget-friendly work vehicle. On the used car market, these vehicles are generally available at very affordable prices. The GW4D20 engine, while not known for being particularly sophisticated, has proven to be reasonably durable with proper maintenance. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for issues with the four-speed automatic transmission and should carefully inspect the vehicle before purchase. The Steed 5 paved the way for Great Wall’s later, more refined pickup truck offerings, such as the Poer, demonstrating the company’s commitment to improving its products and expanding its global reach.