2025 LDV D90 Review: Is This $45,000 Seven-Seater Worth Buying

The 2025 LDV D90 represents a significant evolution for the Chinese-owned brand, delivering a completely redesigned large SUV that challenges established players in the seven-seater market. After spending time with this updated model, it’s clear that LDV has addressed many of the previous generation’s shortcomings while maintaining its competitive pricing advantage.

Fresh Design Language Transforms the Interior

The dash is much more modern and chunky, with a new 12.3-inch touch-screen and digital gauge cluster, a wide spread of soft-touch materials including on the centre console and upper door cards, and more storage than before. This interior transformation makes the D90 feel like a vehicle from a different price bracket entirely.

The cabin now features premium materials throughout, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the hard plastics that plagued earlier models. The central touchscreen responds quickly to inputs, while the digital instrument cluster provides clear, customizable information. Physical controls for climate and audio remain thankfully present, making daily operation intuitive.

Seating comfort has improved dramatically across all three rows. The front seats offer good support for long drives, while the second row provides generous space for adults. The third row, while still best suited for children, offers more headroom than many competitors in this price range.

Enhanced Performance Delivers Real-World Benefits

The 2025 LDV D90 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with either rear- or four-wheel drive. However, outputs are up for the boxier-looking model, which boasts 184kW of power and 410Nm of torque, an increase of 19kW and 60Nm respectively.

This power increase translates to noticeably improved acceleration and overtaking ability. The engine pulls strongly from low revs, making city driving effortless. Highway cruising remains refined, with the eight-speed automatic transmission shifting smoothly between gears.

LDV have also incorporated Variable Valve Lift which offers increased control over the intake and exhaust valve timing, balancing low-speed torque and high-speed power delivery. It’s also had a balance shaft added, presumably for smoother running and better NVH levels. These improvements result in a more sophisticated driving experience than the previous model.

Safety Technology Reaches New Heights

For 2025, the D90 includes more advanced safety tech, including lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a door exit warning, which joins a suite of existing features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.

The safety suite now rivals systems found in vehicles costing significantly more. Adaptive cruise control works smoothly in stop-and-go traffic, while lane-keep assist provides gentle steering corrections rather than aggressive interventions. The blind-spot monitoring system proved reliable during highway driving.

However, some visibility concerns remain. This is a huge SUV, and it’s not the easiest to see out of. And while there is a standard reversing camera and both front and rear parking sensors, that’s really not good enough for a family-focused seven-seater in 2025. It really should have a surround-view system.

Fuel Economy Remains Competitive

The LDV D90 2025 offers fuel consumption ranging from 9.1 to 9.4 L/100km. These figures represent reasonable efficiency for a large seven-seater SUV, particularly considering the improved performance. Real-world testing showed consumption hovering around the claimed figures during mixed driving conditions.

The fuel tank capacity provides excellent range for family road trips, while the improved engine refinement makes long-distance driving more pleasant than before.

Value Proposition Remains Strong

Despite the significant upgrades, LDV has maintained competitive pricing for the D90. LDV D90 2025 offers a 7 year, 200000 kilometre warranty. This comprehensive warranty coverage provides peace of mind that many premium brands can’t match.

The base model includes features that are often optional extras on competing vehicles. Air conditioning across all three rows, multiple USB charging ports, and a comprehensive infotainment system come standard.

Practicality Meets Family Needs

Storage solutions throughout the cabin demonstrate thoughtful design. The center console provides multiple compartments for personal items, while door pockets accommodate water bottles and other essentials. Cup holders are strategically placed for easy access from all seating positions.

Cargo space proves adequate for family hauling duties, though the third row does eat into luggage capacity when raised. The power tailgate makes loading easier, especially when your hands are full of shopping bags or sporting equipment.

Driving Experience Exceeds Expectations

On the road, the D90 feels more composed than its predecessor. The suspension absorbs road imperfections well, while body roll remains controlled during cornering. Steering provides adequate feedback without being overly heavy.

The four-wheel-drive system engages seamlessly when traction is needed, making the D90 capable of light off-road duties. Beach trips and gravel roads pose no problems, though serious off-roading isn’t this SUV’s intended purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How reliable is the 2025 LDV D90? LDV’s reliability has improved significantly in recent years. The 7-year warranty provides excellent coverage, and most issues reported by owners are minor electrical glitches rather than major mechanical problems. The brand’s expanding dealer network also improves service accessibility.

What’s the difference between RWD and 4WD variants? The rear-wheel-drive model offers slightly better fuel economy and lower purchase price, while the 4WD version provides additional traction for challenging conditions. Unless you frequently drive on unsealed roads or in severe weather, the RWD model meets most family needs.

How does the D90 compare to the Toyota Prado? The D90 offers similar interior space and features at a significantly lower price point. While the Prado has superior off-road capability and resale value, the D90 provides better value for families prioritizing on-road comfort and technology features.

Is the third row suitable for adults? The third row works best for children or occasional adult use. While headroom and legroom have improved, adults will find it cramped for longer journeys. The second row offers excellent space for adult passengers.

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