LDV Terron 9

Model Overview

The LDV Terron 9 is an all-new flagship full-size double-cab pick-up (ute) introduced by SAIC Motor under its LDV brand. Positioned as a flagship full-size rugged 4x4 pick-up truck, it stands as the largest and most well-equipped pick-up model in the history of the LDV brand. It made its global debut in Australia in mid-2025 before being rolled out to international markets including New Zealand, South Africa, and the UAE. Underpinned by its core product pillars of "super-sized dimensions, high-output powertrain, and ultra-luxurious appointments", the model carves out a distinct competitive edge in the fiercely contested global pick-up truck segment with its full-size body, punchy 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, extensive tech features, and highly aggressive pricing. The Terron 9 corresponds directly to the SAIC MAXUS Interstellar X in China, sharing the same underlying platform with differences limited to subtle exterior styling details and brand badging. As SAIC Motor's British commercial vehicle marque, LDV focuses primarily on large pick-ups, vans, and SUVs in global markets, forming a two-tier line-up alongside the existing T60 to establish a comprehensive global pick-up truck portfolio.

In terms of its core pricing strategy, the Terron 9 targets the market with high value for money. In Australia, the Terron 9 is offered in two variants: the entry-level Origin and the top-spec Evolve, carrying retail on-the-road drive-away prices of RM158,000 and RM173,000 respectively for private buyers. For commercial fleet and ABN holders, the manufacturer introduced promotional on-the-road drive-away pricing from RM147,000 to RM162,000, with a limited-run promotional offer dropping further to RM141,000 in early 2026—making it the largest 4WD double-cab pick-up priced under RM150,000 in Australia. In South Africa, the Premium and Flagship variants are tagged at RM187,000 and RM204,000 respectively, positioned a notch above the T60. In New Zealand, the Elite variant carries an on-the-road drive-away price of RM163,000 (excluding on-road costs).

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Terron 9 adopts SAIC MAXUS's latest "Star Source Technology" design language, exuding the rugged character typical of American full-size pick-up trucks. Up front, a bold, waterfall-style polygonal radiator grille takes centre stage, flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights and distinctive C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs) to deliver a square-jawed, commanding fascia. In profile, straight character lines run front to back, matched with flared black wheel arch cladding and flush pop-out door handles to create a broad, muscular stance. The rear end is fitted with vertically stacked LED tail lights, a full-width light bar, and chrome rear bumper garnishes. Dimension-wise, it measures 5,500 mm in length, 1,997 mm in width, and 1,874 mm in height, with a generous 3,300 mm wheelbase and an overall width of 2,265 mm inclusive of the side mirrors. This makes the Terron 9 one of the longest double-cab pick-up trucks on sale in Australia and South Africa, physically dwarfing established rivals such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, GWM Cannon, and GWM P500. Paint finishes on offer include White, Concrete Grey, Desert Yellow, Spruce Green, Sapphire Blue, and Metallic Black. The flagship variant rides on 20-inch multi-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels shod with 275/50 R20 highway-terrain tyres.

Inside, the cabin takes a distinctly passenger-car approach to luxury, generously appointed with soft-touch leather upholstery, piano black trim, and satin chrome accents to deliver an upmarket ambience. All variants come standard with a twin-screen digital cockpit comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch floating central touchscreen, which declutters the dashboard by replacing most physical switches. The multi-function steering wheel adopts a futuristic two-spoke layout and houses a column-mounted electronic gear selector behind it. The centre console features a floating bridge design, freeing up a cavernous under-console storage tray suitable for handbags and personal belongings. Passenger space is generous throughout, with front and rear headroom and legroom besting many class rivals. The front seats feature an integrated, sporty bucket profile, while the rear bench is equipped with a fold-down centre armrest, dedicated rear air vents, and an almost flat floor layout.

Powertrain and Performance

The Terron 9 line-up is powered by a 2.5-litre inline-four turbocharged diesel engine (from SAIC's πPlus engine family), producing a maximum output of 163 kW (approx. 222 PS) and a peak torque of 520 Nm. The peak torque band is accessible between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm, serving up strong low-end grunt that places it among the highest-output four-cylinder oil-burners in its segment. It completes the 0–100 km/h benchmark in 10.9 seconds en route to a top speed of 180 km/h. Power is channelled to the wheels via a ZF-sourced 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, delivering seamless gear shifts and high driveline efficiency. Fuel capacity is rated at 80 litres, with a combined NEDC fuel consumption figure of 7.9 L/100 km, enabling a theoretical single-tank touring range of up to 1,013 km. Payload capacity stands at 1,100 kg for the Origin and 1,005 kg for the Evolve. A maximum 3,500 kg braked towing capacity is standard across the range, matching the benchmark figures of the segment.

Expanding the powertrain line-up, the Terron 9 is also engineered for full-electric (eTerron 9) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configurations. Built on the Star GST architecture, the all-electric eTerron 9 employs a dual-motor permanent magnet synchronous setup producing a combined 325 kW, rocketing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, with an official WLTP driving range of 430 km. At the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, SAIC MAXUS confirmed plans for the Terron 9 PHEV, with production slated to commence in 2027. The plug-in hybrid model will feature a high-efficiency PHEV powertrain targeting an electric-only range of over 100 km and a total combined cruising range exceeding 1,000 km, with future introductions planned for export markets such as Australia and Europe to take on the likes of the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV.

Chassis and Handling

The Terron 9 is engineered on a robust ladder-frame chassis, providing heavy-duty structural rigidity for demanding off-roading and high payload demands. The front suspension uses an independent double-wishbone setup, while the rear features a heavy-duty longitudinal leaf-spring rigid axle, balancing heavy load-hauling capability with on-road cruising stability. It boasts a ground clearance of 215–220 mm and a maximum water-wading depth of 550 mm. Approach, departure, and breakover angles are rated at 29°, 25°, and 20° respectively, endowing it with respectable all-terrain chops. A traditional part-time four-wheel-drive system is standard, offering 4H (4WD High), 4L (4WD Low), and 2H (2WD High) modes, with low-range gearing multiplying torque for heavy crawl duties. Differential locks include a standard rear differential lock (limited-slip differential) on the Origin variant, while the Evolve adds a front differential lock to deliver a proper dual-locker setup. Drive modes include standard on-road settings (Normal, Eco, Sport) along with terrain-specific programmes like Mud, Snow, Sand, and Tow, with the top trim gaining Rock, Deep Snow, Deep Mud, and Wade modes. Stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an Electric Parking Brake (EPB). Tyre fitment starts with 265/65 R18 highway-terrain rubber on the entry variant, upgrading to 275/50 R20 tyres on the high-spec model.

Cabin and Equipment

The interior of the Terron 9 is anchored by a dual 12.3-inch screen setup (digital meter cluster and infotainment display), with the central screen grouping satellite navigation, multimedia, and vehicle settings. The infotainment suite supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in-car voice commands, 4G telematics, and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, delivering smooth response times. On the audio front, the Origin variant gets a standard 6-speaker setup, while the Evolve is upgraded with an 8-speaker JBL premium sound system.

In terms of convenience and creature comforts, standard equipment across the range includes automatic LED headlights, LED DRLs, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with push-start ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, front wireless smartphone charging pad, 360-degree surround-view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The flagship Evolve adds 20-inch alloy rims, the JBL sound system, 8-way powered front seats with memory, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, hands-free powered tailgate, LED cargo tub lighting, a panoramic glass roof, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, and power-folding side mirrors. For bed functionality, the Evolve features a unique folding rear midgate; folding flat the rear seats and dropping the bulkhead fully opens the cargo bed into the cabin, extending the usable cargo floor to an impressive 2,600 mm × 1,600 mm.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Terron 9 boasts certified global safety credentials, having secured a maximum 5-star ANCAP safety rating in Australia in 2024 (valid until December 2031). The rating was assessed based on crash tests of the MAXUS eTerron 9 and carries across to all diesel-powered Terron 9 variants. Breakdown scores are as follows: Adult Occupant Protection at 91%, Child Occupant Protection at 89%, Vulnerable Road User Protection at 84%, and Safety Assist at 85%.

Passive safety is well covered with 7 airbags fitted as standard across the range, including dual front airbags, front side airbags (chest), full-length side curtain airbags (front and rear head protection), and a front centre airbag to prevent occupant-to-occupant contact in a severe side impact. The ladder-frame safety cell utilises high-strength steels in critical crash paths to ensure high structural integrity of the passenger safety cell.

Active safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are comprehensive, featuring a Level 2 ADAS suite as standard across the range. Key functions include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB with vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, and reverse AEB detection), Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with Stop & Go), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert with auto brake (RCTA), Driver Monitoring System (DMS), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), and Auto High Beam (AHB). A 360-degree camera with reverse camera and front/rear parking sensors are standard, upgraded to a 540-degree transparent under-chassis view on higher trims to eliminate blind spots when manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its international debut in mid-2025, the LDV Terron 9's sales trajectory in global markets outside China has followed a relatively slow start after initial buzz. In Australia, the Terron 9 posted 639 units by the end of 2025; despite brief improvements following price cuts in early 2026, cumulative sales through Q1 2026 stood at just 470 units. With monthly volumes settling around 100 to 200 units, it trails further down the order in Australia's ultra-competitive ute market, remaining some distance behind Japanese and American segment stalwarts like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

In South Africa, the Terron 9 arrived in September 2025. Following the arrival of the first batch in early 2026, it generated strong buzz in the motoring press, being labelled the largest double-cab pick-up truck on the local market. In other global territories such as Mexico and the Middle East, the Terron 9 has secured an initial foothold, remaining in the early development phase of its market introduction. Local rollout plans for the PHEV and pure-electric eTerron 9 in Australia and New Zealand remain subject to market evaluation.

In third-party motoring reviews, Australian automotive portal Drive rated the Terron 9 at 7.5/10, praising its class-topping physical size, generous standard equipment, and strong powertrain output at a competitive price point, noting it as a compelling choice for buyers seeking maximum metal for the money. Reviews by Carsales and CarExpert echoed that its car-like cabin luxury, dual 12.3-inch screens, and front/rear diff locks set a high benchmark against class rivals, shifting consumer perceptions of Chinese pick-up offerings. Nevertheless, reviewers noted several niggles: the crisp 12.3-inch screens suffer from sluggish UI response and slightly clunky menu navigation; the unladen ride of the rear leaf springs can feel bouncy and disjointed over broken tarmac; the Level 2 ADAS suite is prone to premature disengagement in heavy rain or poor visibility; and the fine calibration of its 4WD wheel-slip control still lags slightly behind the seasoned Japanese establishment. Ultimately, the Terron 9 represents a cornerstone of SAIC Motor's global expansion, underlining the group's strategy of sharing platforms across its LDV, MAXUS, and MG brands to compete on the global stage. As the global pick-up truck segment rapidly shifts towards electrification, the timely rollout of the eTerron 9 and PHEV versions will be critical to the sustained competitiveness of the nameplate.