Check out the Radar RD6 Econ’s strengths, weaknesses

From the early days of the Philippine automotive industry all the way to the present, pickup trucks, for the most part, have been diesel-powered ladder-frame rides. Powerful and robust, sure, but even the most advanced and latest of these aren’t exactly the cleanest to run when it comes to emissions. 

United Asia Automotive Group Incorporated’s (UAAGI) Radar, however, has begged to differ when it brought in the RD6 Econ - an all-electric, emissions-free pickup truck that is legitimately specced for hard work and commercial purposes. 

On paper, combining the two concepts of electric vehicle and commercial purpose vehicle could be a winning formula, but does the Radar RD6 Econ have any particular weaknesses buyers should be aware of? Also, what are its notable strengths? Let’s find out here. 

Pros

Noteworthy performance

With its all-electric powertrain, the Radar RD6 Econ is a peppy ride. This is especially the case for its dual-motor top-spec 4WD trim, which comes standard with a 73-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. 

At maximum, the Radar RD6 Econ 4WD’s front motor can produce up to 134 horsepower (hp), whereas its rear motor can put out 241 hp. With those kinds of figures, the model will have no issues in keeping up with its turbodiesel-powered counterparts on the road. 

More importantly, the model can produce a combined maximum torque output of 485 Newton-meters (Nm). With that kind of pull, would-be adopters can be assured that it will perform well in cargo hauling. 

We can also say it will deliver decent performance in off-road settings. Sure, it isn’t a hardcore all-terrain vehicle, but its all-wheel-drive system and its generous torque output will be a great help in navigating unpaved roads.

Concerning range, there’s little to worry about with regard to the RD6 Econ as well. Its 2WD variant can cover a distance of 390 kilometers (km) from a single full charge, whereas its top-spec 4WD has a more generous range of 443 km. 

Additionally, the model includes a Type 2 direct current (DC) charging port with a maximum capacity of 100 kilowatts, which greatly reduces vehicle downtime. Moreover, the model has a vehicle-to-load feature, meaning that it can be utilized to power handheld tools and gadgets - useful for contractors and blue-collar professionals.  

Smooth ride without compromising cargo capacity

Another key strength of the Radar RD6 Econ is the fact that it can drive as smoothly as a car. Zigwheels Philippines experienced this first-hand via a test drive event organized by UAAGI. 

Mind you, the traditional ladder-frame pickup truck uses rear leaf-spring suspension, which can make rides rough and uncomfortable for passengers. In the RD6 Econ’s case, it uses a multi-link rear suspension paired with a MacPherson strut for the front.

The result is a more stable ride that acts more like a car or a crossover. As mentioned in our first impressions of the RD6 Econ, it was good at staving off body rolls and diving during hard acceleration. This is combined with its rather small turning circle - a must-have for those wanting to get this ride for in-city deliveries.

Despite all of the aforementioned qualities, the Radar RD6 can still carry up to a ton of cargo. This makes it a tad more useful than “lifestyle” pickup trucks and helps establish its legitimacy as a model intended for tough work.

Stylish despite being positioned as a fleet vehicle

As mentioned previously in our first impressions review, the Radar RD6 Econ is positioned as a fleet vehicle. However, it strays away from the usual “white blob” look of the traditional fleet pickup truck or commercial vehicle. Instead, it comes with a relatively eye-catching appearance.

Sure, it doesn’t have the stolid and tall stance of the usual turbodiesel pickup truck, but the RD6 Econ more than makes up for it with its sleek and modern styling carried by an abundance of eye-catching lines and shapes. 

Its front fascia, for example, comes with a pair of attractively styled halogen headlamps that are seamlessly lined up with its faux grille. Below that is a modest front bumper equipped with a fairly sizeable air vent. 

From the side, the model gets additional flair from its black plastic cladding on the wheel arches, subtle chrome trim, and stylish 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Other notable exterior features of the Radar RD6 Econ include, but are not limited to:

• Halogen headlamps
• LED daytime running lamps
• LED taillights
• Rear fog lamps
• Automatic headlamp functionality
• Power-adjust side mirrors
• Bed sports bar
• Tailgate assist

Cons

A tad light on creature comforts

The good qualities of the Radar RD6 Econ mentioned above clearly indicate that it is a peppy and highly capable work truck. However, it goes for a more Spartan interior that doesn’t come with too many frills. 

Inside the vehicle, the five-seater layout features fabric or leather seats with manual adjustability and a single-zone climate control system. These go together with a front cabin armrest, a keyless entry system, a push-to-start button, cruise control, and a DOT Matrix gauge cluster. 

Onboard entertainment and navigation are provided by an eight-inch touchscreen that relies on EasyConnect and Bluetooth for smartphone connectivity. It also has a four-piece speaker set, a 60:40 split-folding rear seat, USB ports, and a 12-volt accessory outlet, among others. 

Safety-wise, the models forgo an advanced driver-assist system (ADAS), but they do get dual front airbags, anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, ISOFIX, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, and a reverse camera. 

It's a little on the basic side, sure, but the interior makes up for it with its generous room for heads, legs, and shoulders. 

Radar RD6 Econ: specifications

Model	Radar RD6 Econ 4x4 AWD 73-kWh
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	5,260x1,900x1,865
Wheelbase (mm)	3,120
Ground clearance (mm)	225
Wheel size	17-inch
Lighting system	Halogen/LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Leather seats Eight-inch DOT Matrix gauge cluster Electronic parking brake Push-to-start button USB ports 12-volt accessory outlets Four-piece speaker set Cruise control 60:40 split-folding rear seats Power-adjust side mirrors Automatic headlamp function
Infotainment system	Eight-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, EasyConnect
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Dual PMSM
Range	390 km (NEDC)
Battery capacity	73 kWh
Horsepower	134 hp (front), 241 hp (rear)
Other EV components	Regenerative braking Type 2 port Vehicle-toload function
Technology
Safety	Dual front airbags ISOFIX child seat anchors Anti-lock braking Electronic stability control Hydraulic brake assist Hill-start assist Hill-descent control Rear parking sensors Reverse camera Tire pressure monitoring
Price	P1.698 million

Final thoughts

On paper, the Radar RD6 Econ is well worth its price. For reference, it ranges from P1.398 million-P1.749 million. Sounds pricey, but its considerable range, horsepower, and torque outputs, and its carrying capacity more than make up for it. 

Sure, the model does sound basic when it comes to amenities, but compared to other nameplates marketed as fleet vehicles, it certainly has more. 

So, do you like what you see from the Radar RD6 Econ? If you do, don’t hesitate to visit the nearest Radar dealership and ask for a test drive. 

Also read:

MIAS 2026: Radar RD6, makes first PH motorshow debut in 8 pictures

UAAGI On the Move 2026 edition set to kick off tomorrow

Bataan Capitol boosts public service ops with Radar RD6 Econ 4WD

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