LDV D90

Model Overview

The LDV D90 is a full-size seven-seater rugged SUV introduced in overseas markets by SAIC Motor under the LDV brand, known in China as the SAIC MAXUS D90 (including D90 Pro). Originating from a production-ready concept vehicle first revealed in April 2016, the model was officially launched in China in August 2017 before being exported to international markets such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the Middle East. To bolster global brand recognition, this Chinese-built model was badged under the former British commercial vehicle marquee LDV in markets like Australia and New Zealand, winning over overseas buyers with its strong product capabilities.

In 2025, the LDV D90 received a major facelift featuring thoroughly refreshed exterior and interior designs, cementing its position as the second best-selling model for SAIC's LDV brand in Australia. To remain competitive, LDV rolled out promotions in the Australian market in early 2026, dropping the D90 Mode 2WD drive-away price to RM39,990, making it one of the most affordable large seven-seater off-road SUVs on the local market. The 2026 base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant carries an official recommended retail price of RM43,647, while the 4WD variant is priced at RM51,568. Built on a robust ladder-frame chassis, the LDV D90 rivals traditional rugged 4x4 SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest, having long earned a reputation in overseas markets as a credible "Prado alternative".

Design Language

The LDV D90 retains the bold, boxy silhouette typical of a traditional ladder-frame SUV, with the 2025 facelift bringing a more rugged aesthetic. The front fascia gains a newly sculpted bumper and vertically stacked dual-LED headlamp clusters flanking a hexagonal dot-matrix chrome grille emblazoned with the LDV badge, lending the SUV an imposing and muscular presence. Prominent wheel arches along the sides, paired with side steps and roof rails, reinforce its tough character. At the rear, the clean and chunky tailgate design incorporates vertical LED tail lights that mirror the front lighting signature. Roof rails come standard across the range, offering enhanced utility for overland expeditions and outdoor gear.

In terms of dimensions, the 2025 D90 measures 5,046 mm in length, 2,016 mm in width, and 1,876 mm in height (up from 5,005 × 1,932 × 1,875 mm on earlier standard versions), with a 2,950 mm wheelbase; the dimensional changes stem from updated exterior body cladding and trims. Ground clearance stands at 246 mm, ensuring exceptional unladen obstacle-clearing ability. With an approach angle of 29° and a departure angle of 24°, matched to its body-on-frame construction, the D90 delivers capable off-road and expedition credentials.

Inside, the 2025 D90 benefits from a substantial cabin overhaul. The interior adopts a modern wraparound cockpit layout anchored by dual 12.3-inch displays—comprising a fully digital instrument cluster and a floating central infotainment touchscreen. The multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, DAB+ digital radio, and onboard navigation. The cabin is extensively trimmed in black leather, highlighted with piano black accents and metallic trim inserts on the door cards and centre console, while the climate control module retains tactile toggle switches for fan speed and temperature settings. A two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, fore-aft sliding rear seats with multi-angle backrest recline, and generous third-row legroom highlight the standard seven-seat layout.

Powertrain and Performance

The LDV D90 is offered globally with a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. The mainstream petrol variant is powered by SAIC's "NetBlue" 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 184 kW (approx. 250 PS) and 410 Nm of peak torque. This updated engine employs Miller-cycle operation, variable valve lift, and high-pressure direct injection to optimise fuel efficiency, and comes mated to a ZF 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The diesel variant is powered by a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine (SAIC D20 unit)—the first engine developed in-house by SAIC Motor following its acquisition of LDV—delivering 160 kW (approx. 218 PS) and between 480 Nm and 500 Nm of peak torque depending on the market. The oil-burner is exclusively paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and full-time/part-time 4WD, earning high praise from regional and rural users for its muscular low-end grunt.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2026 D90 petrol 2WD returns a combined fuel consumption of 9.1 L/100 km, while the 4WD variant is rated at 9.4 L/100 km. Braked towing capacity is rated at up to 3,000 kg for the petrol variant and 3,100 kg for the diesel, substantially outclassing similarly priced unibody monocoque SUVs. Fuel tank capacity is 75 litres, requiring minimum RON 95 petrol or standard diesel respectively.

Chassis and Handling

The LDV D90 utilizes a ladder-frame chassis architecture shared with the T60 pick-up truck, suspended by front double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear five-link live axle coil-spring setup. This heavy-duty underpinning grants the D90 exceptional torsional rigidity and load-bearing capacity, allowing it to withstand punishing off-road terrain and continuous heavy towing demands.

In terms of drivetrain configurations, the D90 is available in front-engine rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) layouts. 4WD models feature BorgWarner's intelligent all-terrain four-wheel drive system with selectable 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, alongside an electronic rear differential lock on higher-spec variants; flagship grades in markets like South Africa even offer hardcore triple front, centre, and rear differential locks. Drive modes encompass dedicated Terrain Management presets including Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock, which work in tandem with a 360-degree surround-view monitor and transparent underbody camera view to navigate technical off-road tracks.

Behind the wheel, the D90's unladen ride leans slightly firm, with body-on-frame body movements evident during sudden high-speed lane changes. Nevertheless, its overall road manners feel more agile and manageable than traditional heavyweights like the older Prado, backed by positive steering response and a planted chassis that strikes a well-judged balance between highway cruising comfort and rugged off-road capability.

Cabin and Equipment

The 2025 D90 cabin sees significant upgrades in tech and comfort appointments. Dual 12.3-inch screens—a digital instrument cluster and a floating infotainment touchscreen running SAIC's latest operating system—come standard across the board. The system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth audio and telephony, and DAB+ digital radio, while upper trims add comprehensive voice control for navigation and climate functions. Standard convenience features across the range include keyless entry with push-start ignition, a multi-function steering wheel, electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto brake hold, multi-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents, rear privacy glass, and full-LED exterior lighting. Higher-grade models add a heated steering wheel, full leather upholstery, 8-way power-adjustable front seats with ventilation, heating, and massage functions, tri-zone automatic climate control, a wireless phone charger, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and a powered tailgate with kick sensor. An 8-speaker sound system, alongside front/rear USB/Type-C charging ports and 12V auxiliary sockets, ensures long-distance passenger convenience.

Regarding practical utility, the D90 offers approximately 343 litres of boot space with all seven seats in place. Folding down the 50:50 split third-row seats expands cargo volume to 1,350 litres, while folding both the second and third rows flat unleashes a cavernous 2,382 litres of flat-floor loading capacity—more than capable of swallowing camping gear, adventure equipment, or bulky cargo.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The LDV D90 boasts proven safety credentials. Back in 2017, the model attained a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating with an impressive score of 35.05 out of 37 points, making it one of the first full-size Chinese SUVs to achieve this benchmark. In ANCAP crash tests, the D90 secured maximum points in both the side impact and pole tests, alongside 14.05 out of 16 points in the 40% frontal offset crash test, with solid ratings in whiplash and pedestrian protection. Passive safety equipment includes six airbags as standard (dual front airbags, front side airbags, and full-length three-row curtain airbags measuring 2,510 mm in length to protect third-row passengers). (Note: The original ANCAP five-star rating expired at the end of 2024; the 2025 facelifted model has yet to be retested under current ANCAP protocols.)

The vehicle comes equipped with a comprehensive Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. Standard active safety tech includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), all-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Driver Fatigue Monitoring, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Active chassis control systems include Bosch ESP 9.1, ABS, EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), and Roll Stability Control (RSC).

LDV backs the D90 with a 7-year/200,000 km factory warranty along with 5 years of complimentary unlimited-mileage roadside assistance, cementing strong reliability confidence among international buyers.

Market Performance and Reception

The LDV D90 has enjoyed steady sales momentum abroad, establishing itself as a "quiet achiever" for the SAIC-owned brand in Australia. In 2025, the D90 recorded 3,376 registrations in Australia, representing a 43.2% year-on-year growth and leading the brand's year-on-year growth charts behind only the Deliver 7/eDeliver 7 commercial van lineup. Since its Australian debut in 2017, cumulative D90 sales have surpassed 14,000 units, making it the brand's second most popular model. In its domestic Chinese market, marketed as the flagship SUV of the SAIC MAXUS portfolio, the D90 delivers matching rugged capability.

Motoring journalists have offered nuanced assessments of the D90. Australian automotive publications have lauded the 2025 D90 for its "unbeatable value proposition, cavernous cabin dimensions, generous equipment levels, and meaningful revisions," highlighting it as a compelling and sensible choice for budget-conscious families needing genuine 4x4 capability and seven seats. British automotive outlets similarly highlighted that its off-road prowess, stout towing rating, and expansive interior space punch well above its price point, though minor criticisms were noted regarding overly eager ADAS calibration, the absence of capped-price servicing, a somewhat spongy brake pedal feel, and middling fuel economy.

In summary, the LDV D90 stands as a notable success story in China's automotive push into global markets. Leveraging SAIC Motor's international footprint, the D90 has carved out a unique niche in mature SUV markets thanks to its rugged ladder-frame construction, versatile 7-seater packaging, strong powertrains, and proven safety pedigree. With significant product upgrades introduced in the 2025 facelift and a fiercely competitive pricing strategy, the D90 is well-positioned to maintain its solid sales trajectory in the global large rugged SUV segment.