evinnotech.com - March 31, 2026
SAIC Maxus has simultaneously launched three pickup truck models on March 30, 2026. The All-New Starliner L (diesel, ¥108,800-¥159,800 / approx. $15,000-$22,000 USD), the 2026 Starliner EV (electric, ¥249,800 / approx. $34,500 USD), and the entry-level 2026 T60 (diesel, ¥79,800-¥101,800 / approx. $11,000-$14,000 USD). To encourage test drives, Maxus is offering a bold “7-Day Try Before You Buy” program - take the truck home for a week, drive it freely, and decide afterwards.
Table of Contents
- T60: China’s Most Affordable Diesel Pickup at $11,000 USD
- Starliner L: 2.5T Diesel, 3.5-Ton Towing, BorgWarner 4WD
- Starliner EV: 88kWh Battery, V2L 6.6kW Output
- Interior: Practical Workhorse Done Right
- Why It Matters: Toyota Hilux Has Competition
- Sources
T60: China’s Most Affordable Body-on-Frame Diesel Pickup
Starting at just ¥79,800 ($11,000 USD), the 2026 T60 is one of the most affordable proper body-on-frame diesel pickup trucks available anywhere in the world. It uses a diesel engine producing 120kW and 410N·m of torque, paired with BorgWarner’s part-time 4WD system. The cargo bed volume reaches 1.45 cubic meters - more than most compact pickups.
Starliner L: 2.5T Diesel, 520N·m, 3.5-Ton Tow Rating
The flagship Starliner L is a serious working truck. Powered by SAIC’s in-house πplus 2.5T diesel engine (165kW / 221hp, 520N·m torque), it produces trailer-spec pulling power with a maximum tow rating of 3,500kg (7,700 lbs) - matching or exceeding a Ford F-150 in towing capability at a fraction of the price. Fuel consumption is a frugal 7.9L/100km.
The 4WD system uses a BorgWarner part-time transfer case with a 4L gear multiplying torque by 2.64x for maximum off-road crawl ability. An optional triple-lock package adds center differential lock, front axle diff lock, and rear axle diff lock - giving it genuine rock-crawling and deep-mud capability. All-terrain tires come standard on the Elite 4WD variant, along with a cool-black body kit.
Starliner EV: Electric Pickup with V2L Power Output
The 2026 Starliner EV takes the Starliner nameplate fully electric. It carries an 88kWh battery pack with DC fast charging from 20%-80% in just 43 minutes. The standout commercial feature is its 6.6kW V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) external power output - meaning you can power tools, appliances, or equipment directly from the truck’s battery on a job site. Three drive modes: Economy, Normal, and Power.
Interior: Functional Workhorse Done Right
The T60 and Starliner L interiors prioritize durability and practicality over luxury. The T60’s dashboard is clean and straightforward with physical controls for climate, a simple analog instrument cluster, and a manual center console with column-mounted gear selector for maximum cabin access.
The Starliner L steps up with available seat heating and steering wheel heating, plus standard electronic parking brake with auto-hold. Grey fabric with red stitching keeps things tough but not cheap-feeling.
Why It Matters: Toyota Hilux Has Competition
A Toyota Hilux starts at around $35,000 in most export markets. The SAIC Maxus T60 starts at $11,000 USD in China with a diesel engine, BorgWarner 4WD, and 410N·m torque. The Starliner L at $15,000 USD adds a larger 2.5T diesel with 520N·m and a 3.5-ton tow rating - numbers that match the Hilux’s top commercial spec. China’s pickup truck segment is increasingly competitive and increasingly export-ready. The “7-Day Try Before You Buy” program signals SAIC Maxus’s confidence in its own product.
Sources
- Autohome China: SAIC Maxus Starliner L / EV / T60 Official Launch
- SAIC Maxus Official Press Release, March 30, 2026
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