2025 4x4 Ute of the Year contender: LDV Terron9 Origin

LDV is another Chinese manufacturer that’s been in Australia for a while, mostly selling commercial vans.

Its Terron9 4×4 ute launched only weeks before our testing, and after initially being impressed by its performance on a controlled test track, we were keen to see how it handled the familiar bush tracks on the 4×4 Ute of the Year loop.

At $53K, the Terron9 Origin is one of the cheapest utes in this year’s line-up. The Evolve model, priced at $58,937, adds a front locker and higher-spec features, but none were available for testing at the time. The Terron9 sits at the larger end of the midsize ute segment, offering generous interior and cargo space that will appeal to buyers after a roomy dual-cab 4×4.

JUMP AHEAD

• Key highlights
• How it drives
• Towing performance
• Specs
• Interior
• Verdict

Key highlights

The Terron9 Origin punches above its weight in some areas, offering surprising capability and space for the price. It’s a solid, practical ute for work and touring, with a few quirks that hold it back.

• Spacious rear cabin with no bulkhead panel, giving extra legroom
• 2.0‑litre single-turbo diesel with 163kW and 520Nm
• Part-time, dual-range 4×4 with rear diff lock
• Strong towing potential – 3500kg max, 6500kg GCM
• Exceptional fuel efficiency – high 11s to low 12L/100 km on test

How it drives: On- and off-road

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel producing 163kW and a claimed 520Nm – the highest torque of any four-cylinder ute in the class. It’s lively and responsive, with minimal turbo lag, paired with a part-time, dual-range 4×4 system. On-road, the suspension is nicely balanced, not too harsh when unladen, and the driveline feels planted.

The Terron9 drives with surprising poise for its price. The 2.0‑litre turbo provides punch, the cab feels stable at highway speeds, and the suspension absorbs bumps without harshness. It’s a straightforward, capable cruiser that won’t overly tax the driver or passengers.

Off-road, the Terron9 has some traction limitations. While the low-range 4×4 and diff-lock buttons are clear, the high-range selection is buried in the touchscreen, slowing response in tricky terrain. Once engaged, the Terron9 can tackle moderate tracks, but its electronic traction control reacts slower than rivals, making it less immediate on steep, rocky climbs. For those who take it easy and plan their lines, it remains a competent off-roader.

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Towing performance

Towing judge, Tim van Duyl, was also impressed by its stability and performance when the Offline Camper was hooked up behind the Terron9.

“The Terron9 was probably the surprise package when it came to towing. On test it was the most fuel efficient, with high 11s to low 12L/100km seen on our loop, and although traction-limited when unhitched, it felt stable and secure when loaded with 150kg of ball weight.

“It kills it on paper with a high GCM of 6500kg which, after you take off its hefty 2400kg kerb weight, means you still have headway for carting gear when towing at the full 3500kg. The 163kW comes on hard and high in the rev range, making the driveline feel like it is working harder than larger-displacement engines.

“It’s a compelling package though; dirt cheap, powerful, and with good numbers on paper. It scored mid-pack for towing, just shy of the top five.”

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Interior comfort and practicality

Inside, the Terron9 is impressively spacious, particularly in the rear thanks to the absence of a rear bulkhead panel. The single-piece body side mouldings running from A-pillar to tailgate add strength to the bodyshell and create a sense of openness in the cabin.

Tech-wise, the Terron9 comes with a 10.25‑inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity, sat‑nav, and basic vehicle settings. There’s a digital driver display for key information, and the layout is functional if not particularly luxurious.

However, the controls inside can be frustrating. Basic functions – including high-range 4×4 and some lighting controls – are buried in the multimedia screen menus rather than grouped with the physical switches. It makes some tasks unnecessarily fiddly, especially when you need them on the move.

The cabin still delivers comfort for long drives, with supportive seats and plenty of legroom. Materials are functional rather than premium, but the Terron9 delivers value in spades.

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Why it didn’t win

While the Terron9 impresses with torque, size, towing potential and an unbeatable price, several drawbacks hold it back:

• Fiddly controls – High-range 4×4 and other basic functions are buried in the touchscreen rather than with physical switches.
• Off-road limitations – Slower electronic traction control and delayed response on steep or rocky terrain reduce confidence on challenging tracks.
• Interior refinement – Cabin materials and layout feel basic compared with newer, more polished competitors.
• Weight distribution – Large kerb weight and longer body can make it less nimble in technical off-road conditions.