Review - 2023 LDV D90

Like the majority of its rivals, the LDV D90 utilises a body-on-frame platform that allows for three rows of seating and a more rugged design that means this family-friendly SUV isn’t afraid to get its toes dirty.

Just how well does the D90 perform on Australian roads and against its fierce rivals? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

LDV D90 Competition

Starting Price: $38,937 drive-away

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How Much Does It Cost?

The LDV D90 range is priced from $38,937 drive-away for the entry-level D90 2WD, while the D90 Executive 2WD is priced at $41,990.

Stepping up to the D90 Executive 4WD brings prices to $45,990, while the Executive 4WD Diesel is priced at $50,990; drive-away pricing for the LDV D90 depends on your location.

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LDV D90 - EXECUTIVE (2WD) Specifications

What Features Does the LDV D90 Have?

The entry-level LDV D90 2WD comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, fog lights, roof rails, side steps, keyless entry & start and dual-zone climate control.

You’ll also find a mix of leatherette and cloth upholstery, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, a 12-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system.

Stepping up to the D90 Executive adds a set of 19-inch alloys, a powered boot lift, a panoramic sunroof, a locking rear differential with a low-range transfer case, power-adjustable front seats with leather upholstery, ambient lighting, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• LED headlights & daytime running lamps 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Leatherette and cloth upholstery 

• Roof rails 

• Side steps 

• Rear-view camera with parking sensors 

• 12-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay 

• 19-inch alloys (Executive)

• Powered boot lift (Executive)

• Panoramic sunroof (Executive) 

• Locking differential & low-range gearing (Executive)

• Leather upholstery (Executive)

• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster (Executive)

Is the LDV D90 Comfortable to Drive?

 While it might not have the name or reputation of some of the segment’s big-wigs, the LDV D90 drives impressively on a mix of town and country roads that making it a worthwhile addition to the world of family-friendly body-on-frame SUVs.

There are two engine options available for the D90, with the base model picking up a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque, with both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive systems on offer, paired with a six-speed automatic.

By far the best engine option in the range is the flagship 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel that produces slightly less power at 156kW, though far more torque of 480Nm that gives it a hefty push off the line and added confidence while towing.

The diesel unit is paired with an eight-speed automatic and a four-wheel drive system only, making it the most adept and confident D90 in the lineup.

Having said that, if you’re not planning on launching the D90 on off-road trails, the driving experience in entry-level variants is more than adequate, particularly when you consider the savings over rivals.

Around town, the D90 is well-behaved, rides comfortably and feels nice and solid while remaining user-friendly enough to navigate car parks and tight spots with ease.

The lightweight steering rack makes it impressively approachable for a vehicle of its size, and feels far more sophisticated than its body-on-frame design might suggest.

Is the LDV D90 Good Off-Road?

If you’re planning on hitting some off-road trails, you’ll want to be sure you’re ticking the box for the D90 Executive 4x4 which picks up some much-needed off-road hardware, like an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case.

The base petrol engine is perfectly adequate for off-road driving, though the massive added torque premium of the turbo-diesel engine makes it by far the best off-road powertrain.

Off-road specs for the LDV D90 Executive 4x4 can be found below, as well as its towing capabilities.

• Ground Clearance: 210mm 

• Wading Depth: 550mm 

• Approach Angle: 28 degrees 

• Breakover Angle: 20 degrees 

• Departure Angle: 25 degrees 

• Braked Towing Capacity: 2000kg (petrol) - 3100kg (diesel) 

• Unbraked Towing Capacity: 750kg

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The D90’s base engine is a particularly thirsty unit, sipping a hefty 10.2L per 100km on a combined cycle in the base 2WD version, while the petrol-powered D90 is rated at 10.9L/100km.

Opting for the LDV D90 diesel 4WD brings fuel economy figures down to 9.1L/100km, though this figure fails to match fuel economy figures for the majority of turbo-diesel rivals.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The LDV D90 makes a big and bold first impression when you first step inside the cabin, with the layout looking far more sophisticated than its price tag might suggest.

Up front, the driver and front passenger pick up a decent amount of headroom, meaning there are no issues for tall drivers, while the layout itself feels both premium in its design and practical in its packaging.

The large centre console adds to the substantial package, with a covered storage area sitting behind the gear lever,  a pair of cup holders and a bucket load of storage inside the split-fold armrest in the centre tunnel.

The dashboard layout is simple and clean, with LDV sticking with physical buttons for the climate control inputs, flanked by a large 12-inch infotainment display atop the dash that makes the D90’s cabin sleek and spacious for the money.

Move to the second row and there’s more than enough space for adults in the rear, with a sliding design to either stretch out or accommodate legs behind in the third row.

Amenities in the second row include a set of air vents, USB chargers, map pockets, a folding armrest with cup holders and ISOFIX anchors with top tether mounts for forward and rear-facing child seats.

Move to the third row and there’s a very usable bench that can comfortably accommodate the legs of kids, even adults for short trips around town, if needed, with a heap of headroom on offer that makes the D90’s third row feel amongst the most spacious in the segment.

Finally, the D90 comes packing a 343L boot with the third row standing, expanding to 1350L with the third row folded, making it a very family-friendly SUV package.

Is it Safe?

The LDV D90 range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and comes packing a long list of active safety tech, even in the base model.

As standard, the D90 comes packing autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alerts, blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

As a nice touch, no safety features are reserved for the premium D90 Executive, with the company equipping its base model with all the safety bells and whistles.

Our Verdict: Is The LDV D90 Worth it?

With its extremely competitive pricing, generous features lists, spacious interior layout and surprisingly refined driving nature, the LDV D90 is absolutely worth a spot on your shortlist.

If you’re in the market for a large, practical and capable family-friendly 4x4, the LDV D90 offers some serious value for money.

On that note, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help narrow down your best options and find the best possible price on your dream car.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/130,000km warranty 

2. 10.2-10.9L/100km petrol fuel economy drops to 9.1L/100km diesel 

3. Seven-seats with 343L boot 

4. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 

5. 2000kg braked towing capacity increases to 3100kg in diesel 4x4