LDV D90 seven-seater SUV facelift review

News.com.au

23-05-2025

LDV has dumped the diesel engine from its popular D90 seven-seater SUV, with a turbo-petrol engine now powering the profoundly facelifted model.
There are significant design changes outside, with a revamped design that is more modern and edgy than its predecessor, though it remains based on the same ladder-frame underpinnings as the T60 dual-cab ute with a shorter wheelbase and body.
The LDV D90 model line-up runs three deep.
The base model Mode 2WD (about $43,000 drive-away) is budget-friendly family motoring, while the better-specified Executive comes with the choice of rear-wheel drive (approx. $47,000 drive-away) or four-wheel drive ($51,000 drive-away). LDV offers ABN discounts for all versions, too, and you'll save a lump.
All D90s get LED lighting all around, alloy wheels, a pair of 12.3-inch screens including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fake leather trim, a host of USB ports, a 220V power point, climate control aircon, and even a built-in dashcam. All versions come with seven seats and a full-size steel spare wheel.
As said, the diesel is done, with a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder petrol doing the job, with 184kW/410Nm on offer. It has an eight-speed auto, and if you choose the top-spec model it comes with 4WD, but the lower grades are rear-drive only. It doesn't have a low-range transfer case, but does have auto mode for the 4WD system, which can apportion torque where it's needed, or you can run it in high-range 4x4 with a centre and rear diff lock on offer.
It sits up high and offers heaps of clearance, and if you want to tackle tamer bush tracks, it'll be up for the task. And if you plan to tow, the D90 line-up offers competitive figures – 750kg unbraked and 3000kg braked towing capacity is standard on all grades.
As an urban conveyance, it's a more liveable character than its predecessor which had a gruff and laggy diesel. This perky engine is better for daily duties, though the transmission can be a bit eager to keep busy.
The steering is on the slow side, not helped by the Giti tyres (previous models had Continentals), but the ride comfort and body control is impressive, and it feels more mature and accomplished than you might expect of a cut-price offering. Just note, there's some evidence of wind roar and tyre noise on rougher surfaces, especially at higher speeds.
As part of the update a host of new safety gear has been added, including a speed sign recognition system – which you can switch off, and it'll stay off. There's lane departure alert and it has adaptive cruise control as well.
It isn't a class-leader in terms of driving dynamics, but its size is compelling.
The claimed fuel use figure is up around nine litres per 100km for all grades, but in normal driving with commuting included you can expect the real-world return to be close to 11L/100km.
There are three rows of accommodation, all of which can cope with adults. I managed to slot in behind my own driving position (at 182cm), and because the second-row offers some sliding adjustment, I could further slot into the very back row with just enough space to be comfy for a shorter trip.
All three rows have air vents and a good view out, while the second-row includes ISOFIX points and three top-tethers to make the most of the cabin space. It's a broad area, and three kid seats will fit across the second-row bench if needed.
LDV's D90 is covered by a seven-year/200,000km warranty, which is strong, and it has a five-year roadside assistance program included as well.
But the kicker could be a lack of capped-price servicing, which is unusual in the Aussie new-car landscape. Maintenance intervals are every 12 months/10,000km.
It's a value-focused family SUV, and while it's not going to be for everyone, it offers big space and better tech than ever before.
4 stars