The Maxus T60 Dual Cab 2.8 TD (150 hp) 4WD Automatic is a mid-size pickup truck produced by the Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor under the Maxus brand, beginning in 2016. Designed primarily for the commercial and utility markets, particularly in Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe, the T60 represented Maxus’s entry into the competitive pickup truck segment. This specific variant, equipped with the 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, aimed to provide a balance of capability, affordability, and relative comfort for both work and personal use. It slots into the T60 lineup as a mid-range offering, positioned above base models with manual transmissions and lower power outputs, but below more premium trims with additional features.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Maxus |
| Model | T60 |
| Generation | T60 Dual Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.8 TD (150 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 254 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.2 kg/Hp, 75.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 3400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54 Hp/l |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm (265.52 lb.-ft. @ 1600-2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | SC28R150Q5 |
| Engine displacement | 2776 cm3 (169.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 8.1 l (8.56 US qt | 7.13 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1980-2060 kg (4365.15 – 4541.52 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2950 kg (6503.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 890-970 kg (1962.11 – 2138.48 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 3000 kg (6613.87 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 5365 mm (211.22 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1900 mm (74.8 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2145 mm (84.45 in.) |
| Height | 1852 mm (72.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3155 mm (124.21 in.) |
| Front track | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1580 mm (62.2 in.) |
| Front overhang | 942 mm (37.09 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1268 mm (49.92 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm (8.46 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 27° |
| Departure angle | 24.2° |
| Ramp-over angle | 21.3° |
| Wading depth | 550 mm (21.65 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the T60 2.8 TD is the SC28R150Q5 engine, a 2.8-liter inline-four cylinder turbodiesel. This engine utilizes precombustion chamber injection, a system common in older diesel designs, where a small pre-chamber is used to initiate combustion before the main chamber. This aids in smoother and more complete combustion, particularly at lower engine speeds. The engine is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The turbocharger forces more air into the engine, while the intercooler cools the compressed air, increasing its density and further improving combustion. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from DSI, is a conventional torque converter automatic. While not known for being the most sophisticated transmission, it provides relatively smooth shifts and is generally reliable. Gear ratios are tuned for a balance of towing capability and on-road drivability.
Driving Characteristics
The 150 hp and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 2.8 TD engine provide adequate, but not exceptional, performance. Acceleration is modest, and the T60 doesn’t feel particularly quick. However, the engine’s torque peak, available from 1600-2800 rpm, provides good pulling power for hauling loads or navigating challenging terrain. The automatic transmission, while functional, can sometimes feel hesitant during downshifts. Compared to manual transmission versions of the T60, the automatic offers greater convenience, but sacrifices some responsiveness. Higher-output versions of the T60, equipped with more powerful engines, offer significantly improved acceleration and overall performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The T60 Dual Cab 2.8 TD Automatic typically came equipped with standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was generally vinyl or a durable cloth material. Higher trim levels offered upgrades like leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a reversing camera, navigation system, and upgraded sound system. Safety features typically included ABS brakes and airbags for the driver and front passenger.
Chassis & Braking
The T60 utilizes a body-on-frame construction, a traditional design for pickup trucks that provides robust durability and off-road capability. The front suspension consists of a double wishbone setup, while the rear suspension employs leaf springs. Leaf springs are known for their load-carrying capacity, but can result in a firmer ride quality. Brakes are disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for most situations. The 4WD system offers selectable four-wheel drive, allowing the driver to switch between two-wheel drive for fuel efficiency and four-wheel drive for improved traction in off-road conditions.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Maxus T60 was generally well-received in markets where it was offered, particularly for its competitive pricing and practical features. Critics noted its robust build quality and decent off-road capability. However, the engine was sometimes criticized for being noisy and lacking refinement compared to some of its competitors. Fuel economy, at 9.6 l/100km, was reasonable for a vehicle of its size and type. Compared to other pickups in its class, the T60 offered a compelling value proposition, but lacked the brand recognition and established reputation of more established manufacturers like Toyota or Ford.
Legacy
The Maxus T60 helped establish Maxus as a viable player in the global pickup truck market. While the 2.8 TD engine isn’t known for being particularly high-tech, it has proven to be relatively reliable in service. On the used car market, the T60 2.8 TD Automatic represents an affordable and capable option for buyers seeking a practical pickup truck. Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, and parts availability is improving as the Maxus brand gains wider recognition. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s somewhat agricultural nature and the transmission’s occasional hesitation.
