The Maxus T90 has arrived in Kenya, ready to offset the dominance of traditional pickups, playing offense from both sides with its internal combustion engines, featuring a twin-turbo that gives the likes of the Hilux & GWM P-Series a run for their money, and its electric variant making the BYD Shark 6 have sleepless nights. A perfect example of: if you decide to do something, do it, and do it well. The exterior is bold and commanding; the interior boasts SUV-like comfort. What an interesting era in the midsize pickup category.
Looking to import your dream car? We specialize in seamless, reliable car importation. Reach out to us today at info@safarimports.co.ke or connect instantly via call/WhatsApp at 0717 200 956.
QUICK STATS: At a Glance!
| Feature | Details |
| Engine | 2.0 L Single Turbo Diesel
2.0 L Bi-Turbo Diesel Electric (T90 EV) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 8-speed ZF automatic 1-speed direct-drive (EV) |
| Fuel Economy | 9 – 10km/l
330 – 354km (EV) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches |
| Competitors | Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Amarok, GWM P-Series, Ford Ranger, Changan Hunter, Mitsubishi Triton, JAC T9, Nissan Navara, JAC T8, Isuzu D-Max, BYD Shark 6 |
EXTERIOR
The Maxus T90 has a bold and rugged look coupled with modern aesthetics for an upscale look. It is quite humongous from every angle. The front fascia is quite attractive for a pickup. It features a prominent chrome-accented or gloss black grille adorned with the Maxus emblem or Maxus lettering, stamping its authority wherever it passes from Eldoret to Narok. Slim LED headlights and daytime running lights provide excellent illumination during night drives.
The side profile is quite conservative. Due to its high ground clearance, you have side steps for easy entry & exit. The door handles and mirror caps are body-colored. Roof rails on the roof provide a foundation to lay a roof rack, creating additional storage space. The bed size is quite spacious, big enough to carry trays of watermelon harvested from a farm in Makueni. The rear maintains a functional and rugged theme. If you have a caravan or a trailer to pull when going for an expedition in Nanyuki at the Lewa Conservancy, you have a tow bar, neatly integrated into the rear bumper.
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INTERIOR & TECHNOLOGY
The Maxus T90 elegance does not end outside. Stepping into the cabin, you might be forgiven for confusing its comfort level with that of the GWM Tank 500. The seats are upholstered in fine leather and have a power-adjustable function. At the center of the dashboard sits a large touchscreen infotainment system embedded with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, allowing you to stream the English Premier League live as Arsenal beats Manchester United.
The large windows allow more light into the cabin for improved ambiance. In the pickup category, its cabin is class-leading; for maximum comfort and elevated luxury, you need to check out the Jetour F700. Other features incorporated in the T90 include a wireless phone charger, USB-C ports, climate control, and multiple storage compartments.
PERFORMANCE: How Does it Handle Kenyan Roads?
The Maxus T90 comes with a twin-turbo that gives it more power when tackling hilly terrains in Nandi. It has a high ground clearance with elevated angles of approach and departure, 4WD with low-range gearing, and, of course, you can fit all-terrain or mud-terrain tires so that you don’t get stuck when on an expedition in the Aberdares.
The steering is light and responsive, making the T90 composed and predictable when driving on a highway like the southern bypass. Because a driver might decide to misbehave on the road, you are accompanied by advanced driver-assist systems that ensure you don’t overtake recklessly on the Kakamega-Kisumu road, you don’t change lanes anyhow on Thika Road, and also avoid blind spots when trying to park in Tom Mboya Street.
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RELIABILITY, SPARE PARTS & MAINTENANCE IN KENYA
One of the major concerns Kenyans have is long-term reliability and spare parts availability for Chinese vehicles. For a detailed reliability report of the Maxus T90, visit: Safarispares.co.ke
COMPETITOR COMPARISON
| Feature | MAXUS T90 | TOYOTA HILUX |
| Technology | High-tech | Functional |
| Reliability | Emerging & unproven | Legendary & bulletproof |
| Resale Value | Moderate | Industry-leading |
| Interior | Modern & luxurious | Utilitarian & durable |
| Fuel Economy | 9 – 10km/l
330 – 354km (EV) |
11 – 14km/l |
| Ground Clearance | 8.4 inches | 8.3 inches |
SAFARI IMPORTS VERDICT
Should you buy the Maxus T90 in Kenya?
Buy if
- You want a modern interior & tech layout
- You want strong torque & smooth performance
- You want decent utility & payload capacity
Avoid it if
- You want a strong resale value
READ ALSO: Importing a Car to Kenya | Step-by-Step Guide
SAFARI IMPORTS SCORE OF THE MAXUS T90: 6/10
Looking for spare parts, accessories, body kits, and body components for the Maxus T90? Visit: Safarispares.co.ke
Looking to import your dream car? We specialize in seamless, reliable car importation. Reach out to us today at info@safarimports.co.ke or connect instantly via call/WhatsApp at 0717 200 956.
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