What The Truck - LDV Terron 9 4WD

Описание: What the Truck – LDV Terron 9 | Real Kiwi Summer Test

Is the LDV Terron 9 the ultimate family ute for Kiwi lifestyles — or just another double cab trying to crack a Ranger-and-Hilux-dominated market?

Rather than a quick test drive, I made it my summer vehicle.

From last-minute Christmas runs around Taupō, to trips across to Hawke’s Bay, to towing our fully loaded boat and camping gear up the steep, winding roads of the Coromandel — I embedded myself in real-world ownership.

And I’ll admit it.

After years of Subaru ownership, my blood still bleeds blue. Moving into a bold-looking LDV ute with dual 12.3-inch screens and serious road presence took some mental adjustment.

But it didn’t take long to win me over.

Built to Compete

In a segment long dominated by the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, the Terron 9 doesn’t try to blend in.

The American-inspired front end is muscular and confident. The integrated tray and cab design may divide opinion, but it reflects the reality of modern NZ utes — most now serve as family lifestyle vehicles as much as tradie tools.

Seeing the vehicle during pre-delivery inspection, including the underbody up on a hoist, gave me confidence. It looks solid. Purpose-built. Ready.

Power That Delivers When It Matters

Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre single-turbo diesel producing 163.5kW and 520Nm, placing it among the most powerful four-cylinder utes in New Zealand.

It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift, and surprisingly, the paddles became one of my favourite features — especially on winding Coromandel descents where engine braking and controlled downshifts really mattered.

With a 3,500kg braked towing capacity, selectable 4WD and low range, it’s designed for Kiwi demands — boats, caravans, horse floats and beyond.

Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) genuinely change the character. Sport mode in particular sharpens throttle response and holds gears longer — ideal when climbing steep terrain fully loaded.

And that brings me to the real test.

The Coromandel Benchmark – What the Truck?!

For 42 years, summer has meant the Coromandel for my family. Those steep, unforgiving roads have exposed many vehicles over the decades.

We travel heavy — around three tonnes all up. Boat packed. Bikes strapped. Fridge loaded. Every essential for a proper Kiwi camping mission.

This was the best towing trip we’ve had.

The Terron 9 felt stable, planted and unstrained. Power delivery was smooth and confident. The transmission worked intelligently under load, and we arrived refreshed instead of fatigued.

Setting up camp took longer than usual though.

Because everyone kept asking:

“What the Truck are you driving?”
“How does it go?”
“Can I look inside?”

Even one grandmother told me her grandchildren would be disappointed to see “What the Truck” leaving.

That kind of organic interest says something.

Boat launching and retrieval were equally effortless, with low range easily selected from inside the cabin.

Cabin & Technology

The cabin is genuinely spacious, making it well suited to families.

The Elite model’s seats are comfortable front and rear, with six-way electric adjustment for the driver. Long-distance comfort impressed.

The dual 12.3-inch screens are a highlight — crystal clear and arguably the sharpest infotainment and camera system in the segment at this price point. The 360-degree camera makes parking far easier than expected for a ute of this size.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless connectivity, and the LED headlights with high-beam assist perform exceptionally well.

Honest Observations

No vehicle is perfect.

The widely discussed driver monitoring system is overly sensitive. While it serves a safety purpose, it can become intrusive and resets each ignition cycle.

Other minor frustrations:

Seatbelt must be fastened before disengaging the electronic park brake

No cruise control when towing

For some buyers, those may matter. For me, they were small trade-offs.

Value in the NZ Market

At $54,990 plus on-road costs, the Terron 9 presents serious value.

It’s backed by:

7-year / 200,000km warranty

7-year roadside assistance

7-year WOF checks

That level of support delivers genuine peace of mind for Kiwi families balancing lifestyle and long-term ownership costs.

Final Verdict

Does the LDV Terron 9 live up to the hype?

Yes.

It may not immediately win over badge-loyal buyers. But in real-world Kiwi conditions — towing heavy loads, tackling steep terrain, carrying family and gear — it earns respect quickly.

Don’t be a sheep and follow the flock.

Take one for a drive.

And ask yourself…

What the Truck?