Dongfeng Rich 7 vs the competition

Dongfeng Motors Philippines looks to compete in the local pickup truck category with the Rich 7.  The nameplate offers plenty of appealing features, but how does it stack up against the competition, specifically those from established Japanese brands? 

We pit it against segment staples to find out. 

To kick things off, here are some of the notable features of the Dongfeng Rich 7. 

Dongfeng Rich 7

Exterior 

• Black grille 
• LED lighting 
• Front fog lamps 
• Skid plate-like front bumper 
• Side mirrors with repeaters 
• Roof rails 
• Step boards 
• 18-inch wheels 
• 255/60 series tires
• Mud flaps 
• Halogen taillamps 
• Truck bed with bedliner 
• Body-colored rear bumper 

Overall, the exterior of the Dongfeng Rich 7 looks beefy, but not too loud, since most of its features appear to be discreet. As a result, the truck strikes a good balance between “big truck” energy and “not-too-flashy” daily driver.

For those who want indeed flair, the company is offering a 4X4 Tiger variant complete with various accessories. 

Interior 

• Leather upholstery 
• Faux wood trims on dashboard 
• Combination instrument cluster (analog gauges, digital meter)
• 12-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system 
• Automatic air conditioning system 

As for its cabin, the Dongfeng Rich 7 feels very homey and has decent technological amenities to make one’s journeys more convenient and comfortable. Our only gripe is that smartphone connection can only be done via the CarLink 2.0 app as there are no native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto programs in the infotainment. 

Powertrain 

• 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel engine 
• Eight-speed automatic transmission

Maximum power (in horsepower [hp>)	163
Maximum torque (in Newton-meters [Nm>)	420

The numbers above translate to quick launches and sustained power delivery, making the Dongfeng Rich 7 a good truck to use for both city driving and highway cruising. 

Safety 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• 360-degree-view camera with transparent chassis feature 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Lane departure warning 
• Lane keeping assist 
• Forward collision warning 
• Adaptive cruise control

For a more in-depth look at the Dongfeng Rich 7, you may check out our review of the model by clicking this link. 

Here are other vehicles that look to provide the Chinese truck a warm welcome. 

Toyota Hilux 

Exterior 

• Black grille 
• LED illumination 
• Front fog lamps 
• Black wheel arches 
• Wide step boards 
• 18-inch wheels 
• 265/60 series tires 
• Mudflaps 
• Halogen taillamps 
• Claddings on rear bumper 
• Truck bed with bedliner 

The exterior of the Toyota Hilux looks more refined, after all, the company has been building the nameplate for as long as we can remember. For people who need more sportiness with their trucks, Toyota Motor Philippines has a Gazoo-fied version of the model complete with plenty of sporty appointments. 

Interior 

• Leather seats 
• Leather steering wheel 
• Combination instrument cluster 
• Nine-inch infotainment system 
• Dual-zone automatic air conditioning system 

The cabin of the Toyota Hilux offers typical pickup truck vibes. It has decent space and has some notable technological amenities. The higher variants even have wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for added convenience. 

Powertrain 

• 2.4 to 2.8-liter turboharged diesel engine
• Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic transmission

Maximum power (in hp)	147-201
Maximum torque (in Nm)	400-500

The Toyota Hilux has a more powerful setup than the Dongfeng Rich 7. It also offers more torque, making it better for hauling heavier cargo. 

On that note, the Japanese model is a more ideal pick for those who look to get a truck that can be used for both lifestyle and commercial purposes. 

Safety

• Seatbelts 
• Airbags 
• Anti-lock braking 
• Vehicle stability control 
• Hill-start assist control 
• Downhill assist control 
• Panoramic-view monitor 

Higher variants also get the following driving nannies:

• Pre-collision system 
• Lane departure alert
• Dynamic radar cruise control 

The Dongfeng Rich 7 and Toyota Hilux are neck and neck when it comes to safety.  

Other stories:  Let’s look at the 7 available colors of the Toyota Hilux Here are the JMC Vigus' 2 options in PH Check out the Omoda C5's 3 trims

Mitsubishi Triton 

Exterior 

• LED lighting 
• Front fog lamps 
• Side mirrors with repeaters 
• Wide running boards
• 18-inch wheels 
• 265/60 radial tires 
• Halogen taillamps 
• Truck bed with bedliner 

Like the two aforementioned models, the Mitsubishi Triton also has a range-topping variant slapped with all the bells and whistles. The Athlete trim comes with features such as claddings on the wheel arches, sport bars on the truck bed, and a pair of roof rails. 

Interior 

• Leather seats 
• Leather steering wheel
• Combination instrument cluster 
• Nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system 

The cabin of the Mitsubishi Triton is fitted with plenty of useful amenities, it also did not skimp on technological appointments with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto readily available for passengers. 

Powertrain 

• 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine 
• Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic transmission

Maximum power (in hp)	180-201
Maximum torque (in Nm)	430-470

It appears that the Toyota Hilux is the master of powertrains among the three models in this list. Nevertheless, the Triton still holds the fort for Mitsubishi since the numbers it put out is still good in today’s standards. 

Safety 

• Airbags 
• Seatbelts 
• Active stability and traction control 
• Active yaw control 
• Hill-start assist 
• Hill descent control 
• Emergency assist for pedal misapplication 
• Forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection 
• Blind spot warning system 
• Lane change assist 
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning 
• Auto high beam 

The Mitsubishi Triton seems to have taken the “W” here due to its suite of safety systems, especially with the addition of active yaw control, which was a technology born out of the brand’s involvement in rally racing. 

For a deeper reading about the Mitsubishi Triton, you can read our review of the model by following this link. 

Verdict 

All three pickup trucks have their strengths and weaknesses, which makes the decision of choosing among them a personal preference. 

Looking for a new pickup truck?  Check out our exclusive promos for the below models:  Dongfeng Rich 7 Toyota Hilux Mitsubishi Triton

Also read: 

Check out the Aito M7's colors here in PH

Here’s what you can find inside the Honda Civic's cabin

This is what you can find inside the Li Auto Mega

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/